What is the Option key on Mac and what is it used for?

"What is the Option key on Mac and what is it used for?” This question is common among those who have recently migrated from Windows to Mac or vice versa. Similar questions also arise when installing Windows on an Apple computer or running macOS on a Microsoft computer. Among many other differences, The location, name and function of some keys varies considerably, which can lead to a bit of confusion and frustration.

Both Windows and macOS computers use a QWERTY-based keyboard. However, the function keys (the ones we use to execute commands with keyboard shortcuts) have notable differences. In this opportunity we will talk about The Option key on a Mac, what is its equivalent in Windows and what is it used for?.

What is the Option key on a Mac?

If you've just made the jump from Windows to Mac, you've probably noticed some differences in the keyboard on your new computer. As we said, both Windows and Mac have QWERTY keys. So, There is no complication when writing letters, numbers and other signs.But the same does not happen with modifier or function keys.

The modifier keys Modifier keys are those that, when pressed together with another key, execute a special action. On their own, they usually do not have any function, although this depends on the configuration of the program being run. On the keyboard, modifier keys are located on the bottom row, on either side of the space bar.

In the Windows computers, the function keys are Control (Ctrl), Windows (Command Prompt), Alt (Alternate), Alt Gr (Alternate Graphic), Function (Fn), Shift (⇧), and Caps Lock (⇪). Each of these keys is used to execute commands, type special characters, and access additional functions. It is understandable that many generic keyboards have these symbols, since Windows is the most widely used operating system in the world.

Similarly, the Apple computer keyboards (laptops and desktops) have their own modifier keys. They are also located on the bottom row, between the space bar, but they do not have the same name as the Windows ones, nor do they perform the same commands. These keys are Command (⌘), Shift (⇧), Control (ˆ), Function (Fn), Caps Lock (⇪), and the Option key on Mac (⌥).

So the Option key on Mac is a modifier key that isIt is located between the Control and Command keys.There are usually two of these keys on Apple keyboards: one on the bottom left and one on the bottom right. The symbol U+2325 ⌥ OPTION KEY is used to represent it, so it is easily identifiable.

Which key in Windows corresponds to the Option key on Mac

Now, what key in Windows corresponds to the Option key on Mac? Even though it doesn't perform exactly the same functions, The Alt key in Windows is the closest equivalent to the Option key on MacIn fact, on older Mac keyboard models, the Option key was called Alt.

So, if you are using an Apple keyboard while running the Windows operating system (on the same computer), the Option key will function as the Alt key. On the other hand, if you have just switched from Windows to Mac, or vice versa, you will notice that Some of the functions of the Alt key do not correspond to those of the Option key (and vice versa). To make things clearer, let's review the uses of the Option key on a Mac.

What is the Option key used for on a Mac?

Next, we will see what are the most common uses of the Option key on Mac. This key, along with the other modifier keys, are essential to run Mac keyboard shortcutsLearning how to use them will save you a lot of time, especially if it's your first time putting your fingers on an Apple keyboard. And if you're coming from Windows, you'll immediately notice both the similarities and differences with the Alt key.

One of the most common uses of the Option key is to writing special characters and accents. If you press Option together with a letter, you can get a special character or letters with accents from different languages. For example, Option + e produces é. With this key it is also possible to write mathematical symbols such as π (pi) or √ (square root).

The Option key on Mac also allows you to access alternative menus. If you hold it down while clicking an item, a context menu often appears with additional options that aren't visible by default. Also, in some cases pressing Option changes the action of a menu item. For example, if you press Option + Close in Finder, the action is changed to closing all windows.

If you combine the Option key with others, you can access keyboard shortcuts very useful, just like the Alt key in Windows. The Option key is often combined with Command to perform actions such as minimizing all windows, creating folders, or force-closing an app. It can also be combined with other modifier keys, such as Control and Shift, to execute different commands.

Other uses of Option on Mac computers

However There's more you can do with the Option key on MacFor example, the Option + A combination is used to select all text within an application. Pressing Option + Right/Left arrow moves the cursor to the end or beginning of the next word. Likewise, within Safari or another web browser, the Option key allows you to open links in new tabs or windows.

Depending on the application or program you are using, The Option key on Mac gives you access to different specific functions. Therefore, it is worth exploring the full potential of this key as you use your new Mac computer. You will see that it will take you no time to learn and master all the shortcuts and functions hidden behind this small and useful key.