Let’s be honest: the iPad has evolved far beyond a device we just use to watch movies on a plane or scroll through photos on the couch. With the introduction of iPadOS and the magic of accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio, your iPad is likely your go-to device for getting real work done. Whether you are typing up a term paper, managing a busy inbox, or organizing a family vacation, the iPad is a powerhouse.
However, if you are constantly lifting your hands off the keyboard to tap the screen, you are breaking your flow. Every time you reach out to touch an icon or swipe a window, you lose a micro-second of focus. The secret to transforming your iPad from a giant iPhone into a true laptop replacement lies in mastering keyboard shortcuts. Once you build the muscle memory, you will fly through tasks with a speed you didn't think was possible on a tablet.
Don't worry if you aren't a tech wizard. If you can type, you can master these shortcuts. We have rounded up the most practical, time-saving commands that every everyday Apple user needs to know to speed up their workflow.
Pro Tip: Most of these shortcuts use the Command (⌘) key, which is located right next to the spacebar. If you are coming from a Windows PC, think of this as your new "Control" key.
1. Navigate Your System Without Touching the Screen
The biggest friction point when using an iPad with a keyboard is navigation. You are typing away, and suddenly you need to switch apps or go back to the home screen. Instinct tells you to reach up and swipe, but there is a much faster way. By keeping your hands on the keys, you stay in the "zone."
Here are the essential navigation shortcuts that act as your command center:
- Command (⌘) + H: Go to the Home Screen. This is the equivalent of swiping up from the bottom of the screen. One tap and you are back to base.
- Command (⌘) + Tab: Switch between open apps. Hold down Command and tap Tab repeatedly to cycle through your most recently used apps. Release to switch. It is incredibly fast for moving between your email and your calendar.
- Command (⌘) + Space: Open Spotlight Search. This is arguably the most powerful shortcut on the iPad. You can use this to launch apps (just type the name and hit enter), search the web, find a contact, or even do quick math equations without opening the calculator.
Imagine you are writing an email and need to check a date. Instead of closing the mail app, finding the calendar icon, and tapping it, you simply press Cmd + Space, type "Cal," and hit Enter. You are there in less than a second.
2. Text Editing and Formatting Whiz
If you use your iPad for writing—whether it’s emails, Notes, or Pages documents—manipulating text with your fingers can be frustrating. Moving that little cursor to the exact right spot between two letters often feels like a game of skill. Keyboard shortcuts eliminate this frustration entirely.
Beyond the standard Copy (Cmd + C) and Paste (Cmd + V) that most people know, there are text-specific commands that will save you hours of formatting time over the long run.
- Command (⌘) + B, I, or U: Bold, Italicize, or Underline text instantly. No need to highlight text and look for the formatting menu.
- Option + Arrow Keys: Move the cursor word-by-word rather than character-by-character. This allows you to jump through sentences much faster.
- Shift + Option + Arrow Keys: Select text word-by-word. This is a game-changer for editing. Instead of trying to drag those little blue lollipops on the screen to highlight a sentence, just hold Shift and Option, then tap the arrow keys to highlight exactly what you need.
- Command (⌘) + Z: Undo. Did you accidentally delete a paragraph? Don't shake your iPad like an Etch A Sketch! Just hit Cmd + Z to bring it back instantly.
Quick Note: These text editing shortcuts work almost universally across the iPad. Whether you are in Microsoft Word, Apple Notes, or drafting a tweet, these commands will work.
3. Mastering Multitasking (Split View and Slide Over)
One of the iPad's best features is the ability to run two apps side-by-side (Split View) or have one app hovering over another (Slide Over). However, activating these features via touch gestures can be finicky. You have to drag icons carefully, and sometimes it just doesn't snap the way you want it to.
If you have a newer iPad keyboard with a Globe key (usually in the bottom left corner), you have access to a suite of multitasking shortcuts that make window management feel like magic.
- Globe + Control + Left Arrow: Snaps the current app to the left side of the screen, allowing you to choose another app for the right side.
- Globe + Control + Right Arrow: Snaps the current app to the right side.
- Globe + \ (Backslash): Shows or hides the Slide Over window. This is perfect for keeping a music player or iMessage conversation hidden away until you need it.
This is incredibly useful for students or researchers. You can have Safari open on the left to read a source, and Notes open on the right to jot down thoughts, setting up your workspace in seconds without lifting a finger.
4. Safari Power User Tips
Safari on the iPad is a desktop-class browser, which means it deserves desktop-class navigation. If you spend a lot of time browsing the web, scrolling through recipes, or doing online shopping, you can speed up the experience significantly by using your keyboard.
Stop reaching up to the address bar or the back button. Try these instead:
- Command (⌘) + L: Open the address bar. This immediately highlights the URL bar so you can type a new search term or website address.
- Command (⌘) + T: Open a new tab.
- Command (⌘) + W: Close the current tab.
- Command (⌘) + [: Go Back (equivalent to the back button).
- Command (⌘) + ]: Go Forward.
- Command (⌘) + F: Find on page. Looking for a specific word in a long article? Hit this shortcut and type your keyword to jump right to it.
Did you know? You can also use the Spacebar to scroll down a webpage. It moves the page down exactly one screen length, making reading long articles much smoother than constantly swiping the trackpad or screen. Hold Shift + Spacebar to scroll back up!
5. The "Cheat Sheet" Secret Weapon
We have covered a lot of shortcuts here, and it might feel overwhelming to memorize them all at once. The good news is that Apple has built a "cheat sheet" directly into the operating system. You don't need to memorize everything today; you just need to know how to find the answers.
The Trick: In any app, press and hold the Command (⌘) key for about two seconds.
A menu will float onto the screen displaying every single keyboard shortcut available for the app you are currently using. This is incredibly helpful because different apps have unique shortcuts. For example:
- In Mail, holding Command will show you shortcuts for Replying, Archiving, and Flagging.
- In Calendar, it will show you how to switch between Day, Week, and Month views.
- In Files, it will show you how to create new folders or duplicate items.
Whenever you are in a new app and wondering, "Is there a faster way to do this?", just hold down the Command key and take a look. It is the best way to learn continuously without having to Google the answers.
Start Small and Build Speed
Productivity isn't about rushing; it's about fluidity. You don't need to memorize this entire list overnight. Start with the basics. This week, try to use Command + Space every time you want to open an app. Next week, focus on using Command + Tab to switch between tasks.
Before you know it, your fingers will be dancing across the keys, and you will be navigating your iPad with the speed and precision of a pro. The iPad is a beautiful device to touch, but sometimes, the best way to use it is to keep your hands right where they are.