Keyboard Shortcuts for the Macbook Air

This blog is to help everyone with keyboard short cuts. I know that I use them constantly on my laptop. If you are new to using  a Macbook then you may need a list of shortcuts, since they are different than most other computers.

First I will start with the top row of keys. For all of them you will need to press and hold down fn(function).

1. These are the brightness keys. F1 is to turn the screen brightness down and F2 is to brighten up your screen, and possibly your day!

2. This is the Exposè button. You will hit this key to see all of your open windows. It is an easy way to access which window you want to open.

3. F4 is the dashboard key. You can use this key to open up the dashboard, so you can get to your widgets easier.

4. These are the keyboard illumination keys. fn+F5 turns the brightness of your keyboard down, and fn+F6 turns it up.

5. I’m sure all of you know what these keys do, but my list must be complete so… F7 is rewind, F8 is play or pause, F9 is fast forward, F10 is mute, F11 is for turning the sound down, and F12 is for turning the sound up.

Now for the fun part!

Here is a list of shortcuts that are somewhat lesser known.

1. Command + A  – This key combo is used to select (or highlight) everything in the front finder.
2. Shift + Command + A — This will open your applications folder.
3. Command + C — This will copy anything you have selected.
4. Command + E — This combination will eject whatever device you currently have plugged in.
5. Option + Command + F — This will search what ever window you have open, for what ever you are looking for. Just type it in!
6. Command + M — This will minimize the window you currently have up.
7. Option + Command + M — Will minimize all the windows that are currently open on your computer.
8. Shift + Command + N — Will create a new folder.
9. Shift + Command + Q — This will log you out of the computer. I heard a lot of you asking about this one. You don’t have to close the laptop if you don’t want to, just do this combo and KO!
10. Command + V — Paste what every you Command + Ced! (That means copied)
11. Command + W — Will close front window.
12. Command + X — Will cut what ever you have selected.
13. Command + [ -- Go back
14. Command + ] — Go forward
15. Shift + Command + Delete — Empty trash can. (Remember to do that periodically)
16. Command + Z  – This will undo what ever you just did, its a life saver for me!
17. Option + Command + +(plus sign) — Zoom in
18. Option + Command + -(minus sign) — Zoom out