What Is A Keyboard Shortcut? - ITU Online
Service Impact Notice: Due to the ongoing hurricane, our operations may be affected. Our primary concern is the safety of our team members. As a result, response times may be delayed, and live chat will be temporarily unavailable. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. Please feel free to email us, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

What is a Keyboard Shortcut?

Definition: Keyboard Shortcut

A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys on a keyboard that performs a specific function or command within software or an operating system. These shortcuts are designed to increase efficiency by allowing users to execute actions quickly without navigating through menus or using a mouse.

Introduction to Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are integral to enhancing productivity and efficiency in computer use. They allow users to perform tasks such as opening programs, copying and pasting text, and navigating web pages with just a few key presses. For example, pressing “Ctrl + C” copies selected text, while “Ctrl + V” pastes it. These shortcuts reduce the need for repetitive mouse movements and can significantly speed up workflow.

Benefits of Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts offers several benefits, including:

  1. Increased Speed: Keyboard shortcuts reduce the time spent navigating menus and performing repetitive tasks.
  2. Improved Productivity: Users can perform multiple actions quickly, leading to more efficient work processes.
  3. Reduced Physical Strain: Less reliance on the mouse can decrease the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
  4. Enhanced Accessibility: Shortcuts can make computing easier for people with disabilities by reducing the need for precise mouse movements.
  5. Customizability: Many applications allow users to create custom shortcuts tailored to their workflow.

Common Keyboard Shortcuts

While there are countless keyboard shortcuts, some are universally recognized and widely used across different operating systems and applications. Here are a few common ones:

Windows Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + C: Copy
  • Ctrl + V: Paste
  • Ctrl + X: Cut
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo
  • Ctrl + A: Select All
  • Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications

MacOS Shortcuts

  • Command + C: Copy
  • Command + V: Paste
  • Command + X: Cut
  • Command + Z: Undo
  • Command + A: Select All
  • Command + Tab: Switch between open applications

Web Browser Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + T (or Command + T): Open a new tab
  • Ctrl + W (or Command + W): Close the current tab
  • Ctrl + L (or Command + L): Highlight the URL bar
  • Ctrl + Shift + T (or Command + Shift + T): Reopen the last closed tab

Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Many operating systems and applications allow users to create custom keyboard shortcuts. This feature is particularly useful for frequently used commands that do not have predefined shortcuts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating custom shortcuts on different platforms:

Windows

  1. Open Settings: Go to the Start menu and open “Settings.”
  2. Access Keyboard Settings: Navigate to “Devices” and then “Keyboard.”
  3. Create Shortcut: Scroll down to “Advanced keyboard settings” and follow the instructions to create a new shortcut.

MacOS

  1. Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
  2. Go to Keyboard Settings: Choose “Keyboard” and then click on the “Shortcuts” tab.
  3. Add Shortcut: Click the “+” button to add a new shortcut and specify the desired key combination.

Advanced Uses of Keyboard Shortcuts

Beyond basic commands, keyboard shortcuts can also be used for advanced tasks and in professional applications. Here are a few examples:

Graphic Design Software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop)

  • Ctrl + T (or Command + T): Free Transform
  • Ctrl + Shift + N (or Command + Shift + N): New Layer
  • B: Brush Tool
  • L: Lasso Tool

Code Editors (e.g., Visual Studio Code)

  • Ctrl + Shift + P (or Command + Shift + P): Open Command Palette
  • **Ctrl + /`` (or Command + /“): Toggle terminal
  • F12: Go to Definition
  • Alt + Up/Down Arrow: Move line up/down

Video Editing Software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro)

  • Ctrl + K (or Command + K): Add Edit
  • Ctrl + Shift + E (or Command + Shift + E): Export Frame
  • Spacebar: Play/Pause

Tips for Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts

  1. Practice Regularly: Consistent use will help you memorize shortcuts.
  2. Learn Incrementally: Start with a few basic shortcuts and gradually add more.
  3. Use Cheat Sheets: Keep a list of frequently used shortcuts near your workspace.
  4. Customize Shortcuts: Tailor shortcuts to your workflow for maximum efficiency.
  5. Explore Software-Specific Shortcuts: Different applications have unique shortcuts that can significantly boost your productivity within those programs.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to Keyboard Shortcuts

What is a keyboard shortcut?

A keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys that, when pressed simultaneously, perform a specific function or command within software or an operating system, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Why should I use keyboard shortcuts?

Using keyboard shortcuts can increase your speed, improve productivity, reduce physical strain, enhance accessibility, and allow for customizability tailored to your workflow.

What are some common keyboard shortcuts for Windows?

Common keyboard shortcuts for Windows include Ctrl + C (Copy), Ctrl + V (Paste), Ctrl + X (Cut), Ctrl + Z (Undo), Ctrl + A (Select All), and Alt + Tab (Switch between open applications).

How do I create custom keyboard shortcuts on MacOS?

To create custom keyboard shortcuts on MacOS, open System Preferences, select Keyboard, click on the Shortcuts tab, and then click the + button to add a new shortcut and specify the desired key combination.

Can keyboard shortcuts be used in professional software?

Yes, keyboard shortcuts are extensively used in professional software such as graphic design programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop), code editors (e.g., Visual Studio Code), and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) to enhance efficiency and workflow.

All Access Lifetime IT Training

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
2731 Hrs 30 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
13,779 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $699.00.Current price is: $349.00.

Add To Cart
All Access IT Training – 1 Year

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
2731 Hrs 30 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
13,779 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $199.00.Current price is: $129.00.

Add To Cart
All Access Library – Monthly subscription

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Total Hours
2731 Hrs 25 Min
icons8-video-camera-58
13,809 On-demand Videos

Original price was: $49.99.Current price is: $16.99. / month with a 10-day free trial

today Only: here's $100.00 Off

Go LIFETIME at our lowest lifetime price ever.  Buy IT Training once and never have to pay again.  All new and updated content added for life.  

Learn CompTIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AI, Project Management & More...

Simply add to cart to get your Extra $100.00 off today!