Computer Shortcut Keys For Everyday Use

Definition of Computer Shortcut Keys

Computer shortcut keys, also known as keyboard shortcuts, are combinations of keys that provide quick access to a particular function within software applications or the operating system. Instead of navigating through menus and options, a simple key press or combination of keys can perform tasks, increasing efficiency and productivity.

Importance and Relevance in Daily Computing

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the importance of shortcut keys cannot be overstated. They help streamline workflows, reduce the reliance on the mouse, and can significantly speed up repetitive tasks. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual computer user, mastering shortcut keys can enhance your computing experience.

Historical Development of Shortcut Keys

The concept of shortcut keys dates back to the early days of computing. Initially, command-line interfaces required users to type commands manually. With the advent of graphical user interfaces (GUIs), developers introduced shortcut keys to provide quick access to common commands, improving user interaction and efficiency.

Overview of Different Operating Systems and Their Shortcut Keys

Every operating system comes with a unique set of shortcut keys. While some are universal, others are specific to the OS. Understanding these differences is crucial for maximizing productivity across different platforms. In this article, we will explore shortcut keys for Windows, Mac, and Linux, among others.

Basic Computer Shortcut Keys

Common Shortcut Keys for Windows

Ctrl + C: Select text or item to copy.
Ctrl + V: Paste the copied wording or object.
Ctrl + X: Select a text or object to cut.
Ctrl + Z: Revert the previous action
Ctrl + Y: Repeat the previous unfinished task.
Alt + Tab: Move across the open applications.
Win + D: Show desktop
Ctrl + A: In a document or window, select every item.

Common Shortcut Keys for Mac

Command + C: Select text or item to copy.
Command + V: Copy the text or object, then paste it.
Command + X: Select a text or object to cut.
Command + Z: Revert the previous action
Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Command + Tab: Change between the active applications that are open
Command + Space: Open Spotlight search
Command + A: Select all items in a document or window

Universal Computer Shortcut Keys

Ctrl + S / Command + S: Save the current file or document
Ctrl + P / Command + P: Print the current document or file
Ctrl + F / Command + F: Find text in the current document or window
Ctrl + N / Command + N: Open a new document or window
Ctrl + O / Command + O: Open an existing document or file

Computer Shortcut Keys for Web Browsers

Ctrl + T / Command + T: Open a new tab
Ctrl + W / Command + W: Close the current tab
Ctrl + Shift + T / Command + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab
Ctrl + L / Command + L: Highlight the address bar
Ctrl + R / Command + R: Reload the current page
Ctrl + Shift + N / Command + Shift + N: Open a new incognito/private window

Text Editing Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Keys for Microsoft Word

Ctrl + B / Command + B: Bold same text
Ctrl + I / Command + I: Italicize selected text
Ctrl + U / Command + U: Underline selected text
Ctrl + E / Command + E: Text aligned in the Center
Ctrl + L / Command + L: Text aligned in the Left
Ctrl + R / Command + R: Right align text
Ctrl + J / Command + J: Justify text
Ctrl + K / Command + K: Add a hyperlink

Shortcut Keys for Google Docs

Ctrl + B / Command + B: Bold same text
Ctrl + I / Command + I: Italicize selected text
Ctrl + U / Command + U: Underline selected text
Ctrl + Alt + M / Command + Option + M: Insert comment
Ctrl + Shift + C / Command + Shift + C: Word count
Ctrl + Alt + I / Command + Option + I: Insert image
Ctrl + Shift + X / Command + Shift + X: Strikethrough selected text

Shortcut Keys for Notepad and Other Text Editors

Ctrl + B: Open the search bar to search text
Ctrl + F: Find text in the document
Ctrl + H: Replace text in the document
Ctrl + G: Go to a specific line in the document
Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys: Select text word by word or line by line
Ctrl + Home / Command + Home: Go to the beginning of the document
Ctrl + End / Command + End: Go to the end of the document

Shortcut Keys for PDF Readers

Ctrl + L / Command + L: Enter fullscreen mode
Ctrl + F / Command + F: Text can be Find in the PDF
Ctrl + Shift + P / Command + Shift + P: Open the print dialog
Ctrl + Plus (+) / Command + Plus (+): Zoom in
Ctrl + Minus (-) / Command + Minus (-): Zoom out
Ctrl + 0 / Command + 0: Fit to screen
Arrow Keys: Go through the pages of the document.

