Option Key (and Command Key) Tips

• When dragging a file or folder in the Finder, hold down the Option key to force the file (or folder) to be copied (Command-D also does this, but the file might still need to be moved to its preferred location.)
• To make an Alias of an icon, drag it to your designated location holding down both the Command and Option keys.
• To go to the Finder and 'hide' the current Application you are using, either click on the Desktop while holding the Option key, or hold the Option key and choose Finder from the Application Menu. Then choose Hide Others to only display the Finder.

• Opening a folder (or program) while holding the Option key will close the previous folder that you opened.
• Closing a folder while holding the Option key will close all open folders. (Hence Command-Option-W closes all open folders.)
• In the Finder, Command-clicking the Folder name on the Title bar of a folder, displays a hierarchical menu to assist navigation back through the recently opened folders.

• Control strip items can be removed or repositioned by holding the 'Option' key and draging the item to the trash or its new position.
• Option clicking the zoom box opens the window to full screen.
• Option clicking the Collapse box collapses (and opens) all currently opened windows.
• Command dragging a window (dragging the title bar) to a new location, moves it without making it active.
• After clicking on an icon, if you press the Delete key whilst holding the Command key, the icon will fly into the Trash.

There are many more keyboard shortcuts available when using your Macintosh computer, particularly with the Command key in all of your Applications. It is best to frequently use your favorite shortcuts, and expand on these to build your power as a creative user. All users should be aware of the common Command-key application shotcuts; Command S- save, P-print, Q-quit, Z-undo, X-cut, C-copy, and V-paste.

Refer to your Mac OS Help file for a very comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts.