Where is the Alt key on Mac?

Mac novices are often troubled by keyboard layout, and it is especially difficult to find the corresponding keys of the Alt key. This article will answer questions about the Alt key on Mac and introduce its functions.

On a Mac, the Option (⌥) key is similar to the Alt key on Windows, and it can be used in combination with other keys to achieve additional functionality. But the Command (⌘) key is more functionally close to the Windows Alt key. For example, use Alt F4 to close the window on Windows, and use Command W on Mac.

The following table lists some shortcut keys, showing the similarity between the Alt key and the Command key:

operate	Mac	Windows
Restart	Control Command Power/Eject	Control Alt Delete
Switch tab page	Command Tab	Alt Tab
Next page	Command Right Arrow	Alt Right Arrow
Previous page	Command Left Arrow	Alt Left Arrow

The Option key is the direct correspondence of the Alt key, but some Alt key functions are replaced by the Command key.

Tip: Too much junk file in the system will affect the performance of the Mac and even affect the shortcut key function. It is recommended to use CleanMyMac to clean up the system garbage and detect malware.

1. Install and open CleanMyMac.
2. Click "Smart Maintenance".
3. Click Scan.

After the scan is completed, follow the prompts to fix the problem. Click the "Protection" tab to perform malware checks.

The main functions of the Option key of Mac:

Enter special characters and foreign characters

The most significant function of the Option key is to enter special symbols. For example, enter the copyright symbol © and just press Option G, it is much simpler than Alt 0169 on Windows.

Shortcut keys for some special characters:

Mac Option key shortcut key	character
Option 2	™
Option R	®
Option G	©

The Option key can also easily enter foreign characters with accents, such as à, é, ñ, etc.

Shortcut keys for some foreign characters:

Option key shortcut key	Foreign characters
Option a	å
Option "	æ
Option o	ø
Option s	ß

For users who need to enter a foreign language, the Option key is very practical. If you need a more efficient text input tool, Rocket Typist is recommended, which supports the creation and management of code snippets and improve writing efficiency.

1. Install and open Rocket Typist.
2. Click the document icon (next to "All Code Snippets").
3. Enter the code snippet text in the right panel.
4. Click the settings icon (three dots in the circle) and select "Code Snippet Settings".
5. Enable and fill in the abbreviation of the code snippet.
6. Click "Save".

Other shortcut keys

The Option key can also be used to access system settings, navigate Finder, manage files, etc.

Access sound settings

Press the Option volume control key (F11/F12) to turn on the sound settings.

Access display settings

Press the Option brightness control key (F1/F2) to turn on the display settings.

Show or hide Dock

Press Option Command D to display or hide the Dock.

Delete the leftmost character

The Delete key of Mac is similar to the Backspace key, which deletes the characters on the left. Fn Delete deletes the right character, Option Delete deletes the left word.

Move the cursor to the search field

Press Option Command F to move the cursor to the application's search field.

Empty the wastebasket

Press Option Shift Command Delete to clear the trash without confirmation.

Copy files/folders

Hold down the Option key and drag the file/folder to copy.

Open the download folder

Press Option Command L to open the download folder.

Commonly used Option key shortcut keys

Option key shortcut key	Function
Option Command W	Close all windows of the application
Option Command Esc	Forced exit from the application
Option Command Power/Eject	Sleep
Control Option Command Power/Eject	Close all applications and shut down
Option Command L	Open the download folder
Option Command D	Show/Hide Dock
Option Shift Command Delete	No need to confirm the emptied waste tray
Option F11/F12	Turn on sound settings

For more shortcut keys, please refer to the official Apple document. Keysmith can create custom shortcuts.

1. Download and open Keysmith.
2. Click "New Macro" to name the macro.
3. Click "Record" to perform a series of operations.
4. Click "Stop Recording".
5. Enter a hotkey in the specified field.

Summary: The Alt key on Mac corresponds to the Option key, and its function is different from the Alt key on Windows. The Option key combined with other keys can achieve multiple functions. CleanMyMac can clean up system garbage and detect malware, Rocket Typist can create code snippets, and Keysmith can create custom shortcuts. These applications are available on Setapp.

FAQ

How to use Alt key in Mac terminal?

In the terminal, the Option key shortcut keys include:

• Option Left/Right Arrow: Move the Cursor
• Option Shift Command C: Copy plain text
• Hold down the Option key to drag the cursor: Select text

What is the function of the Alt key in Photoshop?

In Photoshop, the Alt key combination can be used for:

• Put the object at the bottom: Option Command [
• Add a new layer: Option Shift Command N
• Export file: Option Shift Command W

Control Alt Delete key combination on Mac?

The equivalent key combination on a Mac is Option Command Esc, which is used to force exit the application.

The above is the detailed content of Where is the Alt key on Mac?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!