Keyboard mappings and shortcuts for Linux power users using a Mac

Moving from a Linux workstation to Mac can be a total nightmare if you're a power user. Some things, like ALT TAB, simply don't exist. Keyboard shortcuts that function in one way on the Mac in one application is completely different in another application. I'm not talking unusual commands, but basic things such as CTRL SHIFT right arrow. You'd use some program where these funny shortcuts are present, only to go back to a browser and find they're completely standard again. Super, super confusing and frustrating.

After spending a few years on a Mac and biting my teeth so often during power sessions, I finally decided to take the bull by the horn and fix the mess. I had already been running Karabiner Elements for a while but downloading "templates" is a convoluted mess just like googling for something these days. So I made this guide to keep my sanity. It's probably a work in progress but with these shortcuts I can actually have a super productive editing/programming session.

Tip #1

Install AltTab

Then map Command Tab to Alt Tab. This ensure there is a short distance between window switching, which is of course used all the time.

Tip #2

Remap (many) keys.

Here is my 2025 map:

CTRL + right arrow goes forward one word.
CTRL + left arrow goes back one word.
CTRL + SHIFT + arrows select words.

CMD + right arrow goes forward one word.
CMD + left arrow goes back one word.

CTRL + HOME = Top of Page / See also Command + Up Arrow
CTRL + END = Bottom of Page / See also Command + Down Arrow

HOME goes to the start of the line.
END goes to the end of the line.

ALT (CMD) + TAB is remapped using the AltTab application
CMD + TAB moves to the next open window
CMD + SHIFT moves to the previous open window

CTRL + C = Copy (⌘ C)
CTRL + V = Paste (⌘ V)
SHIFT + INS = Paste (⌘ V)
CTRL + X = Cut (⌘ V)
SHIFT + DEL = Cut (⌘ V)

SHIFT + END selects to the end of the line.
SHIFT + HOME selects to the start of a line.

CTRL + Z = Undo / See also Command + Z
CTRL + Shift Z = Redo

CMD + T = Arc Tab Switcher
CTRL + R = Refresh Browser / See also Command R
CTRL + F = Find in Browser / See also Command F

CTRL + C ^C breaks a terminal ongoing terminal command.

SHIFT CMD 4 = Select area of screen to make a screenshot from

Cursor IDE

OPTION SHIFT F = Format

SHIFT COMMAND F = Full text search throughout your entire project
⌘ K = Edit selected source code using AI

CTRL + ` opens a new terminal
CTRL + U delete all characters on a terminal line and move to the start

Tip #3 - Karabiner Elements

Use Karabiner Elements to remap many "Command" keys to Control. This ensure the shortest distance for things like copy / paste.

Here are my Karabiner Layouts. In the interest of keeping this article short, I am only outputting the title but please contact me should you wish the get any of the templates.