macOS Finder Shortcuts
macOS Finder keyboard shortcuts with key combinations, actions, and usage notes.
How to use this reference
Use this category reference to find shortcuts for the platform shown. Start with the section for your operating system, read the action and description, and try the shortcut in an appropriate application. Keys joined with a plus sign are held together; alternatives let you choose the combination that works on your keyboard. A gesture requires a compatible touchpad or touch screen rather than a physical keyboard.
Before practicing, check which window has focus. Text fields, browser tabs, terminal sessions, and system dialogs can interpret the same keys differently. Save any open work before testing commands that close a window, delete content, or change system settings. Accessibility commands may need to be enabled in settings first, and a laptop may require the Fn key for function keys. If a combination is intercepted by an application or a custom keymap, consult its built-in help and your operating system settings. Follow the full platform guide for related commands and additional context.
macOS
| Action | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Selected Item | Cmd + O | Open the selected file or folder |
| Quick Look | Space | Preview a file without opening its app |
| Get Info | Cmd + I | Open the Info panel showing file details |
| Show Path Bar | Cmd + Option + P | Toggle the path bar at the bottom of Finder |
| Show/Hide Sidebar | Cmd + Option + S | Toggle the Finder sidebar |
| Show/Hide Toolbar | Cmd + Option + T | Toggle the Finder toolbar |
| Go to Home Folder | Cmd + Shift + H | Navigate to your Home folder |
| Go to Desktop | Cmd + Shift + D | Navigate to the Desktop folder |
| Go to Downloads | Cmd + Option + L | Navigate to the Downloads folder |
| Go to Applications | Cmd + Shift + A | Navigate to the Applications folder |
| Connect to Server | Cmd + K | Connect to a network server or file share |
| Eject | Cmd + E | Eject the selected disk or drive |
| Create Alias | Cmd + L | Create an alias (shortcut) of the selected item |
| Show Original | Cmd + R | Show the original file that an alias points to |
| Sort by Name | Ctrl + Option + 1 | Sort Finder window contents by name |
| Icon View | Cmd + 1 | Switch to Icon view in Finder |
| List View | Cmd + 2 | Switch to List view in Finder |
| Column View | Cmd + 3 | Switch to Column view in Finder |
| Gallery View | Cmd + 4 | Switch to Gallery view in Finder |