Each time you remove your hand from the keyboard to reach for the mouse or touchpad, you’re squandering valuable seconds of productivity by disregarding the handy keyboard shortcuts right at your fingertips. Keyboard shortcuts not only allow for faster execution but also surpass the accuracy of even the finest mouse when it comes to precise tasks like text highlighting or cell selection in a spreadsheet.
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While you may already be familiar with basic keyboard shortcuts like CTRL+X for cut and CTRL+V for paste, there are numerous other immensely useful hotkeys that can significantly save you time. Here are 10 of the most valuable keyboard shortcuts that you might be ignoring, but should definitely incorporate into your workflow.
In addition, at the end of the article, you can download the Computer Shortcut Keys PDF, which contains more than two hundred Computer Shortcut Keys that you should know.
Most valuable keyboard shortcuts that you should know
Pressing CTRL + F allows you to initiate a text search
Imagine this situation: you’re browsing the internet, reading a laptop review, and you want to find if the article mentions the term “PDF.” In almost any program used for reading, including popular web browsers, word processors, spreadsheet apps, and developer tools, you can utilize the CTRL + F shortcut to initiate a search for a specific text string. Once you execute this command, the program will locate and navigate your cursor to the corresponding position in the document. In certain applications like Chrome, all occurrences of the text string will be highlighted, not just the first one. If the string appears multiple times in the document, you can conveniently jump from one instance to the next by pressing F3.
Using CTRL + Click or Shift + Click: Select multiple items simultaneously
Whether you need to select multiple rows in an Excel spreadsheet, blocks of text in Word, or files in File Explorer, there are times when you want to highlight different items simultaneously. If the items you want to select are adjacent, such as rows 10 to 30 in a worksheet, you can simply Shift + Click the first item, hold down the Shift key, and then click the last item. However, if you want to select two or more non-adjacent items at the same time, you need to hold down CTRL and click each item of your choice. Remember, if you click without pressing down CTRL, you will lose all the previous selections.
CTRL + A for Selecting Everything in One Stroke
When you need to select the entire content within a window, be it a document, an image in an editor, a folder packed with files, or even a web page, there’s no need to manually drag the cursor to highlight it all. Simply press CTRL + A, and in a single stroke, everything will be selected. From there, you can effortlessly copy, paste, or even apply formatting with ease.
Shift + Arrow for Accurate Selection
In the realm of finicky click pads and touchscreens, selecting precise portions of text can be a daunting task. But fret not! With keyboard shortcuts, you can effortlessly highlight the desired text without the need for repeated attempts. Simply hold down the Shift key while maneuvering the cursor using the arrow keys. For even greater control, hold down CTRL along with Shift to highlight entire words instead of individual characters with each arrow press. Additionally, remember that you can apply formatting such as bold (CTRL + B) or italics (CTRL + I) to selected text in most programs, eliminating the need for a mouse. Say goodbye to frustrations and embrace efficient text selection at your fingertips.
Effortless Web Browsing: ALT + Left Arrow for Navigation
We’re all familiar with the repetitive task of clicking the back button in our web browsers numerous times throughout the day. But why strain yourself reaching for that arrow button each time you wish to return to the previous page? Fear not, there’s a simpler way. By pressing ALT + Left Arrow, you can effortlessly navigate backward without the need for a physical stretch. Similarly, ALT + Right Arrow allows you to move forward in your browsing journey. Embrace smooth and seamless web navigation with a simple keyboard shortcut. Say goodbye to unnecessary arm movements and embrace the ease of ALT + Left Arrow.
Windows Key + Arrow for Windows Snap
Windows 10 offers a remarkable feature called Windows Snap, allowing you to seamlessly split your screen between multiple applications. No more dragging windows to the edges or corners of your screen manually. Let me introduce you to a faster and more convenient method: Windows Key + Arrow.
To snap a window to the left side of the screen, press Windows Key + Left Arrow. For the right side, use Windows Key + Right Arrow. If you want the window to occupy a quarter of the screen, snap it to the left or right first, and then press Windows Key + Up Arrow or Windows Key + Down Arrow to move it to the corner.
If you have multiple screens, you can use the key combination repeatedly to move a window across displays. Each monitor’s edge becomes a snapping point, enabling you to have up to eight snapped windows on two screens or even twelve on a three-display setup.
Furthermore, if a window isn’t snapped, hitting Windows Key + Up Arrow maximizes it, while Windows Key + Down Arrow minimizes it.
Embrace the power of Windows Key + Arrow and unlock a world of efficient multitasking with Windows Snap. Say goodbye to manual resizing and experience the ease of organizing your workspace with a single keystroke.
Streamlined Pasting: CTRL + Shift + V for Plain Text
We’ve all experienced it before—when copying and pasting content from various sources, unwanted formatting tags and erratic font styles can disrupt the consistency of your document. But fear not! Chrome and Firefox offer a simple remedy: CTRL + Shift + V.
