Similarities and Differences Between Mac and PC

Apple Mac	Windows PC	Comments/Steps
Finder	File Explorer	Mac: Click the Finder icon on the Dock NOTE: Except for the Column view, drag the proxy folder icon at the top of the Finder window to move or copy the folder into a different folder or disk, Sidebar, Trash, or into the Dock,  Double-click on a folder to view its content as many times as needed to get to the file you want. Use the < or > icon to navigate backward or forward. Add the Option key to switch windows instead of replacing window. PC: File Explorer icon on the Taskbar (PC) or press Windows+E
Dock	Taskbar	The Dock (Mac) or Taskbar (PC) is located at the bottom of the screen but can be moved to a side of the screen. NOTE: Drag-and-drop an app from the Application folder to add it to the Dock and move it around if necessary.  To remove an item from the Dock drag it off the Dock. Drag any folder to the left of the Trash to create a Stack and then click to view the stack.
Launchpad	Icons on desktop	Mac: Click the Launchpad icon on Dock or press F4 NOTE: It is helpful to think of the Launchpad as an iPad for your Mac’s desktop. However, Spotlight is used more than the Launchpad. To create a folder in the Launchpad, drag an icon on top of another icon or folder. PC: The App icon/folder on desktop.
Apple Menu	Windows Start Menu	Mac: Apple menu is located on the top/left edge of the screen PC: The Windows start menu located on the bottom/left of the screen
Application Menu	Menu	Mac: Every Mac app has an application menu to the right of the Apple menu and it is in BOLD to let you know that app is selected. NOTE: Every Mac app has a Preference menu. PC: An application menu is all that is available on a PC
Trash	Recycle Bin	The Trash Bin is located on the end of the Dock (Mac) and the Recycle Bin is located on the desktop (PC) NOTE: Drag item to Trash or Recycle Bin to delete it. Add OPTION/ALT key to delete it permanently without placing it in the Trash can.
SpotLight Search	Search	Mac: Press Command+Spacebar or click the Search icon at the top of the screen to open the Spotlight Search and start typing to search and press Enter to launch an app or open a file. You can drag the Spotlight window around the screen. NOTE: The SpotLight feature can be used to perform all kind of task by typing to: define a word, search the Internet, launch apps, and perform simply calculations. PC: Press Windows key and start typing to search and launch app or Press the Windows+S keys or Click the magnifying glass search icon in the Taskbar
Siri	Cortana	Mac: HOLD the Command+Spacebar key for a few seconds or press the Siri icon at the top of the screen. PC: On Windows 10 and above, click the Cortana icon in the Task bar.
Menulets	Tray	The Menulet (Mac) is located at the top/right of the screen and the Tray (PC) is located at the bottom/right of the Task Bar. Hold down Option key and press on a menulet icon to get additional menu options for many menulets. NOTE: Press Command and drag icon to delete or rearrange items on the menulet.
System Preferences	Control Panel	Mac: From the Apple menu select System Preferences, click icon in Dock, or use SpotLight Search (e.g., Accessibility). You can also access some preferences by pressing the Option key and then the corresponding key on top of the keypad: Option + Mission Control icon to open Mission Control preferences Option + Volume Control icons (3) to open Sound preferences Option + Brightness Control icons (2) to open Display preferences PC: From the Start menu, select Control Panel.
Get Info / Inspector	Properties	Mac: Right-click and select Get Info or press Command+I. Add the Option key to get the Inspector dialog box and click on several icons to see information for each. PC: Right-click and select Properties on an icon
Quit Program	Quit Program	Mac: Command + Q NOTE: If you use the App Switching key (Command + Tab), you can press the Q key to quit the currently selected program. PC: Command + Q
Force Quit	Task Manager	Mac: Press Command+Option+Escape to open the Force Quit Applications dialog box. Click on a Dock's icon and hold the Option key and then select Force Quit. TIP: Hold these key down for three seconds to Force Quit the current application. PC: Press Control+Alt+Delete, click the Start Task Manager button.
Terminal	Command Prompt	Mac: In the Applications > Utilities folder, select Terminal PC: Click the Start menu, type the word “Command” and press the ENTER key.
Home Folder	C://	Mac: CMD+SHIFT+H or Home icon in Sidebar. Everything in MacOS is in the Home Folder (Applications, Library, System, and Users). PC: Everything on the PC is in the C drive (D drive, etc.)
Computer Window		Mac: CMD+SHIFT+C. All connected devices (e.g., HD, CD, Flash Drive, External HD, and Network). This window is not needed since all of the disks icons are on the Desktop or in the Sidebar. PC: The File Explorer top level window.
Clipping File	Scrap File	Drag highlighted text or graphic to desktop
Spaces or Virtual Desktops	Multiple Desktops	Mac: Press F3 and move your cursor to the very top of the screen. PC: Click the Task View icon and then select Add Desktop
Time Machine	Backup	Mac: Connect an external drive and then go to the Applications > Utilities > TimeMachine. To restore, open TimeMachine in menu and select Enter TimeMachine and right-click on files/folders you want to restore and select Restore PC: Click Start menu, select Control Panel > System and Security > Action Center and the click the Set up backup button.
Alias	Shortcut	Right-click and select Create Alias (Mac) or select Create Shortcut (PC)
About (App)	About	About > Program_Name
Snap Window	Snap Window	You can snap a window by dragging it to a side or to the top for the screen.
Messages	Window Messenger	Instant Messaging (IM), audio/video conferencing
Split Screen	Split Screen	Mac: Click green icon at top of app and select Tile Left/Right Side of Screen PC: Drag window to left/right side of screen.
Character Viewer	Character Map	Mac: Select Show Emoji & Symbols from the menulets. PC: Click the Start button and type Character Map to open it.
Screenshot Tool	Snipping Tool	Mac: CMD+SHIFT+5 to open Screenshot Tool. Can also use CMD+SHIFT+ 3/4 to capture entire or portion of screen.  NOTE: After taking a screenshot, you will be present with a thumbnail that you can click on to open the screenshot editor so that you can annotate (with shapes, etc.), crop, share, or delete it. PC: Click Start button and type Snipping Tool to open it up to capture entire or portion of screen.
Selecting Items	Selecting Items	Mac/PC: Selecting item(s) Individual item- hold down the CMD/CTRL key and click on an item. List of Items - Click first item, hold SHIFT key and click last item. Ever items - CMD/CTRL + A
App Switcher	App Switcher	Mac: Command + Tab to switch between open programs PC: ALT + Tab to switch between open programs
Share	Send To	Mac: Send selected item somewhere else (e.g., Mail, AirDrop, Notes, Messages, Add Photo (if image), Reminders, and more. PC: Send selected item somewhere else (e.g., Bluetooth, Compressed (zipped) folder, Desktop (create shortcut), Documents, Fax recipient, and Mail recipient.
Open With	Open With	Mac: Right-click an object (e.g., image.jpg) and choose Open With to assign a program (e.g., Photoshop) to just that object (image.jpg).   Press the Option key and select Always Open With to ASSIGN a program (e.g., Photoshop) to that image type until  you change it.  To change the associate for all EXISTING objects (e.g. *.png) on your Mac, select any icon (e.g., image), right-click and choose File > Get Info, open the Open with panel, choose what program you want to use (e.g., Photoshop, select Change All... and then click the Continue button. PC: Right-click and icon and select Open With > [App Name]
Directories	Folders	Names given to files/folders storage containers
Apps	Programs	Names given to software
Widget	Gadget	Names given to mini-apps
TextEdit	Notepad	Names given to simple text editors
iCloud	OneDrive	Click iCloud (Mac) or OneDrive (PC) to save documents to the cloud to free up space if you are getting low on disk space.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ON SHORTCUTS

It is best to learn keyboard shortcuts you used the MOST on both platforms like cut, copy, and paste to see how they are similar or different AND than learn the ones that you use the LEAST. You don’t have to learn every keyboard shortcuts—separate the “vital few from the trivial many.”