File Management Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Keys for File Explorer (Windows)

Win + E: Open File Explorer
Alt + Up Arrow: Go up one level in the directory
Alt + Left Arrow: Go back to the previous folder
Alt + Right Arrow: Go forward to the next folder
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a fresh folder
F2: Rename the selected item
Ctrl + D: Move the chosen item to the Recycle Bin and delete it.

Shortcut Keys for Finder (Mac)

Command + N: Launch a fresh Finder tab.
Command + Shift + N: Make a new folder.
Command + Up Arrow: Go up one level in the directory
Command + Down Arrow: Open the selected folder or file
Command + Delete: Select an item and move it to the trash.
Command + Shift + G: Open the “Go to Folder” context menu.
Command + Option + Space: Open a new Finder window with Spotlight search

Shortcut Keys for Linux File Managers

Ctrl + N: Open a new file manager window
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a fresh folder
Alt + Up Arrow: Go up one level in the directory
Alt + Left Arrow: Go back to the previous folder
Alt + Right Arrow: Go forward to the next folder
Ctrl + Shift + T: Open a new terminal window
F2: Rename the selected item

Universal File Management Shortcuts

Ctrl + C / Command + C: Copy the selected item
Ctrl + V / Command + V: Paste the copied item
Ctrl + X / Command + X: Cut the selected item
Ctrl + A / Command + A: Select all items in the current window
Delete / Command + Delete: Delete the selected item
Ctrl + Z / Command + Z: Undo the last action
Ctrl + Y / Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action

Browser Shortcut Keys

Google Chrome

Ctrl + T / Command + T: Open a new tab
Ctrl + W / Command + W: Close the current tab
Ctrl + Shift + T / Command + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab
Ctrl + L / Command + L: Highlight the address bar
Ctrl + R / Command + R: Reload the current page
Ctrl + Shift + N / Command + Shift + N: Open a new incognito window
Ctrl + D / Command + D: Bookmark the current page

Mozilla Firefox

Ctrl + T / Command + T: Open a new tab
Ctrl + W / Command + W: Close the current tab
Ctrl + Shift + T / Command + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab
Ctrl + L / Command + L: Highlight the address bar
Ctrl + R / Command + R: Reload the current page
Ctrl + Shift + P / Command + Shift + P: Open a new private window
Ctrl + D / Command + D: Bookmark the current page

Microsoft Edge

Ctrl + T / Command + T: Open a new tab
Ctrl + W / Command + W: Close the current tab
Ctrl + Shift + T / Command + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab
Ctrl + L / Command + L: Highlight the address bar
Ctrl + R / Command + R: Reload the current page
Ctrl + Shift + N / Command + Shift + N: Open a new InPrivate window
Ctrl + D / Command + D: Bookmark the current page

Safari

Command + T: Open a fresh tab
Command + W: Close this tab
Command + Shift + T: Open the previously closed tab again.
Command + L: Highlight the address bar
Command + R: Reload this page
Command + Shift + N: Open a new private window
Command + D: Bookmark this page

Communication Tools Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Keys for Microsoft Outlook

Ctrl + N: Make a fresh email message
Ctrl + Shift + M: You can start a new email in Outlook from any view.
Ctrl + R: Reply to this email
Ctrl + Shift + R: Reply to all this email
Ctrl + F: Forward to this email
Ctrl + Enter: Send the current email
Ctrl + Shift + K: Make a fresh task.

Shortcut Keys for Gmail

C: Compose a new email
R: Reply to the selected email
A: Reply to all
F: Forward the selected email
Shift + 8, then I: Mark this email as important
E: Archive the selected email
Shift + U: Please mark this email as unread.

Shortcut Keys for Slack

Ctrl + K / Command + K: Open the quick switcher
Ctrl + T / Command + T: Open a new direct message
Ctrl + Shift + M / Command + Shift + M: Open the activity feed
Ctrl + Shift + K / Command + Shift + K: Open the direct messages menu
Ctrl + Shift + Y / Command + Shift + Y: Set your status
Ctrl + / Command + F: Look via the direct message or current channel.
Ctrl + Shift + A / Command + Shift + A: Open the all unreads view

Shortcut Keys for Microsoft Teams

Ctrl + N: Create a New chat message window
Ctrl + Shift + C: Start a new call
Ctrl + E: Navigate to the search bar.
Ctrl + Shift + X: Start a new meeting
Ctrl + Shift + M: Turn your microphone on or off.
Ctrl + Shift + O: Activate or deactivate the camera.
Ctrl + 1: View Teams
Ctrl + 2: View Activity
Ctrl + 3: View chat

