Using keyboard shortcuts can significantly increase productivity, reduce repetitive strain, and help you focus. For example, to copy text, you can highlight the text and press the shortcut Ctrl + C. The shortcut is faster than moving your hands away from the keyboard, highlighting with the mouse, selecting copy from the file menu, and then returning to the keyboard.
Below are the top 10 keyboard shortcuts that we recommend everyone memorize and use.
Ctrl+C or Ctrl+Insert and Ctrl+X
Both Ctrl + C and Ctrl + Insert will copy the highlighted text or a selected item. If you want to cut an item instead of copying it, press Ctrl + X. This action removes the text or item and saves it to the clipboard instead of simply copying it to the clipboard while leaving the original behind.
Apple computer users can substitute the Ctrl key for the command (cmd) key on their computers. For example, pressing Cmd + C copies the highlighted text.
Ctrl+V or Shift+Insert
Both Ctrl + V and Shift + Insert will paste the text or object stored on the clipboard.
On Apple computers, use Cmd + V.
Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y
Pressing Ctrl + Z will undo any changes. For example, if you cut text, pressing this key combination will undo the cut. These shortcuts can also be pressed multiple times to undo or redo multiple changes. Pressing Ctrl + Y will redo the undo.
On Apple computers, use Cmd + Z and Cmd + Y to undo and redo.
Ctrl+F
Pressing Ctrl + F opens the Find field, which allows you to search for text that appears in any program that supports it. For example, Ctrl + F can be used in your Internet browser to find text on the current page. Press Ctrl + F now to open Find in your browser and search for “shortcut” to display every time the shortcut is listed on that page.
On Apple computers, use Cmd + F to find it.
