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. Shut down your Mac. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R. Turn on your Mac. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys immediately after you hear the startup sound. Hold these keys until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for a second time. Release the keys.

1. Mac Control Key Shortcuts
2. Option Key Mac Startup

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.

1. What functions does the Mac Option key have?

Press 'Alt' on your PC keyboard when you need to 'Option Click'. Your computer will detect an. When your Mac powers up, it normally uses the system on its internal hard drive unless you change this behavior by choosing System Preferences@@→Startup Disk. You can also change what your Mac does by holding down the following keys or key combinations during startup. Print these boot option keys, because they’re particularly helpful to have. If for any reason you are using a PC keyboard with Mac OS X you may need to use some abbreviations that require the Option button. But in the previous lines of this guide, I specified that the Option key coincides with Alt, so if you use a Windows keyboard just press the Alt button to signal the option to OSX. Likewise, the Windows / Microsoft button coincides with Command while there are no.

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.

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:

Mac Control Key Shortcuts

• 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:

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

Option Key Mac Startup