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.
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
Cut
Command-X
Copy
Command-C
Paste
Command-V
Undo
Command-Z
Command-P
Close window
Command-W
Switch apps
Command-Tab
Quit app
Command-Q
Forward delete
Fn-Delete or Forward Delete
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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