Is there a delete key on a Mac?
Yes, of course.
You may not know where the delete key is on a Mac, as you are accustomed to using the Backspace key on a Windows PC. It's important to note that the Mac Delete key does not perform the same function as the Windows Delete key by default.
The delete key on a Mac keyboard is labeled differently from a Windows keyboard. It is usually labeled with:
- A left-facing arrow symbol (⌫ or ←)
- the word "delete"
- Both a left-facing arrow symbol (⌫) and a right-facing arrow symbol (⌦)
If you are a new Mac user who doesn't know where the delete key is on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro, follow my post for a full learning.
Where is the delete key on a Mac keyboard?
On a Mac keyboard, the delete key is usually located at the top right corner of the keyboard and under the power button (Touch ID).
Different Mac models have different delete button icons. You may see one of the following delete buttons on your Mac.
Left-facing arrow symbol (⌫ or ←):
Delete the character to the left of the cursor or move up the line in a document.
Delete:
Remove the character to the left of the cursor or move up the line in a document.
Left-facing arrow symbol (⌫) and a right-facing arrow symbol (⌦):
Delete the character to the left or right of the insertion point. By default, when you press the button, it deletes the character to the left of the cursor. If you press this key and the Fn key together, they delete the character to the right of the cursor.
Common Mac delete shortcuts and their usage
| Shortcuts | What does it do |
| Delete key (⌫, ←, or delete) | Deletes the character to the left of the cursor |
| Fn + Delete | Backward delete characters in a text |
| Option + Delete | Delete the word to the left of the cursor |
| Command + Delete | Move the selected file to the Trash |
| Command + Option + Delete | Delete the selected file permanently, bypassing the Trash |
| Command + Shift + Delete | Empty the Trash |
| Right-click delete | Move the item to Trash |
What is the Forward Delete key on a Mac?
The equivalent of the Windows Delete (Forward Delete) key on a Mac keyboard is Fn + Delete (⌫ or ←). The Forward Delete deletes the character to the right of the cursor.
What are the Windows Backspace and Delete keys on a Mac?
On Windows, the Backspace key deletes the character to the left of the cursor. Its equivalent on a Mac keyboard is the Delete key (⌫).
The Windows Delete key performs a forward delete action, removing the character to the right of the cursor. On a Mac, you can usually achieve the same result by pressing Fn + Delete.
In many applications, Control-D on a Mac also performs a forward delete.
What is the key on Mac for deleting a file?
To delete a file or folder on a Mac, you can use one of the key combinations below:
Command-Delete: Delete the selected file to the Trash on the Dock.
Option-Command-Delete: Delete the selected file permanently without moving it to the Trash.
Also, you can select your unwanted file and right-click it to select "Move to Trash" to delete a file on your Mac.
Notably, this way moves the file to the Trash, and the space it uses isn't released. If you want to completely remove a file from your Mac and immediately free up the space, use iBoysoft MagicMenu. This tool lets you right-click a file to permanently delete it without moving it to the Trash.
Why does the delete key not delete files?
It's worth noting that the Delete key on a Mac is primarily used for deleting text.
To move a selected file or folder to the Trash, you should use Command + Delete.
Also read: The delete button is not working on your Mac
FAQ about the delete key on Mac
- QHow to delete without the delete key on a Mac?
-
A
1. Delete characters in a text:
Control + H: Delete the character to the left of the cursor (Backspace action).
Control + D: Delete the character to the right of the cursor (Forward Delete action).
2. Delete a file:
Command + Delete: Move the file to the Trash.
Command + Option + Delete: Delete the file while bypassing the Trash (Permanent deletion).
- QWhich key is delete on a Mac keyboard?
-
A
The key under the power button (or Touch ID) labeled delete, ⌫ or ← is the Delete key on a Mac.