Alternatively called the Beanie key, Cloverleaf key, fan key, cmd key, open Apple key, or Command, the Command key is a key created by Susan Kare found on all Apple keyboards. The picture is an example of how the command key looks on the Apple keyboard next to the control and option keys. All of these keys are at the bottom of the keyboard next to the spacebar on Apple keyboards.

What is the symbol on the Command key?

The symbol, which resembles a cloverleaf, is derived from a scandinavian road sign pointing out landmarks. The original symbol depicts a birds-eye-view of a square castle with four towers.

No PC keyboard has a command key.

Users who are not familiar with Apple computers, but are familiar with IBM compatible computers, can relate this key to the Microsoft Windows key. If you have a Windows keyboard on an Apple computer, the Windows key becomes the command key.

Command keyboard shortcuts

The Apple Command is used in keyboard shortcuts on Apple Macintosh computers, such as Command+C to copy or Command+V to paste. The following table shows a list of many keyboard shortcuts involving the Command key and their related links.

How to create the command key symbol in HTML

To create the command key symbol (⌘) in HTML, use the special HTML character code ⌘ in your HTML code.

You can click any Command shortcut links below to open a page with a full list of uses for each shortcut.

See our shortcut key list for a full listing of all shortcuts.

  • Extended special HTML characters and codes.

Apple terms, Cmd, Keyboard terms, Operating system terms, Option key

  • Apple Macintosh shortcut keys
  • Keyboard help and support.