macOS vs Ubuntu Linux Keyboard Shortcuts — Side-by-Side

The biggest difference is the modifier key: macOS uses ⌘ (Command) for most app shortcuts (⌘+C, ⌘+Z, ⌘+Tab), while Ubuntu Linux uses Ctrl. System shortcuts also differ significantly: macOS uses Ctrl+⌘+Q to lock, while Ubuntu uses Ctrl+Alt+L. Terminal shortcuts are different too: on Mac you use ⌘+C/V in the terminal, while on Linux it's Ctrl+Shift+C/V.

On macOS, use Ctrl+← and Ctrl+→ to move between Spaces (virtual desktops), or swipe with three fingers on the trackpad. On Ubuntu Linux (GNOME), use Ctrl+Alt+← and Ctrl+Alt+→. Both let you create new desktops — macOS via Mission Control (Ctrl+↑ → + button), Ubuntu via the Activities overview (Super key → + button).

On Ubuntu Linux, press Ctrl+Alt+T to open a GNOME terminal instantly — this is a built-in shortcut. On macOS there's no system-wide shortcut by default; the fastest way is ⌘+Space (Spotlight) and type 'Terminal'. You can set a custom shortcut for Terminal in System Settings → Keyboard → Keyboard Shortcuts → App Shortcuts.

On Ubuntu (GNOME), pressing the Super key opens the Activities overview with a search bar that finds apps, files, settings, and installed applications — similar to Spotlight. For a more Spotlight-like experience, install GNOME Dash to Dock and use a launcher extension like Albert or Ulauncher.