Mac Modifier Keys Explained: Command, Option, Control, Shift and Fn
Quick answer: A Mac has five modifier keys. Command (⌘) runs most app shortcuts and is the Mac equivalent of Windows Ctrl. Option (⌥) is the Windows Alt position and types alternate characters. Control (⌃) handles context menus and a few app shortcuts. Shift (⇧) works as on Windows. Fn unlocks function keys and navigation keys.
Modifier keys are the biggest source of confusion for Windows users, because the names are different and the same job can be done by different keys depending on the app. This guide gives you the full list and a way to read any Mac shortcut.
The five modifier keys
| Key | Symbol | Windows counterpart | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Command | ⌘ | Ctrl | Most app shortcuts: copy, paste, save, undo, find |
| Option | ⌥ | Alt | Alternate characters, alternate menu items, option-drag to copy |
| Control | ⌃ | Ctrl (some uses) | Context menu with a click; a few app shortcuts |
| Shift | ⇧ | Shift | Extends selections; modifies other shortcuts |
| Fn | fn | Fn (laptops) | Function keys, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, forward delete |
How to read Mac shortcut symbols
Menus and documentation list modifiers as symbols, always in the same order: Control, Option, Shift, Command. So ⌃⌥⇧⌘K means hold Control, Option, Shift and Command together, then press K. Hold the modifiers first, then press the letter.
Which key does Excel use?
Excel for Mac follows the general rule (Command replaces Ctrl) but keeps Control for several shortcuts, because Command combinations are already claimed by macOS. Microsoft documents these examples:
| Task | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Paste Special | Ctrl+Alt+V | Cmd+Ctrl+V |
| Move to the edge of the data region | Ctrl+Arrow | Cmd+Arrow |
| Insert cells | Ctrl+Shift++ | Ctrl+Shift+= |
| Insert the current date | Ctrl+; | Ctrl+; |
| Insert the current time | Ctrl+Shift+; | Cmd+; |
The full list is in Mac Excel Keyboard Shortcuts: 30 Essential Shortcuts With Windows Equivalents.
How to change a modifier key
Open System Settings ▸ Keyboard ▸ Keyboard Shortcuts ▸ Modifier Keys.
If you have more than one keyboard connected, choose the keyboard from the dropdown at the top.
Pick a new action for the key you want to change, for example swap Option and Command.
This changes the key everywhere in macOS, so it is mainly useful for Windows keyboards where Alt and the Windows key sit in the opposite order from an Apple keyboard.
Common mistakes
Using Control where Command is needed. Ctrl+C on a Windows habit becomes ⌘C on a Mac.
Expecting Option to open menus. Tapping Option does nothing like tapping Alt in Windows Office. See What Is the Alt Key on a Mac? Where It Is, What Replaces It, and Alt vs Option.
Forgetting Fn. Function keys and Home, End, Page Up and Page Down on a MacBook need Fn.
FAQs
What is the Command key on a Mac?
The Command key (⌘) sits on either side of the space bar and runs most app shortcuts, such as copy, paste, save and undo.
What is the difference between Control and Command on a Mac?
Command is used for app shortcuts. Control is used for context menus (Control-click) and for a smaller set of shortcuts, including several in Excel.
What does the Globe key do?
On recent Macs the Fn key is also marked with a globe. Pressing it can switch input sources or open the emoji picker, depending on your keyboard settings.