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The “delete” key on Mac: where it is and all the shortcuts for deleting
On a Mac, the “delete” key (⌫) erases the character to the left of the cursor. To delete to the right, a whole word or a file, just combine it with another key: here are all the shortcuts.
Where is the delete key?
It sits at the top right of the keyboard, above the Return key (↩). Depending on the keyboard, it shows the ⌫ symbol or the word “delete”. A MacBook has no separate “Del” key like a PC: the fn key, combined with ⌫, plays that role. Only the large Apple keyboard with a numeric keypad has a dedicated ⌦ key.
All the shortcuts for deleting text
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| ⌫ | Deletes the character to the left of the cursor |
| fn + ⌫ | Deletes the character to the right of the cursor, like the Del key on a PC |
| ⌥ Option + ⌫ | Deletes the word to the left of the cursor |
| fn + ⌥ Option + ⌫ | Deletes the word to the right of the cursor |
| ⌘ Cmd + ⌫ | Deletes from the start of the line up to the cursor |
| Ctrl + K | Deletes from the cursor to the end of the line |
| Ctrl + D | Deletes the character to the right of the cursor (another method) |
Deleting a file in the Finder
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| ⌘ Cmd + ⌫ | Moves the selected file to the Trash |
| ⌥ Option + ⌘ Cmd + ⌫ | Deletes the file immediately, without going through the Trash (macOS asks you to confirm) |
| ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + ⌫ | Empties the Trash, after confirmation |
| ⌥ Option + ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Cmd + ⌫ | Empties the Trash without asking for confirmation |
Delete key not working?
- Only one key no longer responds: most often dust or liquid under the key. On the “butterfly” keyboards of 2015 to 2019 MacBooks, it is a known fault.
- Several keys type the wrong characters: check in System Settings > Keyboard that the keyboard language is the right one.
- The keyboard does not respond at all: try an external keyboard. If it works, the MacBook’s keyboard or its cable is at fault: it can be replaced.
- Keyboard keys no longer responding: what to do?
- MacBook butterfly keyboard: the fault and the fix
- Mac keyboard: AZERTY, QWERTY and shortcuts
- Brackets, braces, at sign: special characters on Mac
Frequently asked questions
How do you forward delete (“Del”) on a MacBook?
Press fn and ⌫ at the same time: the character to the right of the cursor is deleted.
How do you delete a whole word on Mac?
⌥ Option + ⌫ deletes the word to the left of the cursor; fn + ⌥ Option + ⌫ deletes the one to the right.
How do you permanently delete a file on Mac?
Select it in the Finder and press ⌥ Option + ⌘ Cmd + ⌫: after confirmation, it is deleted without going through the Trash.