The major source of frustration for many beginner users of the Mac or PC is the use of the modifier keys. If you can master their use upfront, it will save you a lot of time and frustration and allow you to switch between the two platforms almost seamlessly.

There are three to four modifier keys on both the Mac and PC that are used to perform many basic operations. Knowing how to use these keys is ESSENTIAL in becoming proficient in using either the Mac or PC.

• On the Mac, the modifiers keys are Command (⌘), Control (^), Option (⌥), and Shift (⇧)
• On the PC, the modifiers keys are Control, ALT, and Shift

The MAJOR DIFFERENT between the Mac and the PC besides the SHIFT key is that the Mac uses TWO additional modifier keys—the Command and Option keys; whereas, the PC uses ONE additional modifier key—the ALT key. Also, while the Mac has a Control (Ctrl) key, it does not function like the PC’s Ctrl key. A classic example is that you cannot use Ctrl+C to copy—it is Command+C instead.

IMPORTANT NOTES

To make it easier to learn the vast number of keyboard combinations that will be discussed, the following techniques will be employed.

• Since the Command key on the Mac is replaced mainly by the Ctrl key on the PC and the Option key is replaced mainly by the ALT key on the PC, whenever there is an exception to this rule it will be highlighted in RED to make them obvious and more memorable.
• The word “press” is NOT used in front of a keyboard key (e.g., press Command) if no additional technique is given because it is implied. However, the word “hold” is USED when you have to hold down a keyboard key.
• Commands and functions that are similar are grouped together and separated by slashes (e.g., Cut / Copy / Paste) so that you can see the similarities and relationship between them.
• While you can press any modifier key first, the Command or Ctrl key is listed first for consistency and ease of use.

CMD/CTRL | ALT/OPTION | SHIFT MODIFIER KEYS (Hence, the term)

A lot of users can get "bent out of shape" on how to use modifiers keys. However, if they would pause for a minute and think about the names of these modifier keys that are used to "modify" the functionality, as the name implies, they would easily recognize how to use them better. Knowing their functions will help you remember which ones to use.  For example, these modifier keys are MAINLY used as follow:

1. The COMMAND (Mac) or CONTROL (PC) keys is used to issue a "command" or a "control", as the names imply, when used with another key.
   
   EXAMPLE: CMD/CTRL+P will issue a "print" command, CMD/CTRL+S will issue a "save" command.
   
   NOTES:
   
   • The COMMAND key on the Mac is used IN PLACE OF the CONTROL (CTRL) key on the PC and is the reason why it is included on the Option key on some Mac's keyboard.
   • To help you remember these two keys, you can think of the military phrase, “Command and Control”—Command on the Mac and Control (Ctrl) on the PC.
   • It is the MAIN modifier key for many operations (commands, functions, shortcuts)—in fact, the two keys has almost a one-to-one match between the two platforms.
   • Most SHORTCUT COMMAND OR CONTROL that use TWO KEYS usually start with the CMD/CTRL key with a few EXCEPTIONS highlighted in red and in bold below. So, just remember these few exceptions and you know everything else will start with CMD/CTRL.
2. The CONTROL key (Mac only) is used to "control" an object, as the names imply, when used with another key.
   
   EXAMPLE: CONTROL + click with an old mouse.
   
   NOTES:
   
   • The CONTROL key on the Mac and PC behave differently. On the Mac is often used as an “add-on” key to give a user more “control” over what is being performed—hence the term. For example, if you press CMD+SHIFT+3, you will take a screenshot of the entire screen and save it to the DESKTOP. However, if you ADD the CONTROL key to the mix, you will save it to the CLIPBOARD.
     
3. The ALT (PC) or OPTION (Mac) key is used to give additional "Alternatives" or "options" to the functionality of a key, as the names imply, when used with another key.
   
   EXAMPLE:
   
   NOTES:
   
   • The OPTION key on the Mac is used IN PLACE OF the ALT key on the PC and is the reason why it is included on the Option key on some Mac's keyboard.
   • Holding the OPTION key while pressing another key allows you to type a special character that is not shown on the face of the keyboard. For example, Press OPTION+4 will yield the cent symbol (¢) on the Mac).
   • In several cases, the OPTION or ALT key is also used to SUPPRESS a dialog box from opening.
   • The OPTION / ALT key is also used to DUPLICATE an object in many programs.
     
4. The SHIFT key (Mac/PC) is used to "shift" or reverse the functionality of a key, as the name implies.
   
   EXAMPLE: If you press CMD/CTRL+TAB, you will go to the NEXT opened app; however, if you press CMD/CTRL+SHIFT+TAB, you will go the PREVIOUS opened app. Another example, if you press the TAB key, you will move forward through form elements.  If you ADD the SHIFT key (SHIFT+TAB), you will move backward through form elements.
   
   NOTE: Both Mac and PC have a SHIFT key that behaves the same so you don’t have to worry about this key much.

REVIEW THREE BULLETS BELOW:

• The Command key is ALWAYS used in conjunction with another key to issue a “command”—hence the name. For examples, you can perform some of the most common commands:
  • Command/Control+O to Open an existing file
  • Command/Control+D on an icon to Delete
    
    
• Command+Shift+APlaceToGoTo is useful when you want to go to a specific PLACE or FOLDER:
  • Command+Shift+H will take you go to the Home folder
  • Command+Shift+A will take you go to the Applications folder
    
    
• Command+Option+AFunctionToDo is useful when you want to perform a FUNCTION:
  • Command+Option+D will show/hide Dock
  • Command+Option+H will Hide Others apps

WHAT'S FASTER THAN USING SHORTCUT KEYS

While shortcuts are major time-savers, there is something that is FASTER to use than shortcuts—the right-click or control-click to select a command or control from a CONTEXT SENSITIVE menu.  For example, instead of using CMD/CTRL +X/C/V to cut, copy, or paste, it's best to right-click or control-click and select Cut/Copy/Paste from the menu without every having to hold down multiple keys. The bottom line is that you should:

1. right-click or control-click to learn what commands or controls are available to you and use them.
2. If they are not available then use shortcut keys, and
3. if shortcuts are not available, use the main menu as the last resort.

App / File Commands

        

NOTES:

• If the document is ALREADY saved, you will be prompted to save it under a different name.
• Mac: You can click the name of the app in the menu bar and select Quit [name_of_app]. Press Command+Q or right-click on the app name on the Dock and select Quit from the menu.
• When you click the red icon on the app title, you will EXIT the app but NOT quit it.

