How to Undo (and Redo) on Mac

Last Updated: Feb 7, 2024 by

We’ve all been there – you accidentally delete an important file or make a mistake while editing a document on your Mac. But did you know that there is a simple way to undo and redo actions on your Mac? In this article, we’ll show you how to use the undo and redo shortcuts on your Mac, as well as some other helpful tips for undoing and redoing actions.

Undo Shortcut

The undo shortcut on Mac is Command + Z. This shortcut works in most applications, including text editors, web browsers, and even some games. It allows you to undo your last action, whether it was typing, deleting, or formatting. You can also use this shortcut multiple times to undo multiple actions in a row.

Redo Shortcut

The redo shortcut on Mac is Command + Shift + Z. This shortcut allows you to redo an action that you have previously undone. For example, if you accidentally deleted a paragraph in a document and then used the undo shortcut, you can use the redo shortcut to bring the paragraph back. This shortcut also works in most applications.

Using the Menu Bar

If you prefer using the menu bar instead of keyboard shortcuts, you can also undo and redo actions by clicking on the “Edit” menu and selecting “Undo” or “Redo.” This is helpful if you are not familiar with the keyboard shortcuts or if you are using a different keyboard layout.

Undo and Redo in Specific Applications

Some applications have their own undo and redo shortcuts that may differ from the standard Command + Z and Command + Shift + Z. For example, in Photoshop, the undo shortcut is Command + Option + Z, and the redo shortcut is Command + Shift + Z. It’s always a good idea to check the application’s menu or help section to see if there are any specific shortcuts for undoing and redoing actions.

Undo and Redo in Finder

In Finder, the undo and redo shortcuts work a little differently. The undo shortcut is still Command + Z, but the redo shortcut is Command + Shift + T. This is because in Finder, the redo shortcut is used to reopen a closed tab. You can also use the “Edit” menu to undo and redo actions in Finder.

Undo and Redo in System Preferences

In System Preferences, the undo and redo shortcuts are the same as in Finder – Command + Z for undo and Command + Shift + T for redo. However, in this case, the redo shortcut is used to reopen a closed window. You can also use the “Edit” menu to undo and redo actions in System Preferences.

Bonus Tip: Shake to Undo

If you have a MacBook with a trackpad, you can also use the “Shake to Undo” feature. Simply shake your trackpad back and forth to undo your last action. This can be helpful if you are working on a document and want to quickly undo a mistake without using the keyboard or menu bar.

By using these shortcuts and tips, you can easily undo and redo actions on your Mac and save yourself from potential headaches and frustration. Have you used any of these shortcuts before? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.