Keyboard symbols.
The symbols Apple uses for modifier and special keys, decoded — tap any one to copy it.
Modifier keys
| Symbol | Key | Also called |
|---|---|---|
| ⌘ | Command | Cmd, Apple key |
| ⌥ | Option | Alt |
| ⇧ | Shift | |
| ⌃ | Control | Ctrl |
| ⇪ | Caps Lock | |
| fn | Function | Fn |
Editing & whitespace
| Symbol | Key | Also called |
|---|---|---|
| ↩ | Return | Enter |
| ⌤ | Enter | Keypad Enter |
| ⌫ | Delete | Backspace |
| ⌦ | Forward Delete | Del |
| ⇥ | Tab | |
| ⇤ | Back-tab | Shift-Tab |
| ␣ | Space | Spacebar |
| ⎋ | Escape | Esc |
Arrows & navigation
| Symbol | Key | Also called |
|---|---|---|
| ← | Left arrow | |
| → | Right arrow | |
| ↑ | Up arrow | |
| ↓ | Down arrow | |
| ⇞ | Page Up | PgUp |
| ⇟ | Page Down | PgDn |
| ↖ | Home | |
| ↘ | End |
Other keys
| Symbol | Key | Also called |
|---|---|---|
| ⏏ | Eject | |
| ⌽ | Power | |
| ⊞ | Windows key | Win, Super |
Reading Mac shortcuts
Apple writes keyboard shortcuts with symbols rather than words, both in menus and in documentation, which is why ⌘⇧4 means "hold Command and Shift, then press 4". The four you'll see constantly are ⌘ Command, ⌥ Option, ⇧ Shift and ⌃ Control; the rest cover special keys like Return (↩), Delete (⌫), Escape (⎋) and Tab (⇥). One common source of confusion: ⌫ is the normal backspace-style delete that removes the character to the left, while ⌦ is "forward delete", which removes the character to the right. These are real Unicode characters, so you can tap to copy one and paste it into your own notes, docs or a cheatsheet. For the full key combos by app, browse the Mac shortcuts cheatsheet.