Close, Minimize, and Maximize Buttons

Command	Mac / PC
Close Window / Close All Windows	Command+W or press the Red Close button / Command+Option+W (in most programs) (Mac) Close button or ALT+F4 (PC)
Minimize Window / Minimize All Windows	Command+M or press the Yellow Minimize button / Command+Option+M or double-click on the window's title bar (if you have not set it to minimized) (Mac) Minimize button (PC)
Maximize Window / Full Screen	Click the app icon in the Dock (Mac) NOTE: You can press the Green button to enter Full Screen or press the Green button and HOLD it  and select Tile Window to the Right/Left of Screen. To EXIT the Full Screen mode, move mouse to top of screen to reveal window controls and press green button again. You can also press Command + Control + F to enter/exit full screen mode. NOTE: It is important to note that each full-screen app becomes its own desktop in Mission Control. Maximize button (PC)

 

Mac NOTES:

• The Close button (or Command+W) on the Mac will close most applications but NOT QUIT most applications. An exception would be the Photo app in which the close button will close AND quit the app. Command+W will also close a tab on a browser. On the PC, the Close button will always close and quit an application.
• A dot inside of the Close button on the Mac () denotes that an app has not been saved yet. Press Command+S and you will see it disappear.
• To make a window minimize like a PC, in the System Preference > Dock, select Double-click a window's title bar to minimize from the combo box.
• Double-click on any window edge to snap it to the full screen width. Add the OPTION key and click on any corner edge to expand window to the full width AND height of screen.
• There are several ways to quit a program:
  • Command + Q
  • Right-click on a program ico in the Dock and select Quit
  • When Command + Tab is used, type Q to quit the currently selected program.

Finder / File Explorer

Command	Mac / PC
Open New Search Window	Command+Option+Spacebar (Mac)
Move to Trash (Recycle Bin)	Select an icon and press Command+Delete (Mac) Ctrl+Delete or right-click and select Delete (PC)
Empty Trash (Recycle Bin) / Empty w/o prompt	Command+Shift+Delete / Command+Shift+Option+Delete or right-click on the Trash icon while pressing the Option key (Mac) Right-click and select Empty Recycle Bin (PC)
New Window / Tab	Command+N / Command+T (Mac) Ctrl+N / Ctrl+T (PC)
Create New Folder / Create Smart Folder	Command+Shift+N or right-click and select New Folder / File > New Smart Folder  (Mac) Ctrl+Shift+N or right-click and select New > Folder (PC)
Rename Folder	Right-click and select Rename (Mac) Right-click and select Rename or press F2 (PC)
Get File Info (Properties)	Command+I or right-click and select Get Info (Mac) Right-click and select Properties (PC)
Quick Look	Command+Y or Spacebar (Mac)
Show View Options for all four views	Command+J (Mac)
Show Preview Pane	Command+Shift+P (Mac)
Connect to server	Command+K (Mac)
Go to Applications (System) folder	Command+Shift+A (Mac)
Go to Top Level	Command+Shift+C (Mac)
Go to Parent Folder	Command+Up Arrow (Mac)
Go to AirDrop	Command+Shift+R (Mac)
Go to Find	Command+F (Mac)
Log Out / Log Out w/o Prompt	Command+Shift+Q / Command+Shift+Option+Q (Mac)
Open Preferences	Command+, (Mac)

App Switching

Command	Mac / PC
Go to next app	Command+Tab repeatably (Mac) ALT+Tab repeatably (PC)
Go to Previous App	Command+Shift+Tab repeatably (Mac) ALT+Shift+Tab repeatably (PC)

Text Editing

Command	Mac / PC
Cut / Copy / Paste	Command/Ctrl+X / Command/Ctrl+C / Command/Ctrl+V NOTE: To view the current contact of the Clipboard, open the Finder and then select Edit > Show Clipboards.
Undo / Redo	Command/Ctrl+Z / Command/Ctrl+Shift+Z
Select All  / Deselect All	Command/Ctrl+A / Command/Ctrl+Option+A
Start / End of Current Line	Command/Ctrl+Left Arrow / Command/Ctrl+Right Arrow ???????
Top / Bottom of Document	Command+Up Arrow / Command+Down Arrow (Mac) Ctrl+Home / Ctrl+End (PC)
Move Cursor Left/Right One Word	Option+Left Arrow / Option+Right Arrow (Mac) Ctrl+Right Arrow / Ctrl+Left Arrow  (PC)
Previous / Next Paragraph	Option+Up Arrow / Option+Down Arrow (Mac) Ctrl+Down Arrow / Ctrl+Up Arrow (PC)
Delete words left of Cursor	Option+Delete (Mac)
Show Fonts	Command+T (Mac)
Insert symbol or emoji	Command+Ctrl+Space (Mac)
Start Dictation	Function key twice (Mac)

 

NOTES:

• Cut, copy and paste works the same on a Mac or PC if you are EDITING INSIDE of a graphic or word processor file. However, on the desktop, while you can copy and paste an icon into a new window, you cannot CUT and paste it like you can on a PC. Instead, you have to copy (Command+C) it first and then MOVE (Command+Option+V) it to perform the cut operation. REVIEW
• As on Windows, you can press SHIFT key to select text while using these shortcuts. For example, hold down Shift and Option and tap the left arrow repeatedly to select entire previous words.

Mac NOTES:

• It is important to note that you have to release the modifiers keys BEFORE you press the spacebar.
• It is helpful to note that you are ADDING the Control key when you want to save the image to the clipboard instead of the desktop.
• When using Command+Shift+4+Spacebar to capture a window, use the camera icon and click on the window you want to capture. The screenshot will be saved to the desktop.
• You can also add the following keys when making a selection:
  • Hold down the Spacebar to drag selection somewhere else.
  • Hold down Shift to drag one edge of the selection at a time
  • Hold down Option to lock the center of the selection
• Press Spacebar to scroll FORWARD one page at a time. Add SHIFT key to scroll BACKWARD one page at a time.
• Under the "Privacy" tab, drag any folder that contains sensitive data (REVIEW LATER)

NOTE: On the Mac, Command+Option+Spacebar will open Spotlight window.

Power Shortcuts

Command	Mac / PC
Sleep	Command+Option+Power or Apple Menu > Sleep (Mac)
Restart	Command+Control+Power or Apple Menu > Restart (Mac)
Shut Down	Command+Option+Control+Power or Apple Menu > Shut Down (Mac)
Sleep Display	Shift+Control+Power
Power Options Dialog	Control+Power
Logout	Command+Shift+Q or Apple Menu > Logout [name] (Mac)

Mac Note: You can right-click on a Dock's icon and select Open at Login to have app open when you login. You can also set apps in the User Account settings. You are not limited to just app, you can add documents, disk, servers, etc.

Mouse

One-button mouse: On a Standard Mac, you press the Command key and then click the mouse button to perform a right-click like you would do on a Windows PC.

Keyboard

The Mac has a few more keys than the PC:

• Command key
• Eject Key
• F1, F2 – controls screen brightness
• F3 – opens Mission Control (formerly Expose) (window management feature)
• F4 – Open the Dashboard
• F5, F6 – adjust keyboard light
• F7, F8, F9 – Rewinds, Play/Pause, and Fast Forward keys
• F10, F11, F12 – Mute, Increase/Decrease volume

NOTE: You can use your old PC mouse and keyboard on your Mac and even the right-click will work with the mouse and you can use the Windows key as the Command key.

