Using the Trackpad Keyboard and Shortcuts

Build confidence with gestures, clicks, text editing and essential Mac keyboard shortcuts.

What you will learn

• Use common trackpad gestures
• Understand Mac modifier keys
• Apply dependable editing and screenshot shortcuts

Before you begin

Use non-sensitive practice files and save your work before changing settings. Menu names can vary with the macOS version and MacBook model, so use System Settings search or the Help menu when an option is not immediately visible.

Control the trackpad

A click selects and a double-click opens. A two-finger click or Control-click opens a shortcut menu. Two-finger movement scrolls through a page.

Gestures such as pinch, swipe and Mission Control can be reviewed and demonstrated in Trackpad settings. Change one option at a time.

Learn modifier keys

Command is used for many common shortcuts. Option changes or reveals choices, Control supports shortcuts and contextual actions, Shift modifies selection, and the Fn or Globe key accesses additional functions.

Mac shortcuts may differ from Windows. Read the symbols shown beside menu commands and practise a small useful set.

Edit and capture

Command-C copies, Command-X cuts, Command-V pastes, Command-Z undoes and Command-S saves. Command-A selects all in the active context.

Shift-Command-3 captures the screen, while Shift-Command-4 selects an area. Review screenshots for private information before sharing.

Guided practice

1. Practise primary click, two-finger click, scrolling and dragging.
2. Copy, paste and undo a sentence in TextEdit.
3. Capture a non-sensitive area of the screen and locate the file.

Knowledge check

1. How do you open a shortcut menu on a trackpad?
2. Which modifier is used for most common Mac shortcuts?
3. Which shortcut captures a selected area?

Completion standard

Continue when you can complete the guided practice safely and explain the knowledge-check answers in your own words.