Where is the AltGr key on a Mac?

Mac keyboards have no AltGr key: the Option key does that job. Here is how it works, including with a PC keyboard.

Option replaces AltGr

On a PC, AltGr gives access to the characters printed third on the keys (such as the at sign or braces on European keyboards). Mac keyboards have no AltGr key: the Option key (⌥), on both sides of the space bar, gives access to that layer of characters.

Both Option keys work the same way. For example, on U.S., the euro sign is ⌥ Option+⇧ Shift+2.

With a PC keyboard on a Mac

  • Both the left Alt key and AltGr act as Option.
  • The Windows key acts as Command (⌘).
  • The characters printed on a PC keyboard do not always match the Mac layout of the same language.

See every combination

Each layout page shows the full keyboard with its Option layer: pick “Option” above the keyboard, or simply hold Option on your own keyboard.