Below is a list of additional menu options that you can used.

Executive Summary

Especially for new users, it is important to note that the Mac has a DEDICATED menu bar at the top of the screen that is SHARED for ALL APPS. Unlike a PC that has a DEDICATED menu bar at the top of EACH app.

The Apple menu is ALWAYS available and is like the Start menu on the PC. Next to the Apple menu is the App (name) that is currently selected. EXCEPTION: If you click on the desktop, you will get the Finder menu as the second menu on the menu bar.

The OPTION key is an important keyboard modifier that can be used for advanced techniques.  If you HOLD down the OPTION KEY while pressing the following menu, you will get different menu OPTIONS—hence the term:

MENU	OPTIONS
Apple	About Info >> System Information… Restart, Shut Down, or Log Out menu option, it will SUPPRESS that menu option CONFIRMATION dialog box
Finder	And select the Empty Trash menu option, it will SUPPRESS that menu option CONFIRMATION dialog box.
File	Open >> Open New Window and Close Open With >> Always Open With Close >> Close All Get Info >> Show Inspector Move to Trash >> Delete Immediately
Edit	Copy >> Copy <NAME> As Pathname Select All >> Deselect All
View	Sort By >> Arrange
Go	The Library menu will be ADDED to the options
Window	Maximize >> Maximize All Zoom >> Zoom All

Mission Control (Mac Only)

Mission Control shows you all of your opened windows on a SINGLE desktop. How cool is that! It is similar to Expose but allow you to see multiple desktops on the top of your screen and easily switch to them.

Command	Mac
View Mission Control / View Multiple Desktops	F3 or Control+Up Arrow
Show App’s windows	Control+Down Arrow
Show Desktop	F11 or fn+F11
Move One Desktop to the Left/Right	Control Left / Right Arrow

 

How to Open Mission Control

You can access Mission Control in a number of ways. 

• Swipe up with three or four fingers on trackpad depending on how it is set up
• Swipe up with two fingers on Magic mouse depending on how it is set up
• Press the F3 button
• Press the Mission Control icon on the Dock
• Press Control+Up arrow on keyboard
• On newer Macs with TouchBar, add a button

How to Configure Mission Control

Mission Control works great right out of the box but you can make some changes if you want to. In the System Preferences, select Mission Control. Change any of the settings.

• Automatically rearrange Spaces based on most recent use
• When switching to an application, switch to a Space with open windows for the application: When you use Command+Tab to switch applications, you may want to switch to an active window even if the window is on another desktop.
• Group windows by application: When selected, ensures that multiple windows from the same app appear side-by-side in Mission Control.
• Displays have separate Spaces: With this option selected, if you are using multiple monitors each display will have its own set of desktops.

How to Use the Multiple Desktops in Mission Control

• Move the mouse to the very top of the screen to see the Desktops.
• Drag windows from one desktop to another
• Click a desktop to switch to it or press Control+Left/Right arrow or swipe with three fingers to the left or right.
• Rearrange the desktops in the list.
• Add new desktop by clicking the plus button. This is useful if you have a Design View on one desktop and a Code View on another.
• If you click the green button on the top of an app, you will enter the full screen mode where the menu bar will disappear and the current window will takes up the entire screen. It is important to note that any full screen app acts as its own desktop.
• You can also drag any window to the space taken by a full screen app so that you can run two full screen apps side-by-side in what is called split view mode. This is useful if you are looking at a web site and want to take note about it at the same time.

Unique To Mac

SpotLight

The SpotLight allows not only simple and advanced searches but other operations like calculation and unit conversion.

• Mac (e.g., folders, programs, pictures, movies, PDFs, music, Microsoft Office documents, etc.)
• Internet data (Google searches, iTunes Store, Sport scores, Flight info, Twitter handles and hash tags, weather, stock quotes, Vimeo and YouTube videos)
• Advance Searches:
  • Using quotes (e.g., "electoral college")
  • Limit by (Limit tags followed by colon):
    
    • kind (e.g., kind:image,  kind:audio, kind:video)
      • kind examples (app, contact, folder, email, to do movie, music, audio, pdf, preference, bookmark, font, presentation)
    • recent date (e.g., date: yesterday)
      • date examples (today, tomorrow, next week/month/year for Calendar)
    • tag (e.g., tag:red, tag:important)
      • tag example (color, tag name)
    • metadata (e.g., author:chopin, width:800)
  • Boolean searches (e.g., this AND that)
    • Boolean examples (AND, OR, or NOT)
  • Combined searches (e.g., author:[name] AND author:[name])

SpotLight understands "natural language" like Google Assistant (e.g., Files I worked on in April) and other languages (e.g., French, Spanish, etc.). It works on the desktops and in apps.

You can also open the Search window without using the Spotlight window:

• Command + F (File > Find) to get an empty Searching window
• Command + Option + F to search CURRENT window instead of Mac

IMPORTANT NOTE: To HIDE certain files from Spotlight searches, select System Preferences > Spotlight and then click the Privacy tab, drag-and-drop a folder or disk or click the plus (+) sign to add to the list. You can also turn off “Bookmark and History” so that previous searches do not come up when you type.

Dock

You can drag an icon to the Dock to install it there or remove most of them (exception: Finder, Trash, or minimized window). A tiny dot shows to indicate apps that are opened. There are three areas on the Dock denoted by divider line:

• Left side - programs
• Middle - recent apps
• Right side - everything else (e.g., files, documents, folders, disks, minimized windows). Folders and disks will spun stacks

The Dock also doubles as an application switcher. You can:

• Switch to other open programs by clicking their icons
• Drag a document (e.g., Text file) onto Dock application (e.g., Microsoft Word) icon to open it in that application.
• Hide all windows of a program by Option-clicking another Dock icon
• Hide all other programs' windows by Command + Option + clicking Dock icon of the program you want to open.

You can right-click on an icon in the Dock to access additional menu options:

• [Window names]
• Show All Window/Show Recent
• Options:
  • Keep in Dock
  • Open at Login
  • Show in Finder
  • Hide/Show
  • Quit
  • Misc.

You can drag-and-drop any icon to a Dock folder or disk icon and pause (or tap the Spacebar) the Dock icon will open to receive it. You can:

• Drag a document icon onto a Dock folder icon to add it to a sub-folder.
• Drag a document into an application (e.g., Photo) to open it.

Below is a list of some common things that you can add to you Dock:

•  Home folder
• Application folder
• Shared folder
• A tag

Spaces or Virtual Desktops

Mission Control allows you to create Spaces or Virtual Desktops for up to 16 full-size virtual monitors.

There are several ways to create a virtual desktop:

• Click on the Full Screen button in the top left corner of an application.
• Within Mission Control, click the "+" button in the upper-right corner.
• Drag a window into the Space area at the top of the screen.

Once you create Spaces or Virtual Desktops, there is  a host of ways to switch between them:

• While holding the Control key, type the number of the desktop you want to view (e.g., Control + 3)
• Enter Mission Control and click a desktop
• Press the Control + right/left arrow keys to navigate between the previous and next desktop
• Swipe horizontally with two fingers with the Magic Mouse and three fingers with Trackpad

To delete a Space or desktop enter Mission Control and move mouse over a Space and click on the icon that appears to move the app back to the main desktop.

