Not sure where the “Command” key is on your keyboard or what to hit for “Cmd”? Find out here how to locate the “Command” (Cmd) key on your Mac, Windows PC or Unix keyboard.
First, Flies Do It with Their Legs
That is why they are so busy cleaning them. The myriad of taste receptors on a fly’s legs easily collects dust and dirt, and that prevents their finding—and properly appreciating—food.
You need not step on your keyboard, though, to find the proper keys for shortcuts on your Mac; you can do it by touch, perhaps, and by eye—if you know what you are seeking:
Where the Mac Command (Cmd) Key Is on Any Keyboard (Mac and PC)
To find the Command key for macOS keyboard shortcuts, look for the following on your physical keyboard.
Command Key on a Mac Keyboard
On a Mac keyboard, you will find the Command key labeled with its name (or an abbreviation) as well as the Command key symbol (famously also the sign for sights of interest on Swedish camping ground maps).
- Captions: command, cmd
- Symbol: ⌘
There are typically two Command keys, one directly to the left and one immediately to the right of the Space bar
Apple key: The Command key is also called the Apple key at times, because before the Gorgon loop symbol, the Apple logo ( ) was planned to appear on the key (and in keyboard shortcuts in menus).
Command Key on a Windows PC Keyboard
On a Windows keyboard, the key corresponding to the Command key (if you use the keyboard with a Mac) is usually the Windows key and labelled with its caption or a label or both.
- Captions: Windows, Win
- Symbol: ⊞
On a PC keyboard, the Command key is typically the second key to the left of the Space bar; it is to the left of the Alt (Option) key.
Command Key on a Unix Keyboard
On a Unix keyboard, the key that works as the Mac Command key is the Meta key, usually labelled with its symbol (and sometimes the name).
- Captions: Meta, META
- Symbol: ◆
The Meta key is usually just to the left and right of the Space bar. Sometimes, it switches places with the Alt (Option) key, though.
Where the Mac Command Key Is on Any Keyboard: Overview
| Keyboard | Captions | Images |
|---|---|---|
| Mac | command cmd | ⌘ |
| Windows | Win Windows | ⊞ |
| Unix | Meta META | ◆ |
Where the Mac Command (Cmd) Key Is on Any Keyboard (Mac and PC): FAQ
What is the function of the Command key?
The Command key is the most prominent key for executing commands with the keyboard. It is
- part of most keyboard shortcuts in macOS.
Example: Command is the standard key for copying (Command C) and pasting (Command V), for instance.
Can I change the function of the special keys on my physical keyboard?
Yes.
To change the mapping of your function keys with macOS:
- Click the Apple logo in the menu bar.
- Select System Preferences… from the menu that has appeared.
- Go to the Keyboard section.
- Make sure you are on the Keyboard tab.
- Click Modifier Keys….
Find the setting fast: You can also start typingmodifier keysin the System Preferences window’s Search field and use the Reset modifier keys auto-completion suggestion to open this setting directly. - Choose the keyboard connected to your Mac you want to change under Select keyboard:.
- Now choose the function you want each key to perform.
Fn: While you are mostly free to map keys, only the Function (fn) Key can typically perform the fn Function function.
Defaults: To quickly restore the default configuration, click Restore Defaults. - Click OK.
Locating Other Special Mac Keys
Option: Where the Mac “Option” Key Is on Any Keyboard
Control: How to find the Mac “Control” (“Ctrl”) Key on Any Keyboard
Where Is the Mac Shift Key?
To find the Shift key on your physical keyboard, look for any of the following:
| Keyboard | Captions | Images |
|---|---|---|
| Mac | shift | ⇧ |
| Windows | Shift Mayús | ⇧ |
The Shift key lets you type uppercase letters or access a letter’s alternate symbol; it is also part of many a macOS keyboard shortcut.
Where Is the Mac Function Key?
To locate on your keyboard the Function key, look for any of the following:
| Keyboard | Captions | Images |
|---|---|---|
| Mac | fn | |
| Windows | Fn |
The Function key is used in combination with the F1 to F12 keys, for example, but also functions in keyboard shortcuts.
(Where the Mac Command (Cmd) key Is on any keyboard tested with macOS Sonoma 14.2, Ventura 13.1, Monterey 12.0 and Big Sur 11.1; updated January 2024)