Design Software Shortcut Keys

Adobe Photoshop

Ctrl + N / Command + N: Make a new document
Ctrl + O / Command + O: Open an existing document
Ctrl + S / Command + S: Save this document or file
Ctrl + Shift + S / Command + Shift + S: Save to this document as a new file
Ctrl + Z / Command + Z: Undo the last action
Ctrl + Shift + Z / Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Ctrl + T / Command + T: Free transform the selected layer or object
Ctrl + D / Command + D: Deselect the selected area

Adobe Illustrator

Ctrl + N / Command + N: Make a new document
Ctrl + O / Command + O: Open an existing document
Ctrl + S / Command + S: Save this document or file
Ctrl + Shift + S / Command + Shift + S: Save to this document as a new file
Ctrl + Z / Command + Z: Undo the last action
Ctrl + Shift + Z / Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Ctrl + T / Command + T: Show the Character panel
Ctrl + G / Command + G: Group the selected objects

CorelDRAW

Ctrl + N: Make a fresh document
Ctrl + O: Access an existing document by opening it.
Ctrl + S: Save this document or file
Ctrl + P: Print to this document
Ctrl + Z: Undo (Reverse the previous action)
Ctrl + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Ctrl + G: As a group, these objects
Ctrl + U: Ungroup to these objects

Canva

Ctrl + N / Command + N: Create a new design
Ctrl + O / Command + O: Open an existing design
Ctrl + S / Command + S: Save the current design
Ctrl + Z / Command + Z: Undo the last action
Ctrl + Shift + Z / Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Ctrl + D / Command + D: Duplicate the selected element
Ctrl + G / Command + G: Group the selected elements
Ctrl + U / Command + U: Ungroup the selected elements

Development Tools Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Keys for Visual Studio Code

Ctrl + P / Command + P: Quick to open these files
Ctrl + Shift + P / Command + Shift + P: Open the command palette
Ctrl + / Command + B: Toggle the sidebar visibility
Ctrl + G / Command + G: Go to a specific line
Ctrl + Shift + M / Command + Shift + M: Show problems pane
F5: Start debugging
Ctrl + Shift + X / Command + Shift + X: Open the extensions view

Shortcut Keys for Sublime Text

Ctrl + P / Command + P: Quick to open these files
Ctrl + Shift + P / Command + Shift + P: Open the command palette
Ctrl + G / Command + G: Go to a specific line
Ctrl + D / Command + D: Select the next occurrence of the selected word
Ctrl + L / Command + L: Select the current line
Ctrl + Shift + L / Command + Shift + L: Split the selection into lines
Ctrl + / Command + /: Toggle comment on the selected line or block

Shortcut Keys for IntelliJ IDEA

Ctrl + Shift + A / Command + Shift + A: Find action
Ctrl + N / Command + N: Go to class
Ctrl + Shift + N / Command + Shift + N: Go to file
Alt + Enter: Actions with purpose and short fixes
Ctrl + E / Command + E: Recent files
Ctrl + F / Command + F: Find text in the current file
Ctrl + Shift + F / Command + Shift + F: Find text in the entire project

Shortcut Keys for Eclipse

Ctrl + N: Make a new project
Ctrl + Shift + R: Access a resource
Ctrl + F / Command + F: Find text in the current file
Ctrl + Shift + F: Format the current file
F3: The chosen element’s declaration should be opened.
Ctrl + Shift + O: Arrange the imports
Ctrl + /: Toggle comment on the selected line or block

Gaming Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Keys for Steam

Shift + Tab: Open the Steam overlay
F12: Take a screenshot
Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Navigate back to the previous tab.
Ctrl + Tab: Proceed to the following tab.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Start the task manager
Alt + Enter: Activate the full-screen mode.
Ctrl + F: Look through the current page.

Shortcut Keys for Discord

Ctrl + / Command +: Activate and deactivate the console.
Ctrl + Shift + I / Command + Option + I: Open developer tools
Ctrl + Shift + U / Command + Shift + U: Upload a file
Ctrl + Shift + M / Command + Shift + M: Mute or unmute yourself
Ctrl + Shift + D / Command + Shift + D: Toggle the server list
Ctrl + R / Command + R: Refresh Discord
Ctrl + / Command + : Launch the emoji selector.

