How are the Control ⌃, Option ⌥, Command ⌘ keys different on Mac than on Windows?

Mac Keyboard Keys Explained for New Windows Users
If you’ve recently switched from Windows to Mac, you might be confused by the names and functions of certain keys—especially the three main ones: Control (⌃), Option (⌥), and Command (⌘). This article will walk you through what each key does and how they compare to Windows keys in a clear, simple way.

🔰 Understanding the 3 Main Mac Keys

Mac Key                        Main Function                                                                Windows Equivalent
⌘ Command |    Used with other keys to perform actions (e.g., copy)   |              Ctrl
⌥ Option       |    Types special characters, adds alternate functions     |               Alt
⌃ Control       |    Used for right-click and Terminal shortcuts                  |        Ctrl (specific use)

⌘ Command – The Star of macOS

The Command key is the primary shortcut key on Mac, replacing Ctrl on Windows.

   Action                    Mac Shortcut                Windows Shortcut
   Copy               |            ⌘ + C                   |              Ctrl + C
  Paste               |            ⌘ + V                   |              Ctrl + V
  Undo                |            ⌘ + Z                   |              Ctrl + Z
Open Spotlight |           ⌘ + Space           |                  N/A
Switch Apps       |          ⌘ + Tab                |              Alt + Tab

⌥ Option – The Secret Weapon for Power Users

The Option key serves multiple roles, including typing symbols and modifying commands.

  Usage                                                      Example
Type symbols                            |      ⌥ + G = ©, ⌥ + 2 = ™
Delete entire word                   |           ⌥ + Delete
Move cursor by word                |            ⌥ + → / ←
Reveal hidden menu options  |         ⌥ + click Wi-Fi icon

⌃ Control – For Specialized Use

Control is not the main shortcut key like on Windows, but it's essential for specific actions:

  Usage                                        Example
Right-click                    |          Control + Click
Terminal commands   |    Ctrl + C (stop), Ctrl + D (exit)
Lock screen                  |           ⌃ + ⌘ + Q

🧩 Quick Comparison Table

Common Action                   Windows Shortcut           Mac Shortcut
Copy                               |                   Ctrl + C             |       ⌘ + C
Paste                              |                   Ctrl + V             |       ⌘ + V
Undo                              |                   Ctrl + Z              |       ⌘ + Z
Switch Apps                  |                   Alt + Tab            |       ⌘ + Tab
Lock Screen                  |                  Win + L                |      ⌃ + ⌘ + Q
Right-click                     |                 Right-click           |    Control + Click

🎓 Summary for Beginners

If you’re new to macOS, just start by treating Command (⌘) as the new Ctrl, and you’ll adapt quickly. Understanding Option and Control will unlock more advanced capabilities over time.

Let me know if you’d like a visual keyboard guide or Mac shortcut cheat shee