Types of Command Key
Command keys, also known as modifier keys, are keys on a keyboard that modify the function of other keys when pressed in combination. Here are some common types of command keys along with their uses:
| Symbol | Description | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl | Control key | Ctrl+C (Copy), Ctrl+V (Paste) |
| Alt | Alternate key | Alt+Tab (Switch between open applications) |
| Shift | Shift key | Shift+Letter (Capitalizes the letter) |
| Cmd | Command key (on macOS) | Cmd+N (New window), Cmd+S (Save) |
| Win | Windows key (on Windows OS) | Win+D (Show desktop), Win+L (Lock computer) |
| Option | Option key (on macOS) | Option+Click (Perform alternative action in some apps) |
| Fn | Function key (on some keyboards) | Fn+F5 (Refresh), Fn+F11 (Fullscreen mode) |
Control (Ctrl):
Uses: Used for various keyboard shortcuts in conjunction with other keys to perform actions such as copy (Ctrl + C), paste (Ctrl + V), undo (Ctrl + Z), select all (Ctrl + A), etc. On Unix-like systems, it’s often used for system commands and shortcuts.
Shift:
Uses: Used to type capital letters and other alternate characters when pressed simultaneously with a letter or symbol key. It’s also used in combination with other keys for various shortcuts, such as Shift + Delete (permanent delete), Shift + arrow keys (selecting text), etc.
Alt (Alternate):
Uses: Used to access alternate characters or functions when pressed in combination with another key. It’s commonly used for shortcuts in Windows applications, such as Alt + Tab (switch between open windows), Alt + F4 (close the current window), etc. In Unix-like systems, it’s often used in the command line interface for various purposes.
Command (Cmd) / Meta (on Unix-like systems):
Uses: Primarily found on Apple keyboards, this key is used for various system-wide shortcuts on macOS. For example, Cmd + C (copy), Cmd + V (paste), Cmd + S (save), etc. On Unix-like systems, the Meta key has similar functionalities.
Option (Alt) / AltGr:
Uses: On macOS, the Option key is used for typing special characters, accents, and symbols. In Windows, it’s known as AltGr and is used to access additional characters, especially in conjunction with the Ctrl key. For example, AltGr + E produces the “€” symbol on many international keyboards.
Function (Fn):
Uses: Found on laptops and some compact keyboards, the Fn key is used to access additional functions assigned to other keys. These functions might include volume control, brightness adjustment, media playback controls, etc.
Windows Key / Super Key:
Uses: Found on Windows keyboards, this key is used for various system-wide shortcuts and functions in Windows operating systems. For example, Win + D (show desktop), Win + L (lock computer), Win + E (open File Explorer), etc. On Linux systems, it’s referred to as the Super key and is used for similar purposes.
These are some of the most common command keys found on keyboards, each serving different purposes and enabling various shortcuts and functions to enhance user productivity and efficiency.
What is a Command Key?
A Command Key, often referred to as the “Cmd” key, is a modifier key found on Apple keyboards. It is used to perform various commands, often in conjunction with other keys. The Command Key can be compared to the Control (Ctrl) key on Windows keyboards.
Alternatively called the Beanie key, Cloverleaf key, fan key, cmd key, open Apple key, or Command, the Command key is a key created by Susan Kare found on all Apple keyboards. The picture shows the Command key on the Apple keyboard next to the Control and Option keys. These keys are at the bottom of the keyboard next to the spacebar on Apple keyboards.
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