The Alt Key on a Mac
The Alt key on a Mac is the Option key, marked ⌥. It types special characters and, on a PC keyboard connected to a Mac, the Alt key acts as Option automatically.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alt / Option modifier | ⌥ Option | Alt | |
| Type special characters | ⌥ + key | Alt + number code | |
| PC keyboard Alt key on a Mac | Acts as ⌥ Option | Alt | |
| Switch apps | ⌘ + Tab | Alt + Tab |
Alt is Option
The key Windows calls Alt is called Option on a Mac and is marked ⌥. It sits between Control and Command on the bottom row.
Special characters
Where Windows types symbols with Alt + a numeric code, the Mac uses Option + a letter: for example ⌥2 gives €, ⌥G gives ©, and ⌥Shift+2 gives €. There is no numeric Alt-code system on macOS.
PC keyboard on a Mac
Plug in a Windows keyboard and macOS maps its Alt key to Option and its Windows key to Command. You can reassign them under System Settings › Keyboard › Modifier Keys.
FAQ
What is the Alt key on a Mac?
It is the Option key, marked ⌥. It works as a modifier and types special characters with Option + a letter.
Do Windows Alt codes work on a Mac?
No. macOS has no numeric Alt-code system. Use Option + a key instead, for example Option + 2 for € (depends on layout).
Where is the Alt key on a Mac keyboard?
On the bottom row between Control and Command, labelled Option or ⌥.