Shortcut Keys for OBS Studio

Ctrl + N: Create a new scene collection
Ctrl + S: Save the current scene collection
Ctrl + Shift + S: Save the current scene collection as a new file
Ctrl + D: Duplicate the selected source
Ctrl + E: Edit the selected source
Ctrl + G: Group the selected sources
Ctrl + U: Ungroup the selected sources
Ctrl + F: Fit the selected source to the screen

Music Production Software Shortcut Keys

Shortcut Keys for FL Studio

Ctrl + N: Make a fresh project
Ctrl + S: Save these project
Ctrl + Shift + S: Save these project as a new file
Ctrl + Z: Undo – Reverse the previous action
Ctrl + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
F5: Open the playlist
F6: Open the step sequencer

Shortcut Keys for Ableton Live

Ctrl + N / Command + N: Make a fresh project
Ctrl + O / Command + O: Open an existing project
Ctrl + S / Command + S: Save these project
Ctrl + Shift + S / Command + Shift + S: Save these project as a new file
Ctrl + Z / Command + Z: Undo – Reverse the previous action
Ctrl + Shift + Z / Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Tab: Switch between Session and Arrangement views

Shortcut Keys for Logic Pro X

Command + N: Make a fresh project
Command + O: Open an old project
Command + S: Save these project
Command + Shift + S: Save these project as a new file
Command + Z: Undo – Reverse the previous action
Command + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action
Command + R: Record-enable the selected track

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are shortcut keys and why are they important?

Shortcut keys are combinations of keys that execute specific commands or actions in software applications. They are important because they save time, increase productivity, and streamline workflows by allowing users to perform tasks quickly without having to navigate through menus.

How can I learn and memorize shortcut keys effectively?

To learn and memorize shortcut keys effectively, start by focusing on the shortcuts for the most frequently used actions in your daily tasks. Practice using them regularly, create cheat sheets, and consider using software that helps you learn shortcuts through interactive training.

Are shortcut keys the same across all software applications?

No, shortcut keys are not the same across all software applications. While there are some common shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + C for copy, Ctrl + V for paste), many shortcuts are specific to the software and its features. It’s important to refer to the documentation or help resources for each application to learn its specific shortcuts.

Can I customize shortcut keys in my software applications?

Yes, users can set their preferred shortcut keys for a variety of software applications. This can usually be done through the application’s settings or preferences menu, where you can assign new shortcuts or modify existing ones.

Do shortcut keys differ between operating systems?

Yes, shortcut keys can differ between operating systems. For example, the shortcuts for copying and pasting are Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V on Windows, but Command + C and Command + V on macOS. It’s important to be aware of these differences if you work across multiple operating systems.

Are there shortcut keys for accessibility features?

Yes, many operating systems and software applications offer shortcut keys for accessibility features. These shortcuts can help users with disabilities navigate and interact with their devices more easily. Examples include shortcuts for screen readers, magnifiers, and on-screen keyboards.

How can I find out the shortcut keys for a specific software application?

To find out the shortcut keys for a specific software application, you can refer to the application’s official documentation, help resources, or user manual. Additionally, many applications have a built-in shortcuts guide or a “Keyboard Shortcuts” section in their help menus.

What are some essential shortcut keys for beginners?

Some essential shortcut keys for beginners include:

Ctrl + C / Command + C: Copy the selected item
Ctrl + V / Command + V: Paste the copied item
Ctrl + X / Command + X: Cut the selected item
Ctrl + Z / Command + Z: Undo – Reverse the previous action
Ctrl + S / Command + S: Save this document or file
Ctrl + P / Command + P: Print to this document

Can I use shortcut keys on mobile devices?

While mobile devices primarily rely on touch gestures, some apps and operating systems support keyboard shortcuts when an external keyboard is connected. These shortcuts can be similar to those on desktop applications and can enhance productivity on mobile devices.

What are the benefits of using shortcut keys in gaming?

Using shortcut keys in gaming can improve reaction times, streamline complex actions, and enhance overall gameplay efficiency. Many games allow players to customize their keybindings to create a more personalized and optimized gaming experience.

Conclusion

Shortcut keys are a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and efficiency across various software applications and operating systems. By learning and utilizing these shortcuts, users can save time, reduce repetitive strain, and navigate their digital environments with greater ease. Whether you’re a professional, a student, or a casual user, mastering shortcut keys can significantly improve your workflow and overall user experience.