Keyboard Shortcuts

Written By Jeremy Houp

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse. They can help you save time, keep your hands in a typing position, and maintain your focus on the screen.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are some universal keyboard shortcuts that work across most operating systems and applications:

  • Ctrl+C / Cmd+C: Copy the selected text or item.

  • Ctrl+V / Cmd+V: Paste the copied text or item.

  • Ctrl+X / Cmd+X: Cut the selected text or item.

  • Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z: Undo the last action.

  • Ctrl+Y / Cmd+Y: Redo the last action.

  • Ctrl+S / Cmd+S: Save the current document or file.

  • Ctrl+P / Cmd+P: Print the current document or file.

  • Alt+Tab / Cmd+Tab: Switch between open applications.

Application-Specific Shortcuts

Many applications have their own set of keyboard shortcuts. For example, in Microsoft Word:

  • Ctrl+B: Bold the selected text.

  • Ctrl+I: Italicize the selected text.

  • Ctrl+U: Underline the selected text.

In web browsers like Chrome or Firefox:

  • Ctrl+T: Open a new tab.

  • Ctrl+W: Close the current tab.

  • Ctrl+Shift+T: Reopen the last closed tab.

General Shortcuts:

  • Ctrl+F / Cmd+F: Open the Find window to search text in the current document or webpage.

  • Ctrl+O / Cmd+O: Open a file in most of the programs.

  • Ctrl+A / Cmd+A: Select all text or items in a document or window.

  • Alt+F4 / Cmd+Q: Close the current window or quit the application.

Microsoft Windows Shortcuts:

  • Win+D: Show or hide the desktop.

  • Win+E: Open File Explorer.

  • Win+I: Open Settings.

  • Win+L: Lock your PC or switch accounts.

Mac OS Shortcuts:

  • Cmd+Space: Open Spotlight for quick search.

  • Cmd+Option+Esc: Open the Force Quit Applications window.

  • Cmd+Shift+3: Take a screenshot of the entire screen.

  • Cmd+Shift+4: Take a screenshot of a selected area.

Conclusion

Keyboard shortcuts are a simple yet powerful tool to enhance your productivity. Start incorporating them into your daily routine, and you’ll soon notice the difference. Stay tuned for more IT tips!

Remember, the key to mastering keyboard shortcuts is practice. So, don’t be afraid to start using them today!

Jeremy Houp
Previous

How to Optimize Your Computer Performance
Next

What’s new in iOS 17 and Android 14