Finder keyboard shortcuts: the 20 worth learning

The Finder shortcuts that save real time: new windows and tabs, jumping to folders, moving files, showing hidden files and the path, all in one table.

Guide · Updated 22 October 2026

Which Finder shortcuts are worth learning first?

Do thisPress
New window⌘ N
New tab⌘ T
Go to any folder by path⇧ ⌘ G
Go up one folder⌘ ↑
Open the selected item⌘ ↓
Quick LookSpace
RenameReturn
Move to the Trash⌘ ⌫
Move a copied file here⌥ ⌘ V
Duplicate⌘ D
New folder⇧ ⌘ N
Show hidden files⇧ ⌘ .
Show path bar⌥ ⌘ P
Show sidebar⌃ ⌘ S
Show preview pane⇧ ⌘ P
Get Info⌘ I
Icons, list, columns, gallery⌘ 1 to ⌘ 4
Downloads⌥ ⌘ L
Home folder⇧ ⌘ H
Finder search window from anywhere⌥ ⌘ Space

How do I jump to a file by typing?

In any Finder window, start typing a file's name. The selection jumps to the first match. Press ⌘ ↓ to open it.

How do I close all Finder windows at once?

Press ⌥ ⌘ W. To merge every Finder window into tabs of one instead, choose Window, Merge All Windows.

How do I find a shortcut I have forgotten?

Press ⇧ ⌘ / to open the Help menu and type part of the command's name. The menu item is highlighted, with its shortcut beside it. See find any menu command.

More for Finder: show and copy file paths and cut and paste files.

Questions

How do I show hidden files on a Mac?

In Finder, press Shift Command period. Press it again to hide them.

What is the shortcut to go to a folder in Finder?

Shift Command G, then type or paste the path.

How do I rename a file with the keyboard on Mac?

Select it and press Return.

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