Other options you can use with Spaces with Mission Control is opened:

• Rearrange Spaces by dragging them horizontally.
• You can add a Space to another physical monitor.
• You can move a window to a different Space by dragging its icon

Dictation, Siri, and VoiceOver

macOS has several features that allow you to "talk to" your computer or have the computer "talk to" you.

Siri - is a virtual assistant that understands natural language that will execute commands or response to questions.

Dictation - allows you to type by speaking to your computer.  Voice dictation works best is there is no a lot of background noise and if you wear a headset. Dictation is not 100% accurate so you may have to make updates afterward.

Dictation

Standard Dictation is limited to 30 seconds at a time.

1. Open a program (e.g., TextEdit, Mail, Word) that you want to add text by talking.
2. Press the fn key twice or select Edit > Start Dictation to have it start listening to you.
3. Once the microphone icon is displayed with a sound, SAY what you want to add by talking normally.
   
   NOTE: Speak your own punctuations (This is a sentence [period]) as you talk. See list below.
4. After you finish speaking, click the Done button, press the Return key, or wait 30 seconds without saying anything.
   
   ALTERNATIVE: Hold down the fn key after the second click, talk speaking and then release the fn button when done. This saves you from not having to press the Return key.

Once completed, you may have to make some edits.

Below is a list of some of the common punctuations that you can speak

• period or full stop
• comma, semi-colon, colon
• question mark, exclamation point
• inverted question mark
• ellipse
• space bar
• open parent, close parent
• new line
• new paragraph
• quote, unquote
• numeral (write numbers as digits instead of spelling then. Example: She is [numerical] 20 years old)
• asterisk, plus sign, minus sign, equal sign
• ampersand, dash
• hyphen
• backquote
• Symbols
  
  • Percent sign
  • at sign
  • cent sign, dollar sign
  • euro sign, yen sign, pounds sterlings
  • copyright, trademark,
  • greater than sign, less than sign
• Caps
  • cap or capital
  • caps on, caps off
  • all capps on, all capps off
  • all capps, no capps
  • no caps on, not caps off

You don't have to always dictate formatting commands. Below are some example

• Phone number - 5123658968 converts to 512-365-8968
• Price - two dollars and fifteen cents converts to $2.15

Siri

To turn on Siri:

1. HOLD down the Command + Spacebar key until you have a double beep or click the Siri icon in the menu or on the Dock. You can also use the Touch Bar or set up Siri to response when you say "Hey Siri" in the Preferences >
2. In the Siri palette that is displayed, Siri is listening for you to ask a question or say a command.
3. Once finished, you can press the Esc key, (or Command +.), click the X icon in the pallet, or tell Siri Goodbye.
   ALTERNATIVE: You can TYPE your command or question to Siri in the text field.

Teach Siri Your Relationships to Others

You can teach Siri about your relationships with others that you know. For example, if you ask Siri to "Call Mother", Siri does not know who your mother is, so she will ask you, "Who is your mother?" then, you say, "My mother is Gilda." So the next time w\hen you say "Call Mother" it will know who your mother it.

VoiceOver

VoiceOver is a screen reader that is used mainly by people who are blind who cannot use a mouse. VoiceOver will read just about EVERYTHING on the screen in any window (e.g., TextEdit, Word, a browser, dialog box, button, etc.). To turn VoiceOver on, go to Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver and then check the Enable VoiceOver checkbox.

You can also have the Mac talk to you using some programs (e.g., TextEdit, Safari, Mail) by right-clicking in the app windows and select Speech > Start Speaking. You have three options in the Accessibility > Speech settings that you can select:

• Enable announcements
• Speak selected text when the key is pressed (e.g., Option + ESC)
• Speak items under the pointer (cursor):
  • Always
  • Only when zoomed

TIP: Both of these techniques can be used by users that are not blind as proofreading tools or a user that may be temporarily handicap because of a hand injury to listen for spelling and grammar errors.

Hot Corners

You can assign different app to the four corners of your screen using Hot Corners.

Show Clipboard

To view the current contact of the Clipboard, open the Finder and then select Edit > Show Clipboards.

Ink Handwriting Recognition

The Ink app only appears if you have a graphics tablet (e.g., Wacom) connected to your Mac. Ink will convert you handwriting to typed text in any program.

Window, etc.

• The menu bar that is part of the OS on the Mac contains the name of the CURRENT app and change when another app is selected. On the PC, the menu bar appear on top of every app.
• All applications are saved in one place--the Applications folder on the Mac.
• You have to press FN+DELETE to Forward Delete text and press DELETE to Backward delete text on a Mac.
  TIP: If helpful to remember the Function is For Forward (F3)

Trackpad Gestures

There are a host of gestures on a Mac trackpad or Magie mouse that you can use. (See video on YouTube)

QuickTime Player

The QuickTime Player not only let you view videos, but also edit and record them using the built-in camera or screen recording.

View QuickTime Movies

To view a QuickTime movie, double-click on its icon. Use the controls at the bottom of the movie to mute, adjust volume, etc.

Edit QuickTime Movies

You can perform common video editing on a QuickTime Movie.

1. Trim video from ends - trim video from both ends. Press Command+T (Edit > Trim) and drag the yellow handles inward to isolate the portion of the movie that you want to KEEP (or not trim). If you choose View > Show Audio Track, you can use the sound waves as a guide to where you need to trim.
   NOTE: When you trim a video, the QuickTime player will trim it and create a new, untitle movie that you can save and rename.
2. Split video - split (or cut) video into two or more video clips. Move the playhead to where you want to split the movie and press Command+Y ( Edit > Split Clip). You will see a dividing bar where the split took place. Repeat these steps as many times as you need to create more splits.
3. Trim video from middle - Once you split a movie into multiple clips (See above), you can select one of the clip and delete it. You can also drag any one of the split clip to another portion of the timeline, or use the Cut, Copy or Paste commands to move them within the same movie or another movie.
   NOTE: If you want a second movie to appear in the middle of the first movie, them open the clip map (View > Show Clips), click a clip that appears before the space where the new movie will go and then select Edit > Insert Clip After Selection and in the dialog box that appears, double-click the movie you want to insert. You can also drag a movie from the Finder into the gap between two clips.
   

Record Movie

1. Use your built-in camera or another webcam and then select File > New Movie Recording.
2. When the preview window appears, choose the microphone, camera,and quality level that you want to use from the drop-down menu.
3. Click the Record button or press the Spacebar and then press the Spacebar again to stop the recording.
4. Use the file menu to:
   - Save file
   - Export As - 4K, 1080p 720p, 480p, or audio only.
   - Share - Mail, Messages, AirDrop, Notes, Add to Photos, or YouTube.

Record Mac Screen

You can capture screen to create training or tutorial videos.

NOTE: macOS will not include its own sound.

1. Open QuickTime Player and choose File > New Screen Recording.
2. In the dialog that appears, turn on the microphone.
3. Click the Record button or press the Return key to start recording.
4. Click the Stop button in the menu bar at the top of the screen to stop recording

Record iPhone, or iPad

You can capture screen to create training or tutorial videos.

