macOS · Switch to the other input source
System
Windows · Linux
Not on this systemMac
Ctrl+SpaceSwitches to the input source you used before; people reaching for Spotlight often land on a language change here, so it pays to know both keys.
- Group
- System
- Keys held
- 2
Cmd sits where Windows puts Ctrl. Text movement is the exception: end of line is Ctrl+A/E or Cmd+←/→, not a Cmd version of the Windows key.
Reading the key names
- Keys joined by + are pressed together: Ctrl+Shift+P means hold Ctrl and Shift, then P.
- On a Mac, Cmd is ⌘, Option is ⌥ (labelled Alt on some keyboards), Control is ⌃ and Shift is ⇧.
- Windows Ctrl usually becomes Cmd on a Mac, but not always — this reference lists both combinations separately.
- With a Korean, Japanese or Chinese input method active, shortcuts built on letter keys may not fire. Switch to Latin input and try again.
- When a combination does nothing, another program has often claimed it as a global shortcut first.
Common questions
Q. What is the shortcut for Switch to the other input source in macOS?
Switches to the input source you used before; people reaching for Spotlight often land on a language change here, so it pays to know both keys. It is — on Windows and Ctrl+Space on a Mac.
Q. Is it the same on Windows and Mac?
No — — on Windows, Ctrl+Space on a Mac.
Q. How many keys is that?
2 pressed together. The combination sits under System in macOS.