Mastering iPad Keyboard Shortcuts

Step by step

1. 30 sec

   View the shortcut overlay

   Press and hold the Command (⌘) key on your keyboard while in any application. A HUD will appear on the screen listing the available system and app-specific shortcuts for your current context. Release the key to hide the overlay.

   Note: The overlay only displays shortcuts compatible with the app currently in the foreground.
2. 1 min

   Switch between active applications

   Hold the Command (⌘) key and tap the Tab key once to open the App Switcher. Continue holding Command (⌘) and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through your open applications. Release Command (⌘) to select the highlighted app.

   Note: Command (⌘) + Tab
3. 30 sec

   Trigger Spotlight Search

   Press the Command (⌘) key followed by the Space bar to instantly open the Spotlight search bar. Type the name of an app, contact, or file to search your device. Press Return to launch the selected result.

   Note: Command (⌘) + Space
4. 1 min

   Perform text editing operations

   Use standard modifier keys to manage text selection and formatting. Press Command (⌘) + A to select all text, Command (⌘) + C to copy, Command (⌘) + V to paste, and Command (⌘) + Z to undo the previous action.

   Note: These shortcuts function identically to their desktop macOS equivalents.
5. 30 sec

   Capture the screen

   Press Command (⌘) + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen. Alternatively, press Command (⌘) + Shift + 4 to capture the screen and immediately open the Markup tool for instant editing.

   Note: Command (⌘) + Shift + 3
6. 1 min

   Customize modifier keys

   Navigate to Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard > Modifier Keys. From this menu, you can remap Caps Lock, Control, Option, and Command keys to better suit your workflow preferences.

   Note: Reverting changes is possible by tapping Restore Defaults in the same menu.