1. Open QuickTime and connect iPhone or IPad to Mac with USB cable.
2. Open QuickTime Player and choose File > New Screen Recording.
3. In the recording panel, choose iPhone and iPad
4. Click the Record button or press the Return key to start recording.
5. Click the Stop button in the menu bar at the top of the screen to stop recording.

Record Audio Only

1. Open QuickTime Player and choose File > New Audio Recording.
2. Use drop-down menu to select audio quality and sound source.
3. Click the Record button and start narrating.
4. Click the Stop button to stop recording.

Export QuickTime Movie

There is a host of ways to export a QuickTime movie by clicking the Share button and choose one of the following:

1. Post to YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.
   
   NOTE: You need to already have an account with these services.
2. Send to Mail, Messages, and AirDrop

Quick Look / Quick Edit

In the Finder panel, you can see a preview of the file, movie, pdf as thumbnails on the Mac event in the Trash without switching windows or opening an app. If Quick View does not recognize a file type, it with only displays a large generic icon.

• If you select an icon and press the Spacebar, you will see a larger preview of the file.
• Click the Spacebar again to exit Quick Look or press the ESC key or the X key on the Quick Look window
• Click the gray Full Screen to enter Full Screen and click the Exit Full Screen button at the bottom to exit Full Screen.
• To edit with Quick Look, click the Quick Actions buttons in the Preview pane.
• To share, click the Share button
• Click the Open with [program name] at the top of the window to open in that program.
• If you click other icons without closing the preview, you will see them as well.
• If you select several icons and press the Spacebar and then the FullScreen button, a slideshow will starts with some navigation buttons, etc. Click the Play button at the bottom to start to slideshow. You can click Option+Spacebar to go directly to FullScreen Slideshow mode.

Quick View can also be done with:

• A link in a Mail message
• An address in Mail or Contact
• Files in the Open dialog box
• Anything in Mission Control or Dock menu

Creating Tabs in Finder

Tabs allow multiple window containers (e.g., disks, folders) to be opened in a single frame. It is useful to:move files between folders, etc.

There is a host of ways to create tabs after a folder(s) has been selected. Below is only a few.

• Right-click and select Open in New Tab
• Select Setting icon and choose Open in New Tab(s) or press Command+Control+O
• Select File > New Tab or press Command + T
• Click the plus (+) icon in the top right-corner.
• Select File > New Tab or press Command + T
• Once some tabs are created, click the "+"  button on the right of the window.

Tabs behave like tabs in most programs, you can:

• Switch tab (Control+Tab) to tab forward.  Add Shift key to tab backward
• Rearrange tabs by dragging them horizontally across tabs
• Turn tab to a stand-alone window by dragging it out of the tab list.
• Move a tab into a different window by dragging it.
• Merge several tags by choosing Window > Merge All Windows.
• Close tab by clicking Command + W. Add Option key to close all tab

Tabs are also available in other apps:

• Mails
• Maps
• TextEdit
• Pages / Keynote, and Numbers

Spring-Loaded Folder

If you drag an icon to a CLOSED folder and hold it there, the folder will flash to let you know that you can added it to a nested folder. You can repeat this process for as many nested folders that you need.

Smart Folder

A Smart folder is a  self-updating folder based on a pre-defined search criteria. For example, select Command + Find, type a search criteria (e.g., This Week) and then click the Save button.

Folder/Disk on Dock

If you click on a folder or disk on the Dock, you can set how you want it to be displayed:

• Fan
• Grid
• List

Four Views

The Mac has four unique Finder views. To toggle between these views, press the Command key and the numbers 1 – 4.

• Icon View - best used with Applications folder
• List View - best used with Document folder
• Column View - best used with Document folder when there is a lot of nested folders
• Gallery View - best used with Download folder

Screen Time for Mac

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Sidecar

Use iPad as an external display.

Voice Control

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AirDrop

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Time Machine

The Time Machine is an automatic backup system that safely backs up your entire system (except for cache/temporary files) when you connect another drive to your Mac. It checks every hour to see if changes have been made and if so backs it up so by the end of the day you will have 24 hours of backups.

Version Control

The MacOS has several ways to create or control version of documents that are created.

• Duplicate vs Save As - You have to press the Option key to see the Save As option (otherwise, you see the Duplicate Option)
• Auto Save is available in some programs (e.g., Pages, Keynotes, Numbers, Preview, and TextEdit). This feature AUTOMATICALLY saves your file in the background continuously.
• Versions is another features that save "versions" of every document and allows you to return to an earlier version of that document or copy portion of that document into the current version.
  • All of the version information is saved in the original document and the versions are stripped out if you email the document or share the document on a network.
  • A snapshot is created every hour or when you select File > Save or Command + S.
  • Only what is changed between versions are saved.
• To Revert to an earlier version, choose File > Revert to > Last Saved (or Last Opened) from the menu to restore the document to the last version or how is was last opened.
• To Revert to ANY version, choose File > Revert to > Browse All Versions from the menu to open the version browser that show a STACK that represent each version of the document that has been saved. You can do the following with the version browser:
  • Compare the current version with another version by clicking on the up/down arrows, click on the title bar or drag the notches on the right side of the screen.
  • Click the Done button to go back to editing.
  • Click the Restore button to restore that version.  If you add the Option key, you will Restore a Copy
  • Restore part of an earlier version by copying content from a previous version into the current version.
  • Delete a version by choosing File > Revert To > Delete This Version. Add the Option key to delete ALL old versions.

iCloud Drive

The iCloud Drive allows a user to open and edit files and folders from any computer, iPad, or iPhone including from a PC assuming they are signed into the same iCloud account.

The iCloud Drive is located in the Finder's Sidebar as a "cloud" icon or when you save a file. Whatever is placed in the iCloud Drive, it will INSTANTLY appear on all of these devices. It can also be access at iCloud.com. So if your Mac is broken or stolen, your iCloud files are safe in the "cloud."  You have access to 5G for free and can pay extra for more space if needed.

You can treat the iCloud Drive like any other drive or folder so you can make and drag files, folders into it. Any changes to these files or folder will be REFLECTED on your other devices instantly.

You can also SHARE an iCloud file(s) with other people across the internet like you can with Google Drive or Dropbox.  This can be done by:

• In the Finder's iCloud Drive, select the file you want to share and then from the Share icon, choose Add People or right-click and choose Share. You have three options to choose from:
  • How to invite people - E-mail, Message, AirDrop, or use the Copy Link button to copy it to the clipboard
  • Who can have access - In the Share Options, specify, "Only people you invite" or "Anyone with the link."
  • What can they do - From the permission menu, choose "Can make changes" or "View only."
• How does iCloud appear on other devices:
  • iPhone, iPad - Open Files app
  • \Another Mac - iCloud drive
  • Once logging into iCloud.com, click the iCloud Drive icon
  • Download iCloud panel and access iCloud Drive from File Explorer

ADVANCED: There is an optional feature that  make everything on the desktop and in the Document folder accessible from anywhere on your Mac or anywhere else. To turn on this feature, go to the System Preference > iClould, click Options and in the dialog box that appears in the Documents tab, turn on Desktop &  Document Folders.

