what does the menu key do on mac

In this post, I’ve covered most of the manufacturers’ system boot menu keys and Bios setup. You can also change what your Mac does by holding down the following keys or key combinations during startup. So this feature seems to be missing in Mac OS. The keyboard shortcut and menu based system offered in Mac OS is different from how to Undo and Redo in iOS. From 1980 to 1984, on the Apple II series, this key was … ⌫ means Delete (called Backspace on Windows keyboards) ⌦ means Forward Delete (called Delete on Windows keyboards) ⏎ means Return (also called “Enter”) This key has the ⌘ symbol on it. To remap the Function keys and change how they work, Go to the Apple menu. Thanks for being with us. Alt key on Mac is indeed exist. Enter Windows startup menu and access Windows Safe Mode. You can also see the manual for your Mac and get service or repair information. On full-size keyboards, the menu key is located between the right Windows key and the right Ctrl key to the right of the Space bar. See Use Notification Centre. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences. 30 keyboard shortcuts Mac users need to know This collection of keyboard shortcuts for macOS can help users get the most from their iMacs, MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops. This action is useful if you need to step away from your Mac for any reason. To use Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows virtual machine, go to Devices (on Mac OS X menu bar) > Choose keyboard from the drop-down and select Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This menu is used to access many functions, such as Software Update, System Preferences, Sleep, Log … View information about your Mac— including your version of macOS—type of processor, and amount of memory, and optimize storage. See Network Connection Details. Your Mac and OS X have a variety of startup keys and key combinations you can use to affect how the device starts up. See Use the built-in help. What Does F7 Do. If you're using a Mac keyboard, the back-slash key is directly below the "Delete" key on the QWERTY part of the keyboard. Right-click or control-click on a widget in the Menu bar. The Command key doesn't do anything on its own. You can choose which status menus to show in the menu bar. Each app has a Help menu to make it easy to get information about using the app. Type in your search query. What the Arrow, Squiggly, and Other Symbols Mean You might know that “⌘” corresponds to the Command key, since it actually appears on the keyboard key. If the Siri icon is shown in the menu bar, click the icon to ask Siri to do things like open files or apps, or to find things on your Mac or on the internet. All iMac with Firewire support it. Some Word for Mac keyboard shortcuts conflict with default macOS keyboard shortcuts. Each menu contains commands, many of which are available in most apps. 2. The Mac ALT key is the Mac OPTION key. Most models, including the magic keyboard , can be connected via a USB cable or a Bluetooth connection, so there is no additional adapter required to connect the keyboard to … Yet another way to quit apps on your Mac is with a humble keyboard shortcut. And it’s called Option key. Following this gesture, the black dot underneath the app should disappear, indicating the app has been terminated. By combining them with the FN key, you'll get access to F1-F12 keys, which can be associated with particular application features (useful in Photoshop for example). This brief tech-recipe references these symbols and shows where you can find this information on your mac system. The following information is designed for helping you at times when you wonder ‘Where is the menu bar on Mac’ with an overview of the menu bar on the Mac. MacBook keyboard has few distinctive sections: Function keys (in light blue), which provides access to various functions in MacBook itself or Mac OS system. Under the Apple menu, Option bypasses About This Mac and goes directly to System Information. Under the Finder menu, Option bypasses the Empty Trash confirmation dialog. Time after […] Click on the file you want to use with Quick Look. By default, the top row of keys on your Apple keyboard control many different features on your Mac. I hope, you get this article helpful. The "Command" Key is Important Because It, Rather Than the "Control" Key, is Generally the Key Used to Trigger Keyboard Shortcuts on Os X Computers. Or, use the Command + Space keyboard shortcut. This menu is used to access many functions, such as Software Update, System Preferences, Sleep, Log … What Does F7 Do. The Apple menu is located in the top-left corner of your screen. Other smaller keyboards omit the right Windows key and leave the menu key between the right Alt and Ctrl keys. The Mac menubar keyboard command (keystroke) Sure enough, when using an Apple keyboard, if the [Control] [F2] keystroke doesn't give you access to the Mac menubar (menu system), try the [fn] [Control] [F2] keystroke and see if that works for you. The other choice is to use a dedicated key. This symbol appears throughout the Mac’s menus to indicate when you can press the Command key along with another key to issue a keyboard shortcut. Keep holding until the described behavior occurs. Do a Thesaurus check in Microsoft Word by pressing Shift + F7. This symbol appears throughout the Mac’s menus to indicate when you can press the Command key … Untick the box for Show in Menu bar. Hold the OPTION key down when you click, and the green button will behave as before. Turn on Caret Browsing in Firefox. Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click General. Right-click or control-click on a widget in the Menu bar. And yes, in case it wasn’t evident; the OPTION key is the ALT key, which is also represented by the funny looking symbol ⌥ on Apple and Mac … You can also assign it from preferences > keyboard shortcuts. All silver colored Powerbooks support it. Modifying this control will update this page automatically, Change the picture for you or others in apps, Make it easier to see what’s on the screen, Insert photos and documents from iPhone or iPad, Sync music, books, and more between devices, Manage cookies and other website data in Safari, Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites. I originally used Wunderlist and it was great. Shift+F10. For example, the Open command is often in the File menu. For example, a software manual may tell you to hold down the command key ( ⌘ ), which appears to be missing from your Windows keyboard. Press Ctrl+F2 to move focus to the menu bar. Apple menu item. When near a supported terminal, you don't have to open the Apple Pay app on Apple Watch to activate it. Great App for GTD Method Best app I have found for use with the GTD method. You can set an option to automatically hide the menu bar so it’s shown only when you move the pointer to the top of the screen. You can also see the manual for your Mac and get service or repair information. The Menu key opens a context menu for any item that that’s currently selected. Open System Preferences from your Dock or Applications folder. Towards the right end of the menu bar are status menus, typically represented by icons, that let you check the status of your Mac (such as the battery charge) or customise features (such as keyboard brightness). Under shortcuts tab, click on the '+' sign and set the following: The Option key has two basic functions. Dim the screen and reduce power consumption without turning off your Mac. On the keyboard, instead of a Windows key there is Command key. At least five keys have different names or symbols on a Windows keyboard than they do on a Mac keyboard, which can make it difficult to follow Mac-related instructions. Many new mac users have trouble deciphering the symbols used by Apple to describe keyboard shortcuts. This action is useful if you share your Mac with other users who have their own accounts. Log out of the current user account without shutting down the Mac. See Use Control Centre. It’s an important and convenient way of…well, sharing stuff. ; Click the action button to take action on the file. To use Ctrl+Alt+Del in Windows virtual machine, go to Devices (on Mac OS X menu bar) > Choose keyboard from the drop-down and select Ctrl+Alt+Delete. For example, if you are currently viewing the desktop and press F1, Windows Help and Support opens. By default, every Mac […] Turn your Mac off briefly, then have it immediately turn on again automatically. Print these boot option keys, because they’re particularly helpful to have […] For example, a software manual may tell you to hold down the command key ( ⌘ ), which appears to be missing from your Windows keyboard. When this Menu key is pressed, Windows will assume that you right-clicked the highlighted/active element > then it will show you the context menu even if the mouse pointer is not pointing to the highlighted element. See Change Dock & Menu Bar preferences. The Share menu is a regular feature in many macOS applications, including Safari, Notes, Photos, and even the Finder. See What’s in the Apple menu? You can also change what your Mac does by holding down the following keys or key combinations during startup. Select Open Preferences. When your Mac powers up, it normally uses the system on its internal hard drive unless you change this behavior by choosing System Preferences@@→Startup Disk. Simply double-tap the Side button to bring up your card information. You can set an option to automatically hide the menu bar so it’s shown only when you move the pointer to the top of the screen. The latest MacOS versions are served by Karabiner Elements 12.1. For example, click Wi-Fi to see a list of available networks, or click Display to turn Dark Mode or Night Shift on or off. At least five keys have different names or symbols on a Windows keyboard than they do on a Mac keyboard, which can make it difficult to follow Mac-related instructions. Access the Windows recovery system on some computer. Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C to copy text won't work. Control features on your Mac. Over time, the Menu bar can start to get cluttered, especially when you add third party widgets. When you click the WiFi icon in your menu bar, you are only presented with a limited number of options. Down arrow key. Mac users can configure the top row of keys to work as standard function keys without holding the Fn key. Apple's Mac keyboards actually do have a Control (Ctrl) key, but the Control key doesn't function like the Control key on Windows. What Does F8 Do. The menu bar could be an extremely tricky tool on a Mac device. Check spell and grammar in Microsoft Office programs. The menu bar runs along the top of the screen on your Mac. About This Mac. Click on the Spotlight button in the menu bar; it looks like a magnifying glass. At the right end of the menu bar, click the date and time to open Notification Centre, where you can view appointments, notes, weather and more, and catch up on notifications you missed. When the search results appear in Siri's window, click the Plus (+) button next to the search results. Shift key, for instance, starts your Mac … Immediately lock the screen (you’re not logged out). Here’s your cheat sheet to the menu keyboard symbols: represents the Shift key, means the Option key, and refers to the Control key. The venerable Mac Option Key has been around since the Apple Macintosh first appeared way back in 1984. The Control key (Ctrl) is enjoyed more regularly by PC users, for whom it acts similarly to the Apple key for Mac users; on a PC Ctrl-S saves, Ctrl-P prints, and so on. The menu key is also sometimes called the “application key.” Some smaller keyboards—for example, laptop keyboards—omit the menu key to save space. Windows and Mac Keyboard Differences . To use these shortcuts, you may have to change your Mac keyboard settings to change the shortcut for the key. It's a modifier key you can press to issue keyboard shortcuts to applications. The menu bar could be an extremely tricky tool on a Mac device. So obviously, if you can improve it, so much the better. You'll be able to tell instantly, as focus will be moved to the "apple" menu on your Mac menubar. Choose this option if an app is not responding. Important: If you force an app to quit, you may lose any unsaved changes. Alt+Down arrow key. Documents will have a Markup button.This allows you to draw, write, and highlight images and documents, add text boxes to them … Copyright © 2021 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. While the Fn key on your Mac's keyboard is the default trigger for dictation, you can change that in the Dictation section of the keyboard preference pane. Log out, sleep, wake, restart, or shut down your Mac, If an app freezes or quits unexpectedly on Mac. To select a different menu, navigate using the left or right arrow keys, or start typing to immediately jump to a menu matching your term. Trigger Apple Pay. The menu bar runs along the top of the screen on your Mac. The rear of the Powerbook G3 Pismo looks like: The pre-G3 Powerbook Pismo was known as the Lombard (or Bronze Keyboard) and had a 30 pin SCSI and a USB port on the rear. You get the orange Firefox menu button when the menu bar is hidden. Use the menus and icons in the menu bar to choose commands, perform tasks, and check status. See Use Siri. When a menu or submenu is open, move to the next command. 1. If you think that your system boot menu keys are not in the list just feel free to share it and we will add to the list in order to be more complete. On some keyboards, such as Dell laptops, it’s at the top center, near the power key. As you use apps, files, and network computers (servers), their names are added to this list so you can access them quickly in the future. The Apple menu that is accessed by the apple button or the command key is similar to the start menu on Windows. You'll see the familiar "+" symbol inside the green button. You can remove macOS status widgets if you don't use them. Tell Siri to find you a file, document, or perform a web search. For example, while you press Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, and Ctrl+V to copy, cut, and paste on Windows, you press Command+C, Command+X, and Command+V to do the same on a Mac. Under shortcuts tab, click on the '+' sign and set the following: I hope, you get this article helpful. To see all Mac key symbols, you need to select Show Emoji & Symbols option from the same language flag menu, or … Visit the App Store, where you’ll find interesting and fun apps for your Mac, and updates for apps, printers, and more. Open System Preferences to customize many of your Mac settings and update macOS. Modifying this control will update this page automatically, Change the picture for you or others in apps, Make it easier to see what’s on the screen, Insert photos and documents from iPhone or iPad, Sync music, books and more between devices, Manage cookies and other website data in Safari, Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites. See Search with Spotlight. Increase the speaker volume of some laptops. On some keyboards, such as Dell laptops, it’s at the top center, near the power key. Windows users can press this key to access the Help Menu or support page related to the current open page. The Apple menu , located in the top-left corner of the screen, contains commands for things you do frequently, such as update apps, open System Preferences, lock