Introduction to Keyboard Shortcuts
What are keyboard shortcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that perform specific actions quickly such as copy, paste, cut and redo. They help with productivity, saving time and effort when you use your computer.
Benefits of using shortcuts:
- Increased efficiency
- Minimized mouse use (reduce hand and wrist strain!)
- Enhanced multitasking (switch easily between applications)
- Personalized workflow
Common Shortcuts for Different Operating Systems
Windows shortcuts (basic):
- Copy: Ctrl + C
- Paste: Ctrl + V
- Cut: Ctrl + X
- Undo: Ctrl + Z
- Redo: Ctrl + Y
- Save: Ctrl + S
- Select All: Ctrl + A
- Find: Ctrl + F
- Open new tab in browser: Ctrl + T
- Switch between applications: Alt + Tab
Mac shortcuts (basic):
- Copy: Command (⌘) + C
- Paste: Command (⌘) + V
- Cut: Command (⌘) + X
- Undo: Command (⌘) + Z
- Redo: Command (⌘) + Shift + Z
- Save: Command (⌘) + S
- Select All: Command (⌘) + A
- Find: Command (⌘) + F
- Open new tab in browser: Command (⌘) + T
- Switch between applications: Command (⌘) + Tab
Shortcuts for Popular Applications
Microsoft Office:
- Copy Formatting (copies the format of selected text): Ctrl + Shift + C / Command (⌘) + Shift + C
- Paste Formatting (pastes the copied format of text): Ctrl + Shift + V / Command (⌘) + Shift + V
- Bold: Ctrl + B / Command (⌘) + B
- Italic: Ctrl + I / Command (⌘) + I
- Underline: Ctrl + I / Command (⌘) + U
- Save As: F12 / Command (⌘) + Shift + S
Web browsers:
- Refresh Page: F5 / Command (⌘) + R
- Close Tab: Ctrl + W / Command (⌘) + W
- Reopen Closed Tab: Ctrl + Shift + T / Command (⌘) + Shift + T
- Open Incognito/Private Window (browser will not save your history or information): Ctrl + Shift + N / Command (⌘) + Shift + N
- Bookmark Page: Ctrl + D / Command (⌘) + D
Creating Custom Shortcuts
Step-by-step guide for Windows:
- Open Settings > Devices > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings
- Click on “Input language hot keys”
- Select the action and assign a new key combination
- Step-by-step guide for Mac:
- Open System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts
- Select “App Shortcuts” and click the “+” button
- Choose the application and enter the menu title and key combination
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure your custom shortcuts are consistent across applications
- Choose combinations that are easy to remember
- Ensure your custom shortcuts don’t conflict with existing ones
Conclusion and Additional Resources
Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency. If you would like more information on how to use shortcuts, here are some additional resources:
– Official Microsoft Keyboard Shortcuts Guide
– Windows Keyboard Shortcuts Guide
– Apple Keyboard Shortcuts Guide