Switch off the Mac using the keyboard - how it works

This practical tip shows you how to switch off your Mac using the keyboard.

Here's how to turn off your Mac using the keyboard

Note: This article has been tested on a MacBook Air with Mac OS X 10.9.5.

• Press Ctrl and the eject button or, for newer devices, Ctrl and the button on the top right of the keyboard. Use the Enter key to either select "Switch off" directly or choose another option such as "Hibernate".
• To switch off the Mac directly and without prompting, simultaneously press Ctrl + Alt + Cmd and the eject key or the off button at the top right of the keyboard.
• You can also use Mac OS entirely with the keyboard. We show you how this works in this guide.