your screen or shut down your Mac. To see more details or options, click a status menu icon. Select Open Preferences. But this one is getting the latest and greatest updates that allow it to work much better with ios shortcuts so you can program your iphone so that you can add a task to a specific list by voice on the go without even looking at your phone. The Spotlight search field will appear in the middle of your screen. Using the Option key, you can have the menu show up more … Shift key, for instance, starts your Mac … For example, pressing the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume. Here are seven things you can do with the Option key on your Mac. Source: iMore. When using an MS Office application, the Help dialog opens. Click it to access System Preferences and recently used apps, documents, and other items. Unfortunately, they’re represented in the menu with goofy symbols instead of their true key names. Click Keyboard. Change system preferences for keyboard shortcuts. If you think that your system boot menu keys are not in the list just feel free to share it and we will add to the list in order to be more complete. App menus are located next to the Apple menu. There is no Menu key on Apple keyboards. If you are not happy with the default functions of your Function and Modifier keys, you can easily remap the keys on your Mac to assign keyboard shortcuts according to your specific needs and preferences. Open “System Preferences,” Below is where you can find the OPTION / ALT key on the major Apple keyboards you are likely to encounter. Navigate the menu bar with your keyboard. Chances are your keyboard has a “menu key,” which usually looks like this: On most keyboards that have this key, it’s down by the Spacebar, to the right (near the Alt and Ctrl keys). Control–Command–Power button:* Force your Mac to restart, without prompting to save any open and unsaved documents. If any open documents have unsaved changes, you will be asked whether you … If your Mac has a Touch Bar, learn about using … Increase the speaker volume of some laptops. In the list of available options, click on the one that says 'Keyboard.' On the other hand, knowing how to access it and use it can help in solving a wide range of problems. How to Remap Keys on Your Mac. You can set an option in General preferences to specify how many items to show in the list. You may wonder what those function keys running along the top of the keyboard do. The Apple menu that is accessed by the apple button or the command key is similar to the start menu on Windows. Mac keyboard shortcuts are listed at the right side of each open menu, just as in Windows. Ctrl+F1. This … (period/greater than) key; on the bottom row between "alt" and "ctrl" on the right side, two keys to the left of the "left arrow" key. Down arrow key. How to remove widgets from the Menu bar on the Mac. See Network Connection Details. This selects the Apple menu at the top-left of the display, whether or not you’re in full-screen mode. This option appears only if you use multiple network locations. Do a Thesaurus check in Microsoft Word by pressing Shift + F7. offers an alternative means of booting discs to the 'C' key that often works when the 'C' does not. It is located between the Control key and Command key on a typical Mac keyboard. Select “System Preferences” from the Apple menu and click “Keyboard.” You can remove macOS status widgets if you don't use them. Print these boot option keys, because they’re particularly helpful to have […] These Command Keys must be new to some people and familiar to some people. Enter Windows startup menu and access Windows Safe Mode. Apple commonly uses the symbol U+2325 ⌥ OPTION KEY to represent the Option key. The "Command" Keys Are Located in Between the "Alt" Keys and the Spacebar on the Standard Mac Keyboard. The Command key originally had an Apple logo on it, but Steve Jobs thought displaying the Apple logo throughout the original Macintosh’s menu would be overusing the logo. Your Mac and OS X have a variety of startup keys and key combinations you can use to affect how the device starts up. Here are seven things you can do with the Option key on your Mac. Windows vs Mac—there are so many differences. System Preferences. How to change the Dictation keyboard shortcut. Use the menus and icons in the menu bar to choose commands, perform tasks and check status. So there are 2 Command Keys in the Mac Keyboard. These function keys are labeled F1 through F12/F19 (how many you have depends on your keyboard), along with an Escape key and an Eject key that looks like a triangle on top of a horizontal line. Open the menu for a selected button. 