Question: I'm using a Windows keyboard connected to my Mac. What are the equivalent keys that correspond to the Mac's special keys?

I just switched from a PC to a Mac. I'd like to use my Windows keyboard, but it seems to be missing some keys. For example, what is the command key I keep hearing about?

Answer:

Newcomers and old pros alike use Windows keyboards with Macs. Why toss a perfectly good keyboard, just because you switched platforms?

In fact, Apple even sells the Mac Mini without a keyboard or mouse, allowing customers to supply their own. There's just one little thing wrong with this picture: figuring out some of the keyboard equivalents.

There are five keys that may 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. For example, a software manual may tell you to hold down the command key, which appears to be missing from your Windows keyboard. It's there; it just looks a little different.

Here are the five most commonly used special keys on a Mac, and their Windows keyboard equivalents.

Mac key	Windows key
Control	Ctrl
Option	Alt
Command (four leaf clover)	Windows
Delete	Backspace
Return	Enter

 

Once you know the keyboard equivalents, you can use them to control various Mac functions, including using Mac OS X Startup Shortcuts.

Another helpful bit of information for new Mac users is to know which menu key symbols correspond to which keys on the keyboard.

The symbols used in the Mac menus can be a bit strange to those new to the Mac, as well as old hands who may be more mousers than keyboard users. Say Hello to Your Mac's Keyboard Modifier Keys?, will explain the symbols and how they map to your keyboard.

Published: 1/8/2008

Updated: 4/6/2015