Computer and AI Keyboard Shortcuts: Complete Guide

Imagine finishing a task in half the time just by changing how you use the keyboard. Every time you move your hand from the keyboard to the mouse, find a menu and click through it, you lose a little time and rhythm. Keyboard shortcuts (also called short keys or hotkeys) let you give the same commands with a quick press of two or three keys. This guide gathers 336 shortcuts for Windows, Mac, web browsers, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, video meetings, coding tools and AI apps. Every shortcut comes with a plain-English explanation of what it does and when to use it. You can search for any shortcut, jump to a topic, or follow the 7-day learning plan at the end.

In this article

What is a keyboard shortcut?
The keys that make shortcuts work
How to read and press a shortcut
Search and topic list
The 25 Shortcuts Everyone Should Learn First
Text Editing and Cursor Movement
Formatting Text (Word, Google Docs and most editors)
Windows Shortcuts
macOS Shortcuts
Files and Folders (File Explorer and Finder)
Web Browser Shortcuts (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)
Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentations)
Google Docs, Sheets and Slides
Screenshots and Screen Recording
Video Meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams)
Command Line and Terminal
Code Editors (Visual Studio Code)
Function Keys (F1 to F12)
Accessibility, Language and Voice Input
Shortcuts for Working With AI Tools
Windows to Mac: how shortcuts translate
Shortcuts that are often mixed up
A 7-day plan to learn shortcuts
Try it yourself: practice tasks
When a shortcut does not work
Using shortcuts safely
Check your understanding

What you will find here

336 shortcuts in 17 topics, with Windows and Mac versions side by side.
A clear explanation for each shortcut, not just a list of keys.
A search box, a Windows-to-Mac translation guide, practice tasks and a quiz.
Shortcuts for AI tools such as ChatGPT, plus tips for using voice typing and screenshots with AI.

1.What Is a Keyboard Shortcut?

A keyboard shortcut is a key, or a combination of keys, that runs a command in a computer program faster than using a mouse or menus. For example, to copy a sentence you could select it, open the Edit menu and click Copy. With a shortcut you select it and press Ctrl+C. The shortcut takes about a second.

Shortcuts are useful for four reasons:

Speed: they cut out the time spent moving the mouse and finding menu items. Over a day of work, the saved seconds add up to many minutes.
Comfort: using the keyboard more and the mouse less can reduce repeated reaching and clicking, and many people find it more comfortable.
Accessibility: people who cannot use a mouse, or who use screen readers, depend on the keyboard.
Focus: your hands stay in one place, so your thinking is not interrupted.

Did you know? The ideas of cut, copy and paste were developed in the 1970s at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center, where computer scientist Larry Tesler worked on text editors. Apple's early Lisa and Macintosh computers put the X, C and V keys next to each other with the Command key, and later systems copied the pattern with the Ctrl key. This is why the same three shortcuts work almost everywhere today.

2.The Keys That Make Shortcuts Work

Most shortcuts combine a modifier key with another key. A modifier key changes the meaning of the key pressed with it. The main modifier keys are on the left side of the bottom row of the keyboard.

Figure 1. The modifier keys on a Windows and a Mac keyboard (layouts vary by laptop). The glowing keys are the ones used most often. (Original EDUSAMBAM diagram.)

Key	What it does in shortcuts
`Ctrl` (Control)	The main modifier on Windows and Linux. Combined with a letter, it runs commands such as copy, paste and save.
`Cmd` (Command, ⌘)	The main modifier on a Mac. It works like Ctrl does on Windows.
`Alt` / `Option`	Alt on Windows opens menus and switches windows (Alt+Tab); Option on a Mac types special characters and changes what other keys do.
`Shift`	Makes capital letters and symbols, selects text when used with arrow keys, and turns many shortcuts into related ones (Ctrl+Z is undo, Ctrl+Shift+Z is redo on a Mac).
`Win` (Windows logo key)	Opens the Start menu and starts many Windows system shortcuts.
`Fn`	Found on laptops; it activates the second function of keys (brightness, volume or the F1 to F12 functions).
`Tab`	Moves between boxes or items; with Alt or Cmd it switches programs.
`Esc` (Escape)	Cancels an action, closes a menu or leaves full screen.
`Enter` / `Return`	Confirms an action, starts a new line, or sends a message.
`Delete` / `Backspace`	Removes characters or files. On a Mac, the key labelled Delete works like Backspace.

3.How to Read and Press a Shortcut

A shortcut such as Ctrl+C is written with plus signs, but you do not type the plus sign. It means: hold the first key (the modifier), tap the second key, then release both.

Figure 2. Pressing a two-key shortcut. The keys light up in order in the animation. (Original EDUSAMBAM diagram.)

"Ctrl+Shift+S" means hold Ctrl and Shift together, then tap S.
"Ctrl+X then Ctrl+V" means do the first shortcut, then the second.
Some shortcuts are single keys, such as F5 or Esc.
"Arrow keys" are the four keys with arrows (Up Arrow, Down Arrow, Left Arrow, Right Arrow).
Windows and Linux keyboards use the left-hand column of each table; Macs use the right-hand column. A dash (—) means there is no common shortcut for that system.
Shortcuts depend on the program and its version. If a shortcut does not work, check the program's Help or menus, where the shortcut is often shown beside the command.

4.Search and Topic List

Search the shortcuts

Showing all 336 shortcuts.

No shortcut matches your search. Try a shorter word, for example "tab" or "screen".