Picture this scenario: you’re composing an email or working on an online document in your browser. You come across a valuable snippet of text on a webpage or within a Word document. To preserve the integrity of your destination document, follow these steps. First, highlight the desired text, then copy it to your clipboard. Now, here’s the crucial part: instead of the usual paste command, employ the powerful combination of CTRL + Shift + V. Like magic, your clipboard’s contents will seamlessly paste into your browser as plain text.
By utilizing this convenient shortcut, you can bid farewell to unwelcome font variations and undesirable formatting. Enjoy a cleaner, more consistent composition experience with CTRL + Shift + V—a true ally for streamlined pasting.
Efficient Closure: Alt + F4 for Windows Apps
Closing multiple programs can be a tedious task, especially when you have to navigate your mouse pointer to each window’s upper right corner and click the X button. But fret not, there’s a more efficient way: Alt + F4.
Traditionally, people may not be aware that Alt + F4 is a powerful shortcut capable of closing any Windows app swiftly. Whether you’re using Windows 7, 8, or 10, this keyboard combination will save you from the repetitive lunging and swiping associated with closing programs individually.
However, it’s worth noting that if you’re working with desktop applications (not Windows Store apps), an alternative option exists. Simply press Ctrl + W to close the active application window, providing you with a streamlined approach to managing your desktop apps.
With the knowledge of these shortcuts at your fingertips, bid farewell to the time-consuming chore of closing programs one by one. Embrace the efficiency of Alt + F4 and Ctrl + W to swiftly close your Windows apps and desktop applications, respectively.
Regain Lost Tabs: CTRL + SHIFT + T
In the midst of tidying up your cluttered desktop, it’s not uncommon to accidentally close a browser tab that contained essential information. Whether it was an important email from your boss in Gmail or a crucial reference for your ongoing report, panic might set in. But fear not, there’s a quick solution: CTRL + SHIFT + T.
This powerful keyboard shortcut works across major Windows web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Internet Explorer. By simply pressing CTRL + SHIFT + T, you can swiftly restore the last tab you closed, retrieving the valuable content you inadvertently removed from view.
No longer do you need to fret over mistakenly closing an important tab. With the CTRL + SHIFT + T shortcut at your disposal, you can efficiently recover lost tabs and seamlessly continue your browsing or work without missing a beat.
Secure Your PC: Windows Key + L
Whether you step away from your workstation at the office or take a break from your computer at home, it’s crucial to keep your system protected. Fortunately, locking your PC is a breeze with the Windows Key + L shortcut. No need to click or navigate through menus—simply press this key combination, and your computer will be securely locked.
By swiftly activating Windows Key + L, you ensure that unauthorized access to your personal or work-related data is prevented. It’s a quick and effortless way to maintain the privacy and security of your PC, providing peace of mind while you’re away.
If you’ve set up Windows Hello facial recognition or fingerprint login, unlocking your PC becomes even more convenient. With these advanced authentication methods in place, you can bypass the need to enter a password and effortlessly regain access to your system.
Remember, it only takes a moment to lock your PC with the Windows Key + L shortcut, and the added security it provides is invaluable in keeping your information safe.
Benefits to having a computer shortcut keys PDF
- Accessibility: A PDF format allows you to access the shortcut keys document on various devices, including computers, tablets, and smartphones. You can refer to it anytime, whether you are online or offline.
- Quick Reference: With a shortcut keys PDF, you have a convenient and organized reference guide at your fingertips. You can quickly look up specific shortcuts for different applications, operating systems, or software tools without the need for internet connectivity.
- Increased Efficiency: Learning and utilizing shortcut keys can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. Having a PDF document that lists all the relevant shortcuts allows you to easily memorize and practice them, leading to faster task completion and reduced reliance on mouse or touchpad interactions.
- Comprehensive Coverage: A well-compiled shortcut keys PDF typically covers a wide range of applications and software. It can include shortcuts for operating systems, web browsers, office productivity suites, graphic design tools, programming environments, and more. This comprehensive coverage ensures that you have a single resource for multiple software applications.
- Customization and Annotations: PDF files often come with features that enable you to customize and annotate the content. You can highlight important shortcuts, add personal notes, or bookmark frequently used sections, making it a personalized and tailored reference tool.
- Sharing and Collaboration: PDFs can be easily shared with others, allowing you to collaborate and exchange shortcut keys knowledge with colleagues, classmates, or friends. You can email the PDF, upload it to cloud storage, or share it through collaboration platforms, fostering a collaborative learning and working environment.
Overall, a computer shortcut keys PDF provides a portable, comprehensive, and easily accessible resource that can significantly improve your efficiency, productivity, and proficiency in using various software applications.
Downloading Computer Shortcut Keys PDF: A Step-by-Step Guide
Download the Computer Shortcut Keys PDF by clicking here! Once downloaded, you can conveniently browse this PDF on your mobile phone, providing you with instant access to valuable shortcut keys that will enhance your computer operation efficiency. Alternatively, you can choose to print out the PDF for easy reference and offline use. Enjoy unlocking the potential of your computer with these handy shortcut keys!
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