Keyboard Control

You can use the keyboard CONTROL key to "control" a host of things (e.g., menus, dock, windows, panels, menulets, etc.) Using these keyboard shortcuts are useful to people that are blind that uses a screen reader like JAWS, VoiceOver, or NVDA that cannot use a mouse.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You will also have to press the "fn" key along with the keys below unless you select the "Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys" in the Keyboard's System Preference settings..

• CONTROL + F2 - to access the Apple AND app menu items at the top of the screen
• CONTROL + F3 - to access any Dock icon
  
• CONTROL + F4 - to cycle through EVERY WINDOW in EVERY OPEN program
  NOTE: Add SHIFT key to go in the opposite direction.
  NOTE: To cycle through different windows in the CURRENT (not EVERY OPEN) program, you use the COMMAND + ~ key (tilde symbol)
• CONTROL + F6 - to cycle through panels
• CONTROL + F8 - to cycle through menulets

After you use CONTROL + F[X], in most instance above, you can then use the right/left arrow  (or the TAB or SHIFT+TAB) keys to navigate to select or open an item (e.g., menu, tab, etc.) you want and then press the DOWN ARROW, SPACEBAR, or the RETURN key. Then, you can use the UP/DOWN arrows and then press the RETURN or SPACEBAR to make a selection.

NOTE: If the Dock is vertical, the RIGHT/LEFT ARROW keys are used instead.

To close an object (e.g., menu, etc.) without making a selection, press the ESC key or Command + Period.

Power Typing

While most of the following features have been apart of other programs like Microsoft Word for some time, they are relative new to macOS.

Spelling and Grammar Checker

You can select Edit > Spelling and Grammar from the menu and then select or deselect one or more of the following options:

• Show Spelling and Grammar
• Check Document Now
• Check Spelling While Typing
• Check Grammar With Spelling
• Correct Spelling Automatically

Text Substitution

You can substitute text with other text. For example:

• double hyphens (--) with an em dash (—) 

You can create you own text substitution by selecting System Preferences > Keyboard > Text tab and then add a new word in the Replace field (e.g. CW) and Copyrighted 2020 by RMCS. All rights reserved).

• CW will be substituted with Copyrighted 2020 by RMCS. All rights reserved

You can also select Edit > Substitution from the menu to do the following:

• Smart Cut/Paste - add spaces as needed when cutting and pasting.
• Smart Quotes - add smart quotes instead of straight quotes
• Smart Dashes - double hyphens (--) with an em dash (—) 
• Smart Links - add links
• Data Detectors - MacOS will recognize common data formats in your text that you can click on and sent that information to other programs like the Calendar, Contact or a browser. When you click on them, you will see a dotted rectangle appears around them with a down arrow that you can select from:
  • Mailing Address - can be opened in Maps or added to Contacts
  • Phone number - can be added to Contacts, Face Time, and Message
  • Flight number - (e.g., AA Flight 123) to show flight departure/arrival time, etc.
  • Web Address - actual web page.
  • Package Tracking Number - FedEx, UPS, or USPS to show courier company's tracking page.
• Text Replacement - replace text as implied

Simplified Accented Characters

Instead of using special palettes or key combination to create accented characters, you can now just HOLD the key that you want to add an accent to and a list of accents will be displayed that you can select from or click the number under the accent to select that one. If you HOLD DOWN a character key it will NOT be REPEATED. To repeat a character multiple times, simply press the key several times without holding it to repeat them (e.g., SOOOOO)

Security

Sharing Across Accounts

There are several ways to share content (file, folder, or disk) across accounts or computers

1. AirDrop Folder - drop icons onto another person folder.
2. Shared Folder - located in the Macintosh > Users > Shared folder to allow everyone to access content with restriction (e.g., insert, delete)
3. Public Folder - You have to click the File Sharing master switch in the System Preferences > Sharing and then move the content into the Home > Public folder of the selected user to allow anyone to view or copy but not edit or delete content you place in that folder.
4. Any Folder - Instead of placing content in the Public Folder, you can share any folder by selecting Get Info, click the Shared folder checkbox and then click the plus sign in the Sharing and Permission section of the Get Info panel to select a user and then click the Select button.
5. Drop Box - located in the Home > Public > Dropbox folder to allow other users to drop files and folders into it and will be available locally or across the network. This Drop Box is not the same as the free online Dropbox service).

Accessing Shared Files

Once you have set files to be shared, you can access it.

1. Open Finder and select Network which will show all computers (Mac or PC) on the Network as icons
2. Double-click the computer you want to open.
3. Do one of the following:
   * Double-click on the Public folder to access data that others sent you.
   * Double-click the Connect As button to access your own Home folder on another Mac and enter the the required credentials.
   TIP: Make an alias so that you can access the disk or folder easier later.

Network with Microsoft Windows

Mac to PC

1. On the Windows computer, share the files that you want.
2. On the Mac, in Finder, click on the PC you want to to connect to.

PC to Mac

1. On the Mac, open System Preferences > Sharing, click the File Sharing, and then click Options to open the dialog box and select "Share files and folders using SMB"
2. Specify which Mac accounts to access, enter password and click the Done button.
3. On Windows, in the File Explorer, click the Network

Sharing Screen

Besides sharing the network connection, you can also share the screen.

1. Select System Preferences > Sharing and then turn on Screen Sharing to get a use permission to see your screen.
   
   NOTE: You have three levels of security: All users, Admin, or Only these users.
2. On the other Mac, open Finder, expand the Shared List in the Sidebar and click on the computer that you want to share screen and then click Share Screen.
   
   NOTE: You have three ways to request permission: By requesting permission, Register User, or using your Apple ID and password.
   NOTE: You can also connect from across the Internet by selecting Go > Connect to Server in Finder and typing in an IP address.
3. Click the Connect button.
4. Select either "Ask to share the display" or "Connect to a virtual display"
   
   NOTE: There are a few things that you can adjust between the two computers: Full screen mode, speed vs blurriness, screen size, observe mode, sharing clipboard, dragging files between computers, and quitting. To see these options, select View > Show Toolbar.
   NOTE: Any computer (Window, Linux and smart phones) with Virtual Network Computing (VNC) client program can be shared. In the System Preferences, click Computer Settings and turn on "VNC viewers may control screen with password."

Fast User Switching

Instead of logging out and letting another user login, you can switch to another user without losing what you were doing by selecting that user from the Fast User Switching list at the top of the screen. Then, when the user is finished, he/she can log out as normal to return to your account.

If the Fast User Switching menu is not available at the top of the screen, go to System Preferences and click on the lock icon to unlock the panel. Then, click the Login Options and select "Show fast user switching menu as" checkbox. You can also change how you want it displayed (e.g., Full Name, icon, or account name).

Security & Privacy Settings

There are four Security and Privacy Settings that you need to be aware of:

1. General - allows you to change password, login, and app download settings.
2. FireVault - when turned on will automatically ENCRYPTS EVERTHING on startup hard drive.
   CAUTION: Don't forgot your password or Recovery key that is created or you will not be able to unlock your hard drive
3. Firewall - will prevent hacking software to control your computer.
   NOTE: You only need a firewall if your mac is connected DIRECTLY to a cable model, DSL box, or dial-up modem because virtually every wired or wireless router has a built-in firewall that will protect your network.
4. Privacy - protect your data from distribution. You can turn on or off these options:
   
   • Location Services
   • Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Photos
   • Camera, Microphone
   • Accessibility
   • Full Disk Access
   • Automation
   • Advertising Example: If you select "Limit Ad Tracking" checkbox, you will be opt out of being targeted by ad of our interest.

