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Apple Secrets

Unlock Your Mac’s Potential: The Essential Option Key Guide

Discover Hidden Shortcuts and Productivity Hacks to Supercharge Your macOS Experience

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Apple Secrets
Nov 21, 2025
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Your Mac’s keyboard is a treasure trove of shortcuts, but none is as versatile—or as overlooked—as the Option key. Labeled “Alt” on some keyboards, this modest modifier unlocks a wealth of hidden features, streamlines file management, and reveals capabilities you might never discover on your own. Mastering these Option key secrets can transform how you work with macOS, turning everyday tasks into swift, seamless actions.

From surfacing in-depth system information to optimizing window management, the Option key is your pathway to smarter, more efficient workflows. Here are some of the most effective shortcuts to help you get more from your Mac.

Take Control of Files and Folders

Finder’s true power comes alive when you introduce the Option key. These handy shortcuts let you organize files with precision and save valuable time.

  • Copy Files Instantly: Hold Option while dragging a file to another folder to create a copy, leaving the original unchanged.

  • Move Files Effortlessly: Want to move inste…

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