In this tutorial, we’ll go through the differences between the Mac’s command line and the Windows option key. We’ll also go through how to remap the keys so they work like they do on a Mac.
When Using Windows, Where Is the Option Key Located?
Possible causes of the absence of the option key on your keyboard are as follows:
- The option key has been removed from Mac keyboard layouts as of late. Instead, the “Alt” key performs the identical function and allows users to swiftly navigate their devices.
- Maybe you’re using a Windows keyboard with your Mac, and that’s why you’re having trouble finding the option keys. This hardware may not have a dedicated option key, but it is compatible with Mac software, so you shouldn’t have any problems using it.
Hardware from multiple computer companies rarely works together. However, Windows keyboards are user-friendly and a fantastic fit for Macs. They are manufactured in large quantities, too.
Find out that most models of the Mac keyboard you want are sold out when you go to the store. That is typically not a problem with Windows-based products. You won’t have to spend time relearning the locations of keys and functionalities on a Windows keyboard because of its standard layout.
You can probably touch type without looking at the keys after using the same keyboard for a year. Don’t buy a new Mac keyboard after upgrading; just keep using the one you have. This is why many Mac users who have made the switch from Windows computers keep their old keyboards connected through a USB cable.
Most Windows keyboards can be connected to Macs through a USB cable or Bluetooth, giving you more options for typing on your Mac. If you just have a Windows keyboard, you can still use your Mac normally.
You can still use the gadget and access the option-key-required features. When using a Windows computer, hitting the “Alt” key will perform the actions associated with the “Option” key in most software. A common location for the “Alt” key is just next to the Space bar.
What Happens When You Press the Option Key on a Windows Keyboard
Once you learn to use the Windows “Alt” key to activate the option command, you’ll have access to a number of shortcut keys in addition to the usual option-click.
Making Use Of A Choice Click
To do an alternative click, press and hold the “Alt” key. When you hold down the “Alt” key and click the mouse at the same time, the Apple computer will register the action.
Using a Shortcut Key on the Keyboard
The “Alt” button is where you’ll click if you want to use a keyboard shortcut that requires the “Option” key. Macs can tell when you’re trying to select an option and will respond accordingly.
Using the Apple Key for a Keyboard Shortcut
On Macs, you’ll need to press both the “Apple” and “option” keys for certain shortcuts. If that’s the case, press and hold the Windows and Alt keys simultaneously. When using a keyboard designed for a Windows computer with a Mac, the Windows key will be read as the Apple key.
Choices in the App’s Menu and the Alt Key
Many Mac applications have their own special way of using the option key. If you use it, you can access previously concealed options. As an example, consider the following well-known apps and how they function:
Safari
Safari’s “Close Windows” option transforms into “Close All Windows” when the “Alt” key is pressed. Like that, you can close all open windows by using the Alt key and tapping the “x” icon on any window. All Macs have this capability, and it works with the vast majority of software designed for the Mac platform.
Dock
In Dock, pressing the Alt key changes the “Quit” and “Hide” options to “Force Quit” and “Hide Others,” respectively.
iTunes
When you press and hold the Alt key, the “Create Playlist” menu option changes to “Create Smart Playlist.” Additionally, the iTunes window can be enlarged by holding the option key and clicking the “+” button at the top of the screen.
iPhoto
You can undo your toggle setting in iPhoto by pressing the option key. If you have your screen rotate to the right by default, pressing the option key will switch it to the left. When you hold down the Option key on a Mac, the order of any preference controls you can alter is reversed.
Using the Option Key for Mouse Actions
By holding down the “Alt” key while clicking with your left mouse button, you can activate a variety of useful features on your Mac. Option-clicking an application that isn’t active will cause the computer to conceal the one you’re presently using.
Instead, it will launch the programme selected in the context menu. In addition, holding down the option key while dragging a file will duplicate the file instead of moving it.