Find My App

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Desktop Stack

Select View > Use Stacks to automatically group related icons (not folders) on desktop to create FEWER icons. To view content of a stack click on it to open it and click again to close it. Select View > Group Stacks By to change how stacks are created (e.g.,, kind, date formats, tags).

Icon Names

Icons name can be up to 255 characters including spaces and can use numbers, punctuation except for the colon (:) and period (.) at the beginning of a file name.

Creating PDF Files

There are a host of options for outputting and creating PDF files instead of print it to a printer saving time, ink and paper that is still searching with SpotLight. In a standard dialog box, click on the PDF drop-down menu to do the following:

1. Open in Preview - open a preview of the document as a PDF file
2. Save as PDF - instead of sending to printer
3. Save as PostScript - to be used by designers and print companies to save as a PostScript document with instructions for PostScript laser printers.
4. Send in Mail - send to Mail as an attachment
5. Add to Apple Books - add to Apple Books for reading
6. Send via Messages
7. Save to iCloud Drive
8. Save to Web Receipts - save a PDF to the Home > Documents > Web Receipts folder.
9. Edit Menu...

Fonts and Fonts Book

MacOS supports three types of font types: TrueType, PostScript Type 1, and OpenType. MacOS also as an app in the Application folder called Font Book that is used for installing, removing, inspecting and organizing fonts.

ColorSync

Because each device type (printer, scanning, monitor, ) that is used to create and print digital images does it differently using their own profile, ColySync (Application > Utilities > ColorSync) is used to translate the various profiles to tell the MacOS how to define the colors. A ColorSync profile is often embedded in a photo to make this process automatic.

Graphic Visual Effects

macOS use various visual effects that is not common in other OSes. For example, when you:

1. paste files into windows in icon view, their icons fade into view
2. open long message in Mail, its text fades in from white
3. use Launchpad, it fades in and out
4. switch accounts using fast user switching, the other screen animates as a cube

Renaming Batches of Files

Select multiple files and then right-click and select Rename X Items... (where x is the number of selected files) and in the dialog box that appears, select one of the three renaming options (Replace Text, Add Text, or Format) make your selection, and then click the Rename button.

Finder Tags

Finder tags allow you to add one or more color-code or keywords to an icon. After tags are applied, you can use the Spotlight search command to find them no matter what folder they are in. You can also sort them in the Finder window. There are several ways to create tags once a file is selected:

• Right-click on icon in Finder
• Click the tag icon bottom in the Finder
• Choose File > Tags
• Drag Finder icon onto the names of tags in Sidebar
• Tag a file as it is being saved
• Apply within some apps (e.g., TextEdit, Pages, Numbers, etc.)
• Assign it in the Get Info dialog box

To find tag items, use the SpotLight search command or the Search field at the top of the Finder and type: tag:[color] or [tagname]

Lock Files

You can lock a file to prevent it from accidentally being deleted by selecting it and open the Get Info dialog box and select the lock icon.

New Folder From Selection

Select several items (files, images) and then right-click ans choose New Folder with Selection.

Startup Keys (Advanced Mac Users Only)

Command	Mac
Boot To Startup Manager	Option
Reset NVRAM	Command+Option+P+R
Reset the SMC	Control+Shift+Option
Single User Mode	Command+S
Target Disk Mode	T
Safe Mode	Shift
Run Diagnostics	D
Run Diagnostics Via Net	Option+D
Recovery Mode	Command+R
Recovery Mode Via Net	Command+Option+R

Unique To PC

Drives

The PC has lettered drives (C://, D://, etc.). There is no such thing on the Mac.

Touch Screen

Currently, only PC computers have a touch screen.

Most web browsers share common keyboard or mouse shortcuts across platform, which make it easier to bounce between them.

Command	Mac
New window / New Tab	Command+ N / Command+T
New Private Window	Command+Shift+N
Reload Page	Command+R
Home	Command+Shift+H
Go Back / Forward a Page	Command+[  /   Command+]
Bookmark / Reading List	Command D / Command+Shift+D

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Like, Share, and Comment buttons allows Social Media sites to track you. The Safari browser will block the tracking of them until you use them and will warn you if they try to share your information with a Social Media site (e.g., Facebook).

Tabs

Ctrl+1-8 – Switch to the specified tab, counting from the left.
Ctrl+9 – Switch to the last tab.
Ctrl+Tab – Switch to tab on the right.
Ctrl+Shift+Tab – Switch to the previous
Ctrl+W, Ctrl+F4 – Close the current tab.
Ctrl+Shift+T – Reopen the last closed tab.
Ctrl+T – Open a new tab.
Ctrl+N – Open a new browser window.
Alt+F4 – Close the current window.

Mouse Actions for Tabs

Middle Click a Tab – Close the tab.
Ctrl+Left Click, Middle Click – Open a link in a background tab.
Shift+Left Click – Open a link in a new browser window.
Ctrl+Shift+Left Click – Open a link in a foreground tab.

Navigation

Alt+Left Arrow, Backspace – Back.
Alt+Right Arrow, Shift+Backspace – Forward.
F5 – Reload.
Ctrl+F5 – Reload and skip the cache, re-downloading the entire website.
Escape – Stop.
Alt+Home – Open homepage.

Zooming

Ctrl and +, Ctrl+Mousewheel Up – Zoom in.
Ctrl and -, Ctrl+Mousewheel Down — Zoom out.
Ctrl+0 – Default zoom level.
F11 – Toggle full-screen mode.

Scrolling

Space, Page Down – Scroll down a frame.
Shift+Space, Page Up – Scroll up a frame.
Home – Top of page.
End – Bottom of page.
Middle Click – Scroll with the mouse. (Windows only)

Address Bar

Ctrl+L, F6 – Focus the address bar so that you can begin typing.
Ctrl+Enter – Prefix www. and append .com to the text in the address bar, and then load the website. For example, if you typed adobe in the address bar and press Ctrl+Enter, the page www.adobe.com will open.
Alt+Enter – Open the location in the address bar in a new tab.

Search

Ctrl+K, Ctrl+E – Focus the browser’s built-in search box or focus the address bar if the browser does’t have a dedicated search box.
Alt+Enter – Perform a search from the search box in a new tab.
Ctrl+F, F3 – Open the in-page search box to search on the current page.
Ctrl+G, F3 – Find the next match of the searched text on the page.
Ctrl+Shift+G, Shift+F3 – Find the previous match of the searched text on the page.

History & Bookmarks

Ctrl+H – Open the browsing history.
Ctrl+J – Open the download history.
Ctrl+D – Bookmark the current website.
Ctrl+Shift+Del – Open the Clear Browsing History window.

Basic Functions

Ctrl+P – Print the current page.
Ctrl+S – Save the current page to your computer.
Ctrl+O – Open a file from your computer.
Ctrl+U – Open the current page’s source code.
F12 – Open Developer Tools.