What is the "meta" key?

The meta key is the key between the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard. It may sometimes be called the Windows key, logo key, system key, or even the Ubuntu key. If you have an Apple keyboard, there will not be a meta key on your keyboard. The Command (Cmd) key can be used instead.

The meta key serves a special function in Unity. If you press the meta key, the Dash is displayed. If you press and hold the meta key, the Launcher will be displayed.

The meta key can help you do even more than that, though. To learn about more uses for the meta key, see the keyboard shortcuts page.