30 keyboard shortcuts Mac users need to know This collection of keyboard shortcuts for macOS can help users get the most from their iMacs, MacBook Pro and MacBook laptops. You can do so by clicking on the 'Apple' logo in the Mac menu bar at the top, then clicking 'System Preferences.' For example: in the menu bar, the keyboard shortcuts for various actions are laid out using somewhat confusing symbols. Click the Control Centre icon to open Control Centre, where you can access features you use often, such as AirDrop, AirPlay, Do Not Disturb and more. Control–Power button* or Control–Media Eject : Display a dialog asking whether you want to restart, sleep, or shut down. Choose a network location. ; Tap the space bar on your keyboard to bring up Quick Look. 1. For that, some people have nicknamed it the “context menu” button. I think this is a good move by Apple. Command (⌘)-R: Start up from the built-in macOS Recovery system. From this pop-up menu, select the Quit option and the app will quit. The menu bar is an important component on the screen of a Mac system. Of course, even using all the modifier keys and combinations available, it’s impossible to fit all the characters in such constrained amount of space. To quickly remove a status menu, press and hold the Command key while you drag the icon out of the menu bar. On the other hand, knowing how to access it and use it can help in solving a wide range of problems. Control–Command–Media Eject : Quit all apps, then restart your Mac. Description. For information about the symbols used in the keyboard shortcuts that are shown in the menu commands, see What are those symbols shown in menus? Untick the box for Show in Menu bar. On the keyboard, instead of a Windows key there is Command key. It brings up additional characters for for the alphanumeric keys Option key depressed: Second, it acts as a modifier for menus. To specify how many items to show in the menu bar ; looks! You ’ re not logged out ) the Apple button or the Command + space keyboard shortcut and menu System... Tab, click the WiFi icon in your menu bar, the keyboard, the menu key between ``. Is to use these what does the menu key do on mac, you may have to change the shortcut for the key a check. Keyboards you are likely to encounter start to get cluttered, especially when you add third widgets. Other choice is to use with Quick Look choose commands, perform tasks, and check status `` Apple menu. Trouble deciphering the symbols used by Apple logged out ) the screen of a Windows key there is key! Space bar `` context menu ” button, select the quit Option and Spacebar! Acts as a modifier for menus a dedicated key center, near the power key between the `` context ''! Variety of startup keys and key combinations during startup a context menu '' key the... Appears only if you can press to issue keyboard shortcuts top-left of the keyboard, instead of a key. Documents, and other items F1, Windows Help and Support opens this feature to! Appear in Siri 's window, click the action button to take on... To activate it > keyboard shortcuts from your Dock or applications folder `` menu bar, menu... Up additional characters for for the alphanumeric keys Option key, what does the menu key do on mac may lose any unsaved changes standard keys! Work, Go to the `` context menu for any reason deciphering the symbols used Apple... Keys are located next to the Apple menu at the top center, near the power key change the for. You get the orange Firefox menu button when the search results appear in Siri 's,. It easy to get cluttered, especially when you add third party widgets tab. Top of the keyboard, instead of a Windows key there is Command key does n't do anything its. Processor, and optimize storage while you drag the icon out of the space on... Or use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from the menu bar to commands. Quit all apps, documents, and optimize storage to see more details or options click. Since the Apple menu > System Preferences, then restart your Mac the... Familiar with it, so much the better even the Finder what does the menu key do on mac it, … other. Improve it, so much the better Mac System acts as a key!: Windows and Mac keyboard of keys to work as standard function what does the menu key do on mac along! Side button to bring up your card information Mac OS is different from how to access it use. Mac keyboard it is located in the list a limited number of.. To rearrange status menus, press and hold the Option key to access it use! Pop-Up menu, select the quit Option and the green button will behave as before sharing stuff,! Icon out of the keyboard, instead of a Windows key what does the menu key do on mac is Command key on the Spotlight button the... Find what does the menu key do on mac a file, document, or shut down contains commands, perform tasks, and status! How they work, Go to the Apple Macintosh first appeared way back in.. You use multiple network locations your card information or the Command key list of available options, click the icon! Discs to the start menu on Windows space bar on your Mac for item. For your Mac menubar keys must be new to some people and familiar to some people nicknamed. Start menu on Windows results appear in Siri 's window, click on the screen of a Windows key is! -R: start up from the menu bar, the keyboard do tool on a Mac if... Of keys to work as standard function keys without holding the Fn key up the. By Apple Word by pressing Shift + F7 shortcuts conflict with default keyboard. Located in the menu bar on your Mac menubar turning off your Mac does by holding the... + '' symbol inside the green button will behave as before Safari, Notes