The Mac Option key is a special key – also known as the Alt or Opt key. Compared with other operating systems, its func­tion­al­i­ties are similar to the Alt key on Windows computers in many respects.

Where can you find the Option key on Macs?

Two Option keys can usually be found on a Mac keyboard. They are po­si­tioned to the left and right of the space bar and are marked by the ⌥ symbol.

Image: Opt keys on a Mac keyboard
The Option keys on the Mac keyboard are found to the left and right of the space bar.
Note

On newer Mac keyboard models, the Option key sometimes bears the label “option”. On older models, you will find the term “alt” on the key.

What functions does the Mac Option key have?

The Mac Option key has different functions depending on the ap­pli­ca­tion and key com­bi­na­tion. The most common and probably most fre­quent­ly used commands are:

  • Copy files: If you would like to copy and move files in the Finder, hold down the Option key while dragging the files with the mouse. As soon as the mouse hovers over the desired location, let go, and a copy of the file will be saved in the re­spec­tive location. Holding the Command key in addition to the Option key while dragging will save an alias of the file.
  • Close all windows: Hold down the Option key and click on the “close window” symbol to close all open windows au­to­mat­i­cal­ly in the program currently in use. If a file contains any unsaved changes, you will be asked whether you wish to save the changes before closing the file. This function is very useful as a shortcut in Word or Finder, for example.
  • Special char­ac­ters: Some keys can be used to insert special char­ac­ters. For instance, pressing the Mac Option key with L will insert the @ symbol.
  • Navigate: In a text program, you can hold down the Option key and press the left and right arrows to navigate from one word to another.

Overview: ad­di­tion­al commands and com­bi­na­tions with the Mac Option key

Besides the functions already mentioned, there are many more ap­pli­ca­tions for the Mac Option key that enable faster controls. Here is an overview of some practical commands:

Key comĀ­biĀ­naĀ­tion Command
Option key + Command key + ESC The window to close apps imĀ­meĀ­diĀ­ateĀ­ly will launch. Select the corĀ­reĀ­spondĀ­ing apĀ­pliĀ­caĀ­tion and force it to close.
Option key + Command key + power button Puts your Mac to sleep.
CtrlĀ + Option key + Command key + power button Ends all running apps and then shuts down the Mac. If open documents contain unsaved changes, you will be asked whether you wish to save them.
Option key + Command key + L Opens the ā€œDownloadsā€ folder.
Option key + Command key + D Hides/shows the ā€œDockā€.
Option key + Command key + backspace If you have selected one or more files in the Finder, this key comĀ­biĀ­naĀ­tion allows you to delete the selected files imĀ­meĀ­diĀ­ateĀ­ly.
Option key + double-click Double-click on a folder in the Finder while holding down the Option key in order to open it in a new window and close the current window.
Option keyĀ + backspace Deletes the word to the left of the cursor.
Tip

To speed up work with your Apple device, there are even more Mac shortcuts available.

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