[MAC] ⌘

[TonyLock]

In the Apple Mac world, what is this symbol/key referred to as?

⌘

I've heard some people call it a "clover key", others "mac key" and some even an "i key".

What is it's correct name?

Also, I wish in OSX, it out open the Apple Menu when you press it, just like "Win Key" opens the Start Menu in Windows.

[gigapixels Veteran]

I've always called it the command key.

[Hendrick]

Command. How it's labeled on my Mac anyways.

[+Chsoriano Subscriber²]

I haven't used a mac since... oh, Mac II days maybe... anyway, I'm pretty sure it's the "command" key. I think they used to be labeled such... not sure about now though, wouldn't touch one with a 10ft pole... but that's for another thread :p

[Shaun N.]

command key, well for my laptop its the Alt key

[Sam Symons Veteran]

Command Key (Y)

[Rudy]

command key

[Eric Veteran]

I miss open-apple and closed-apple keys. :(

[Binary]

From Apples site:

⌘ (Command key) - Sometimes called "Apple key"; on Apple keyboards this key also has an Apple logo

And you can Open the Apple Menu with the key combo ctrl+F2, then hit enter; though I don't see why you'd need to use it that often (there are key combos for sleeping, restarting and shutting down also).

[TonyLock]

Cool, thanks. On my MBA, it says "cmd ⌘". I've always wondered what it was. I remember in the 90's, there was an Apple logo in the keyboard, I'm guessing Microsoft copied that idea for the "Win Key"

[hjf288]

Command key

Also: I hate not having a delete button :(

[fhpuqrgrpgvirzhpujbj]

Cool, thanks. On my MBA, it says "cmd ⌘". I've always wondered what it was. I remember in the 90's, there was an Apple logo in the keyboard, I'm guessing Microsoft copied that idea for the "Win Key"

Just like the mouse and keyboard, Apple stole it from someone else first. (The X-Windows keyboard had an "X Key" before Apple had a command key, I believe)

[.Neo]

Also: I hate not having a delete button :(

[fn] + [backspace]

[Hot]

Just in case the ten responses above didn't cement this...

[Madoshi]

the propeller key is indeed the Command key

the Macintosh version of Control

[TonyLock]

LOL, I think the new MBA's may look like that but mine says "cmd".

Also, on Windows, I can easily minimize everything and access the desktop by hitting Win-D. Is there a similar shortcut key on OSX?

the propeller key is indeed the Command key

the Macintosh version of Control

But my MacBook Air has separate "crtl" key, that works as the crtl key in Windows mode. The ⌘ key in Windows works as the "Win Key".

[Madoshi]

LOL, I think the new MBA's may look like that but mine says "cmd".

Also, on Windows, I can easily minimize everything and access the desktop by hitting Win-D. Is there a similar shortcut key on OSX?

But my MacBook Air has separate "crtl" key, that works as the crtl key in Windows mode. The ⌘ key in Windows works as the "Win Key".

the normal keys at the bottom of any Mac keyboard are: Control Option Command. Option will be marked as "Alt" on USB-era and newer keyboards. Command is the key with the propeller on it.

as for the desktop thing... try pressing F9.

[Simon Veteran]

My MacBook Pro from late 2008, as well as my wireless keyboard, say command on them. So your theory about it being just the mba is busted :p

[aussiefloyd_fan]

with the propeller on it.

isnt it a cloverleaf?

[Elliott]

Also, on Windows, I can easily minimize everything and access the desktop by hitting Win-D. Is there a similar shortcut key on OSX?

Use Command + F3 (the Expos? key). It does the "Show desktop" Expos? function.

[Explore]

I've always called it the command key.

[Quillz]

It's always been officially called the "command" key by Apple. Any other name, like "cloverleaf," etc. is just a nickname. Even back when it used an Apple symbol, it was still known as "command."

[The_Decryptor Veteran]

I've always called it a Saint John's Arms key :p

Just like the mouse and keyboard, Apple stole it from someone else first. (The X-Windows keyboard had an "X Key" before Apple had a command key, I believe)

It's a standard modifier key, nobody owns it (the Win Key maps to the "super_l" key under X11, I assume the command key would also map to it)

[osirisX]

The Command Symbol actually stands for Point of Interest: As told by the original developers of the Macintosh

[Wannes]

Also, on Windows, I can easily minimize everything and access the desktop by hitting Win-D. Is there a similar shortcut key on OSX?

I have an active corner set up which displays my desktop.

Systempreferences -> Expos? & Spaces -> Expos? -> Select "Desktop" from the list