How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts, Symbols and Hotkeys

Computers are an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether it is at home or at work, we simply can't imagine functioning without a computer. Managing time by using a computer as effectively as possible is one of the best ways we can save time and get more work done. Using keyboard shortcuts is a great way to get your work done quickly and efficiently. This article will give you a list of keyboard shortcuts that will make using a computer not only easier, but even more fun than it already is.

*In the article, the symbol '+' has been used. It means that you have to use the two or three keys together and not the + operator itself. For example: To save a file, press 'Ctrl' and 'S' keys together.

Shortcuts for Browsers



Computer Keyboard Symbols and Shortcuts
Functions Related to Files

• Ctrl + S = To save a file
• Ctrl + N = To create a new document
• Ctrl + O = To open an existing file
• Ctrl + P = To print a file or folder
• Ctrl + W = To close an open file or folder

Functions Related to Paragraph Alignment

• Ctrl + J = To justify a paragraph
• Ctrl + L = To left align a paragraph
• Ctrl + R = To right align a paragraph
• Ctrl + E = To center align a paragraph

Functions Related to Line Spacing

• Ctrl + 1 = For single line spacing
• Ctrl + 2 = For double line spacing
• Ctrl + 5 = For 1 line spacing

Functions Related to Font Styles (when text is selected)

• Ctrl + B = For bold
• Ctrl + I = For Italic
• Ctrl + U = To underline

Functions Related to Page Scrolling

• Ctrl + Home = To reach the top of the document
• Ctrl + End = To reach the bottom of the document

Functions Related to Editing

• Ctrl + A = To select all
• Ctrl + X = To cut
• Ctrl + C = To copy
• Ctrl + V = To paste
• Ctrl + F = To find
• Ctrl + H = To find and release
• Ctrl + Z = To undo
• Ctrl + Y = To redo

Functions Using The Alt Key

• Alt + 0176 = Degrees
• Alt + 0162 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0188 = For the fraction
• Alt + 0189 = For the fraction
• Alt + 0190 = For the fraction
• Alt + 0163 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0169 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0174 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0165 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0177 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0247 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0166 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0149 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0134 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0227 = For the symbol
• Alt + 0151 = For the symbol -
• Alt + 0150 = For the symbol -

For an exhaustive list of Alt key functions you may see this Downloadable PDF of Alt Key Functions.

More PC Keyboard Shortcuts

• Windows Key + E = Opens Windows Explorer
• Windows Key + F = Finds files and folders
• Windows Key + R = The Run command is brought up
• Windows Key + Pause/Break = Will take you to the systems profile
• Windows Key + D = Helps you toggle between the desktop and the other thing you are working on
• Ctrl + Page Down or Ctrl + Tab = To switch between tabs from left to right on a web page
• Ctrl + Page Up or Ctrl + Shift + Tab = To switch between tabs from right to left on a web page
• F1 = For help
• F7 = To check the spelling
• Shift + F7 = To go to the thesaurus
• F12 = To save as....
• Alt + F4 = To exit the program
• Ctrl + Alt + Del = To break out of a lockup and open task manager

I hope that by now you are familiar with the computer keyboard keys on you personal computer. Some of these shortcut keys may be browser specific. The knowledge listed here will also help you with your Mac computer. All you need to do is use the Command key instead of the Control key.