Select the file or text
Press Delete
Press Command + Delete to move a file to the Trash
Press Option + Command + Delete to empty the Trash
Use the Delete key to erase characters before the cursor
Use Fn + Delete to erase characters after the cursor
In apps, use Edit > Delete or Edit > Clear if available
In Finder, drag items to the Trash to erase them later
To permanently erase a file, empty the Trash
To erase a disk, open Disk Utility and choose Erase