Option key

Updated: 04/26/2017 by Computer Hope

The option key is a key found on Apple computer keyboards. It creates special characters and is a modifier for other command codes. As shown in the picture, the option key is next to the control and command keys. Since the mid-1990s, the key has included the small text "alt" on it.

Tip

For users who are more familiar with the PC, the option key is similar to the Alt key on their keyboards. Many keyboard shortcuts are also interchangeable.

Option key keyboard shortcuts and what they do

Below are two keyboard shortcuts combinations for the option key on a Mac. Clicking any of the shortcut links opens a page for that shortcut with all known programs associated with that keyboard shortcut.

`option`	Pressing the option key by itself does nothing.
`option`+`-`	Create an en dash in text programs.

Apple terms, Command key, Keyboard terms, Modifier key, Option