Mac tips for Windows switchers

Learn how to perform some common tasks on your new Mac.

Right click

Click the right corner of your Apple mouse, or click with two fingers on your Apple trackpad. You can change this in Mouse settings and Trackpad settings.

Scroll, swipe, click

Settings for scroll direction, swipe gestures, and button assignments are also in Mouse and Trackpad settings.

Close & resize windows

Buttons for closing, minimizing, and maximizing a window are in the upper-left corner of the window.

Change volume

Use the volume control in the menu bar or Control Center, or use the volume keys on your Apple keyboard.

Change Mac settings

Looking for the Control Panel? Use System Settings (or System Preferences) instead.

Browse for files

Looking for Windows File Explorer? Learn about the Finder.

Find files

Use Spotlight to quickly find and open apps, documents, and other files.

Open apps

You can also use Launchpad and the Dock to open your apps (programs).

Throw files away

Looking for the Recycle Bin? Use the Trash, which is in the Dock.

Rename files

Click the file once to select it, then press the Return key and type a new name. Press Return when done.

Preview files

Preview most files on your Mac using Quick Look. Click the file once to select it, then press Space bar.

Back up files

Time Machine keeps a copy of all your files, and it remembers how your system looked on any given day.

Keyboard shortcuts

Many Mac keyboard combinations use the Command (⌘) key. Learn more keys and keyboard shortcuts

Apple Magic Keyboard with Numeric Keypad

Cut

Command-X

Copy

Command-C

Paste

Command-V

Undo

Command-Z

Print

Command-P

Close window

Command-W

Switch apps

Command-Tab

Quit app

Command-Q

Forward delete

Fn-Delete or Forward DeleteNo alt supplied for Image

Find files

Command–Space bar

Force quit app

Option-Command-Esc

Take screenshot

Shift-Command-3

Learn more

  • For more information to help you get to know your Mac, use the Help menu in the Finder menu bar.

  • What’s it called on my Mac? includes additional Windows and Mac terms.

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