Mac OS Tips/Trick: Finder Keyboard Shortcuts for macOS
Although the Finder appears to be quite simple, it conceals a wealth of information. Whether you want to cut and paste files or navigate to a specific folder, learning the appropriate keyboard shortcuts is critical.
Keyboard Shortcuts for the Finder on the Mac
Keyboard shortcuts for the Finder might help you work and play more efficiently on your Mac. However, keyboard shortcuts are a combination of two or more keys that perform a specific action when hit simultaneously, such as pressing the Command key and the W key to close the frontmost Finder window. It is improbable that you will be able to memorize all of the shortcuts.
Even if you merely master the shortcuts for routine tasks, you’ll boost your productivity and save time. If you aspire to be a shortcut ninja, print and study these charts.
Key |
Description |
| Command+N | New Finder window |
| Shift+Command+N | New folder |
| Option+Command+N | New Smart Folder |
| Control+Command+N | New folder containing selected item |
| Command+O | Open selected item |
| Command+T | New tab |
| Shift+Command+T | Show/Hide a Finder tab |
| Command+W | Close window |
| Option+Command+W | Close all Finder windows |
| Command+I | Show Get Info for the selected item |
| Command+D | Duplicate the selected file(s) |
| Control+Command+A | Make an alias of the selected item |
| Command+R | Rotate an image 90 degrees right |
| Command+L | Rotate an image 90 degrees left |
| Command+Y | Quick Look at the selected item |
| Command+P | Print the selected item |
| Control+Command+T | Add the selected item to the sidebar |
| Control+Shift+Command+T | Add the selected item to the Dock |
| Command+Delete | Move the selected item to Trash |
| Command+F | Open Spotlight Search |
| Command+E | Eject the selected device |
| Command+Click window title | Show the path to the current folder |
Options For Viewing The Finder
The shortcuts listed in this table can be used to customize the appearance of the Finder. You may also use them to navigate among directories and subfolders, as well as to switch between views.
Key |
Description |
| Command+1 | View as icons |
| Command+2 | View as a list |
| Command+3 | View as a column |
| Command+4 | View as cover flow or as gallery view |
| Shift+Command+P | Show or hide the preview pane |
| Right Arrow | Expands the highlighted folder (list view) |
| Left Arrow | Collapses the highlighted folder (list view) |
| Option+Command+Right | Expands the highlighted folder and all subfolders |
| Command+Down | Opens the selected folder |
| Command+Up | Returns to the enclosing folder |
| Control+Command+0 | Toggles groups |
| Control+Command+1 | Group by name |
| Control+Command+2 | Group by kind |
| Control+Command+3 | Group by date last opened |
| Control+Command+4 | Group by date added |
| Control+Command+5 | Group by date modified |
| Control+Command+6 | Group by size |
| Control+Command+7 | Group by tags |
| Command+J | Show view options |
| Option+Command+P | Show or hide the path bar |
| Option+Command+S | Show or hide the sidebar |
| Command+/ (forward slash) | Show or hide the status bar |
| Shift+Command+T | Show or hide the tab bar |
| Shift+Command+\ (backslash) | Show all tabs |
| Control+Command+F | Enter or leave fullscreen |
Methods For Navigating The Finder
Utilize these keyboard shortcuts to traverse the Finder’s windows, special places, and other regions.
Key |
Description |
| Command+[ (left bracket) | Go back to the previous location |
| Command+] (right bracket) | Go forward to the next location |
| Shift+Command+A | Open the Applications folder |
| Shift+Command+C | Open the Computer window |
| Shift+Command+D | Open the Desktop folder |
| Shift+Command+F | Open Recent Files window |
| Shift+Command+G | Open Go to Folder command |
| Shift+Command+H | Open the Home folder |
| Shift+Command+I | Open the iCloud Drive folder |
| Shift+Command+K | Open Network window |
| Option+Command+L | Open Downloads folder |
| Shift+Command+O | Open Documents folder |
| Shift+Command+R | Open AirDrop window |
| Shift+Command+U | Open Utilities folder |
| Command+K | Open Connect to Server window |
Summary
The disadvantage of using keyboard shortcuts with the Finder is that memorizing all of the Finder’s keyboard keys is quite a task, even more so for infrequently used shortcuts. Rather than that, it’s advisable to focus on a handful that you’ll use frequently. The numerous Finder viewing options are a good example of often used shortcuts to add to your arsenal.
