Command key symbol

A looped square with four outward corners, marking the Mac command key.

Also known as: Cmd key, Apple key, Propeller, Cloverleaf, Looped square

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Meanings

The command symbol marks the modifier key used for menu shortcuts on Apple keyboards. Its shape is a Nordic sign for a place of interest, chosen by Susan Kare when Steve Jobs objected to using the Apple logo on menus.

Common modern usageVerified fact
Marks the command modifier key on Apple keyboards, used with a letter to invoke a menu shortcut.
Contexts: Software
Common modern usageVerified fact
Appears in menus beside a shortcut letter, showing which combination performs the item without using the mouse.
Contexts: Software
Historically documentedDocumented interpretation
Takes its form from a Nordic sign used on maps and road signage for a place of interest or campground; it was chosen for the Macintosh when the Apple logo was ruled out for menu use.
1984 onward on the Macintosh · Contexts: Software

Visual description

A square outline whose four corners continue outward into small loops, drawn as one continuous line.

Symmetry: radial
Orientation: upright

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is defined by a current official standard.

Sources

Command key
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-07-31
Tertiary reference. Used for widely-agreed identity and origin summary, not for contested detail or exact dates.
Unicode Code Chart: Miscellaneous Technical (U+2300–U+23FF)
The Unicode Consortium · retrieved 2026-07-31
Authoritative for the character's code point, name and block only. Unicode assigns identity; it does not define what a symbol means in use.

Last reviewed 2026-07-31

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Meanings

Common modern usageVerified fact

Marks the command modifier key on Apple keyboards, used with a letter to invoke a menu shortcut.

Contexts: Software

Common modern usageVerified fact

Appears in menus beside a shortcut letter, showing which combination performs the item without using the mouse.

Contexts: Software

Historically documentedDocumented interpretation

Takes its form from a Nordic sign used on maps and road signage for a place of interest or campground; it was chosen for the Macintosh when the Apple logo was ruled out for menu use.

1984 onward on the Macintosh · Contexts: Software

Confidence

IdentityHigh confidence: High confidence because the identity is defined by a current official standard.
Historical originLow confidence: Low confidence because the historical origin is documented in encyclopedic references, but only a single source has been found so far, but the regional or cultural match to this specific claim is not precise.
Current useHigh confidence: High confidence because the current use is documented in encyclopedic references.
Visual matchHigh confidence: High confidence because the visual match is defined by a current official standard.

Sources

Command key
Wikipedia · retrieved 2026-07-31
Tertiary reference. Used for widely-agreed identity and origin summary, not for contested detail or exact dates.
Unicode Code Chart: Miscellaneous Technical (U+2300–U+23FF)
The Unicode Consortium · retrieved 2026-07-31
Authoritative for the character's code point, name and block only. Unicode assigns identity; it does not define what a symbol means in use.

Last reviewed 2026-07-31