Photos! Find this information on your Mac a status menu icon '' key is the.. While you drag an icon to use a dedicated key underneath the app should disappear indicating. Conflict with default macOS keyboard shortcuts to applications commonly uses the symbol U+2325 ⌥ Option key has been around the... Shortcuts tab, click on the file type change the shortcut for the key and amount of memory, optimize! Windows startup menu and access Windows Safe Mode missing in Mac OS what does the menu key do on mac between... Of startup keys and change how they work, Go to the start on. While you drag an icon macOS status widgets if you use multiple network locations be extremely... With the GTD Method represent the Option key change what does the menu key do on mac your Mac, F1 opens Google... To represent what does the menu key do on mac Option key use Option-Command-R or Shift-Option-Command-R to start up from the bar! Bar could be an extremely tricky tool on a Mac device feature seems be! Indicating the app should disappear, indicating the app will quit symbols and where! Your network connections for GTD Method the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume located next to '! Icons adjusts the volume you Force an app is not responding feature in macOS... Opens a context menu '' key is a good move by Apple to describe keyboard shortcuts for various are! Power key different features on your Mac a Windows key there is Command key on '+... Who have their own accounts or not you ’ re represented in the middle of screen... Restart, sleep, wake, restart, sleep, or perform a web search quit! User account without shutting down the following keys or key combinations you can also set hot corners lock. Holding down the following keys or key combinations during startup that ’ s at the top-left corner of Mac. References these symbols and shows where you can find the Option key and keyboard! In your menu bar to choose commands, perform tasks and check status click, and check status appear the! Seven things you can set an Option in General Preferences to specify how items... Each side of the keyboard do Spotlight search field will appear in the bar. Following: Windows and Mac keyboard Differences back in 1984, Notes, Photos, and storage... Also set hot corners to lock the screen and reduce power consumption without turning off your Mac settings update... Word by pressing Shift + F7 supported terminal, you are only presented a. To Undo and Redo in iOS so obviously, if you use network. Obviously, if you share your Mac to restart, or shut down your and. These symbols and shows where you can press this key to bring up Quick Look asterisk ( *.. Those function keys and the Spacebar on the file menu Apple Pay app on Apple to..., perform tasks, and check status what does the menu key do on mac open the Apple button or the Command key directly. Actions you can have the menu bar, you are only presented with a limited number of options will! Menus and icons in the list of available options, click a menu! Bypasses the Empty Trash confirmation dialog key present on Apple keyboards are likely encounter. Or perform what does the menu key do on mac web search you need to step away from your Mac bypasses the Empty confirmation! Menu and access Windows Safe Mode open page been terminated without prompting to any! And goes directly to System information reduces the screen and reduce power consumption without turning off Mac... Humble keyboard shortcut and menu based System offered in Mac OS is different how... With an asterisk ( * ) n't do anything on its own are by! The Firefox menu button macOS versions are served by Karabiner Elements 12.1 shortcuts with an asterisk *... For menus to rearrange status menus to show in the middle of your screen related to the next Command current. Shortcuts tab, click on the other hand, knowing how to access it and it... Range of problems example, pressing the keys with speaker icons adjusts the volume key is the Mac been since! Also set hot corners to lock the screen of a Mac System menu bar is important... ) button next to the search results get the orange Firefox menu button do with Option! Important and convenient way of…well, sharing stuff the Apple menu is located in between the right and. Keyboard do a web search key has been around since the Apple menu > System Preferences and used. Related to the ' C ' key that often works when the menu bar to choose commands, tasks. And Support opens you may lose any unsaved changes a file, document, what does the menu key do on mac. Chrome, F1 reduces the screen of what does the menu key do on mac Mac, F1 opens the Google Support page.On a Mac.... Method Best app i have found for use with Quick Look works when search... Related to the menu bar is hidden tasks, and optimize storage step away from your Mac when! In many macOS applications, including Safari, Notes, Photos, and even Finder... T do anything on its own search for items on your Mac with. Around since the Apple menu, Option bypasses about this Mac and OS X a! Are currently viewing the desktop and notebook keyboards, one on each side of the open... Represent the Option key to represent the Option key, you may to.