Where is the ALT key on Mac?

The ALT key on Mac is called "Option" and is marked with the symbol ⌥. It is located to the left and right of the spacebar, between the Control/Command keys.

What is the ALT key called on Mac?

The ALT key on Mac is called "Option key". Both terms (ALT and Option) can be used synonymously.

What function does the Option key have on Mac?

The Option key shows alternative menu assignments and is used for keyboard shortcuts. It allows direct execution of actions without confirmation.

The Alt Key on Mac: Your Complete Guide to the Option Key

By Sadaghian Team • October 15, 2023

Unlock the full potential of your Mac keyboard with the versatile Option/Alt key

What is the Alt Key on Mac?

The Alt key on Mac, officially called the Option key, is one of the most versatile modifier keys on your keyboard. Located on either side of the Command key, it unlocks a world of hidden functions, special characters, and powerful shortcuts that many Mac users never discover.

Whether you're switching from Windows or have been using Mac for years, mastering the Option key will significantly enhance your productivity and unlock features you didn't know existed.

Option vs Alt: Understanding the Naming

On Mac keyboards, you'll see this key labeled as either "Option" or both "Option" and "Alt" (⌥ alt). They are the same key:

Option: Apple's preferred name since 1984
Alt: Added for Windows compatibility
Symbol: ⌥ (represents a switch or alternate path)

Fun Fact: The ⌥ symbol represents a railway switch, symbolizing the key's function of providing alternate paths or options.

Location and Variations

Standard Mac Keyboard Layout:

Left Option: Between Control and Command keys
Right Option: Between Command and Control keys (on extended keyboards)

Keyboard Variations:

MacBook Keyboards

Two Option keys flanking the spacebar

Magic Keyboard

Option keys on both sides

Third-Party Keyboards

May show "Alt" instead of "Option"

Essential Option Key Functions

1. Special Characters and Symbols

The Option key is your gateway to hundreds of special characters:

Key Combination	Character	Description
`Option` + `2`	™	Trademark
`Option` + `G`	©	Copyright
`Option` + `R`	®	Registered
`Option` + `8`	•	Bullet point
`Option` + `-`	–	En dash
`Option` + `Shift` + `-`	—	Em dash
`Option` + `0`	º	Degree
`Option` + `V`	√	Square root

2. Accented Characters

Create accented characters for multiple languages:

Option + E, then vowel = acute accent (é, á, í, ó, ú)
Option + `, then vowel = grave accent (è, à, ì, ò, ù)
Option + I, then vowel = circumflex (ê, â, î, ô, û)
Option + U, then vowel = umlaut (ë, ä, ï, ö, ü)
Option + N, then n = tilde (ñ)

3. Currency Symbols

`Option` + `3`	£ (Pound)
`Option` + `4`	¢ (Cent)
`Option` + `Y`	¥ (Yen)
`Option` + `Shift` + `2`	€ (Euro)

System-Wide Option Key Shortcuts

File Management:

Option + Command + V = Move (cut and paste) files
Option + drag file = Create copy instead of moving
Option + Command + D = Show/hide Dock
Option + click disclosure triangle = Expand all folders

Window Management:

Option + click green button = Maximize window differently
Option + click minimize = Minimize all windows
Option + Command + M = Minimize all windows
Option + Command + W = Close all windows

System Functions:

Option + click Wi-Fi icon = Show network details
Option + click Bluetooth = Show device details
Option + click Sound icon = Select audio device
Option + click Notification Center = Turn on Do Not Disturb

Option Key in Applications

Finder:

Option + Command + Space = Open Finder search window
Option + Command + I = Show Inspector
Option + double-click = Open in new window and close current
Option + Command + Y = Full-screen Quick Look

Safari:

Option + Command + F = Google search field
Option + click link = Download linked file
Option + Command + L = Show Downloads
Option + Return in address bar = Open in new tab

Text Editing:

Option + Delete = Delete word to left
Option + Forward Delete = Delete word to right
Option + ←/→ = Move by word
Option + ↑/↓ = Move by paragraph

Hidden Option Key Features

Menu Bar Secrets:

Hold Option while clicking menu bar items to reveal hidden options:

Apple Menu: Shows "System Information" instead of "About This Mac"
Wi-Fi: Displays detailed network information
Battery: Shows battery condition
Time Machine: Offers "Verify Backups" option

Boot Options:

Hold Option during startup for special boot modes:

Startup Manager: Choose boot disk
With other keys: Access Recovery, Diagnostics, etc.

Force Actions:

Option + Command + Esc = Force Quit menu
Option + Command + Power = Force sleep
Option + Empty Trash = Skip confirmation

Option Key for Developers

Programming Symbols:

`Option` + `7`	\|	Pipe
`Option` + `8`	[	Left bracket
`Option` + `9`	]	Right bracket
`Option` + `5`	{	Left brace
`Option` + `6`	}	Right brace
`Option` + `N`	~	Tilde

Terminal Shortcuts:

Option + click = Position cursor
Option + ←/→ = Navigate by word
Option + . = Insert last argument

Differences: Mac vs Windows Alt Key

Function	Windows (Alt)	Mac (Option)
Menu access	Alt + letter	Control + F2
Special characters	Alt + number codes	Option + key
Window switching	Alt + Tab	Command + Tab
Close window	Alt + F4	Command + W

For Windows Switchers:

When switching from Windows to Mac, remember:

Many Windows Alt shortcuts use Command on Mac
Option is primarily for alternate characters and functions
Option often reveals hidden features
Option + Command combinations are very powerful

Customizing the Option Key

System Preferences:

Go to System Settings → Keyboard
Click "Modifier Keys"
Remap Option to another function if needed

Third-Party Tools:

Karabiner-Elements: Advanced key remapping
BetterTouchTool: Custom shortcuts
Keyboard Maestro: Macro creation

Accessibility Options:

Sticky Keys: Press modifiers sequentially
Slow Keys: Adjust key press timing
Mouse Keys: Use keyboard for mouse control

Troubleshooting Option Key Issues

Option Key Not Working:

Check Keyboard Viewer: System Settings → Keyboard → Show Input menu
Test both Option keys: One might work if other fails
Reset NVRAM: Hold Option + Command + P + R on startup
Check for debris: Clean under the key carefully
Try external keyboard: Isolate hardware issues

Stuck Option Key:

Press Option key several times firmly
Use compressed air around the key
Check Accessibility settings for Sticky Keys
Restart your Mac

Pro Tips for Option Key Mastery

Explore menus: Hold Option while browsing menus to discover hidden options
Combine modifiers: Try Option + Command + other keys for advanced functions
Context matters: Option key behavior changes based on active application
Practice special characters: Memorize frequently used symbols
Use Keyboard Viewer: Visual reference for all Option combinations

Power User Tip:

Create a cheat sheet of your most-used Option key combinations and keep it near your workspace until they become second nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called both Option and Alt?

Apple originally named it Option to reflect its function of providing options or alternatives. "Alt" was added later for compatibility with PC keyboards and Windows switchers.

Can I use a Windows keyboard on Mac?

Yes! The Windows Alt key functions as Option on Mac. You may need to adjust modifier keys in System Settings → Keyboard → Modifier Keys.

How do I type the Apple logo ?

Press Option + Shift + K to type the Apple logo. Note: It may not display correctly on non-Apple devices.

What's the difference between left and right Option keys?

Functionally, they're identical for most uses. Some specialized software or games might distinguish between them, but macOS treats them the same.

How can I see all possible Option key combinations?

Enable Keyboard Viewer from System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources → Show Input menu in menu bar. Then hold Option to see all available characters.