If you've recently switched from Windows, you may be wondering where the Alt key is on the Mac. Well, you won't find the Alt key, because Macs have a different name for it. Since you'll be using that key for a variety of purposes, you need to know how it works in order to take advantage of some useful Mac shortcuts and get the most out of your keyboard. Read on to learn where the Alt key is on a Mac keyboard and how you can use it to its full potential. Go ahead!
Where is the Alt key on a Mac?
Mac computers do not have an Alt key. Rather, they have a corresponding Alt key named "Options". The Alt key, i.e. the Option key on macOS, is on either side of the space bar. Newer Macs have the ⌥ symbol on the option key, while the older devices have an alt label above the option key.
If you've been on Windows, you're used to using the Alt key combinations to reboot, move to the top/bottom of a window, or switch between apps. On Mac computers, many of these functions are fulfilled by the Command key. So the Alt key serves a different purpose.
In fact, the Alt (Option) key can perform important functions such as inserting special characters and symbols. It also offers some really handy shortcuts, for example the Option + Shift + K shortcut lets you type the Apple logo on a Mac.