The 25 Shortcuts Everyone Should Learn First Text Editing and Cursor Movement Formatting Text (Word, Google Docs and most editors) Windows Shortcuts macOS Shortcuts Files and Folders (File Explorer and Finder) Web Browser Shortcuts (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentations) Google Docs, Sheets and Slides Screenshots and Screen Recording Video Meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) Command Line and Terminal Code Editors (Visual Studio Code) Function Keys (F1 to F12) Accessibility, Language and Voice Input Shortcuts for Working With AI Tools

5.The 25 Shortcuts Everyone Should Learn First

If you learn only one table, learn this one. These work in almost every program.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Copy	`Ctrl`+`C`	`Cmd`+`C`	Copies the selected text, picture or file so that you can paste it somewhere else. The original stays where it is.
Cut	`Ctrl`+`X`	`Cmd`+`X`	Removes the selection and keeps it ready to paste. Use it to move things.
Paste	`Ctrl`+`V`	`Cmd`+`V`	Puts the copied or cut item at the cursor.
Paste as plain text	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`Shift`+`V`	Pastes only the words, without the fonts, colours and links of the source. It keeps documents tidy. (Some programs use `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V` or `Cmd`+`Shift`+`V`.)
Undo	`Ctrl`+`Z`	`Cmd`+`Z`	Cancels your last action. Press it repeatedly to step back further.
Redo	`Ctrl`+`Y` or `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Z`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Z`	Brings back an action that you have just undone.
Select all	`Ctrl`+`A`	`Cmd`+`A`	Selects everything in the document, page or folder.
Save	`Ctrl`+`S`	`Cmd`+`S`	Saves your work. Press it often so that you do not lose changes.
Save As	F12 (Word) or `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`S`	Saves a copy under a new name or in a new place.
Open	`Ctrl`+`O`	`Cmd`+`O`	Opens an existing file.
New	`Ctrl`+`N`	`Cmd`+`N`	Creates a new document, window or workbook.
Print	`Ctrl`+`P`	`Cmd`+`P`	Opens the print window and preview.
Find	`Ctrl`+`F`	`Cmd`+`F`	Searches for a word or phrase on the page or in the document.
Close the window or tab	`Ctrl`+`W`	`Cmd`+`W`	Closes the current document, tab or window without quitting the program.
Quit or close the program	`Alt`+`F4`	`Cmd`+`Q`	Closes the whole program (on Windows it closes the active window).
Switch between open programs	`Alt`+`Tab`	`Cmd`+`Tab`	Hold Alt (or Cmd) and tap Tab to move through your open programs.
Refresh	`F5` or `Ctrl`+`R`	`Cmd`+`R`	Reloads a web page or a folder view.
Take a screenshot of part of the screen	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`4`	Lets you drag a box around the area you want to capture.
Lock the computer	`Win`+`L`	`Control`+`Cmd`+`Q`	Locks the screen when you leave your seat, so that nobody else can use your account.
Show the desktop	`Win`+`D`	`F11` or `Fn`+`F11`	Minimises every window to show the desktop. Press again to bring them back.
Open the Start menu, or search	`Win`	`Cmd`+`Space`	On Windows, opens the Start menu; on a Mac, `Cmd`+`Space` opens Spotlight search.
Open Task Manager (or Force Quit)	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Esc`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`Esc`	Shows running programs so that you can close one that has stopped responding.
Bold	`Ctrl`+`B`	`Cmd`+`B`	Makes the selected text bold.
Italic	`Ctrl`+`I`	`Cmd`+`I`	Makes the selected text italic.
Underline	`Ctrl`+`U`	`Cmd`+`U`	Underlines the selected text.

6.Text Editing and Cursor Movement

Move around and select text without touching the mouse. These work in Word, Notepad, browsers, email and most text boxes.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Go to the start of the line	`Home`	`Cmd`+`Left Arrow`	Moves the cursor to the beginning of the current line.
Go to the end of the line	`End`	`Cmd`+`Right Arrow`	Moves the cursor to the end of the current line.
Go to the start of the document	`Ctrl`+`Home`	`Cmd`+`Up Arrow`	Jumps to the very top of the document or page.
Go to the end of the document	`Ctrl`+`End`	`Cmd`+`Down Arrow`	Jumps to the very bottom.
Move one word left or right	`Ctrl`+`Left Arrow` or `Ctrl`+`Right Arrow`	`Option`+`Left Arrow` or `Option`+`Right Arrow`	Moves the cursor a whole word at a time, which is much faster than single letters.
Select one letter at a time	`Shift`+`Left Arrow` or `Shift`+`Right Arrow`	`Shift`+`Left Arrow` or `Shift`+`Right Arrow`	Extends the selection by one character.
Select one word at a time	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Left Arrow` or `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Right Arrow`	`Option`+`Shift`+`Left Arrow` or `Option`+`Shift`+`Right Arrow`	Extends the selection by one word.
Select to the start or end of the line	`Shift`+`Home` or `Shift`+`End`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Left Arrow` or `Cmd`+`Shift`+`Right Arrow`	Selects from the cursor to the edge of the line.
Select to the start or end of the document	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Home` or `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`End`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Up Arrow` or `Cmd`+`Shift`+`Down Arrow`	Selects everything above or below the cursor.
Select one line up or down	`Shift`+`Up Arrow` or `Shift`+`Down Arrow`	`Shift`+`Up Arrow` or `Shift`+`Down Arrow`	Extends the selection line by line.
Delete the previous word	`Ctrl`+`Backspace`	`Option`+`Delete`	Deletes the whole word to the left of the cursor.
Delete the next word	`Ctrl`+`Delete`	`Option`+`Fn`+`Delete`	Deletes the whole word to the right of the cursor.
Delete the character to the right	`Delete`	`Fn`+`Delete`	Removes the letter after the cursor. (On a Mac the Delete key works like Backspace.)
Move up or down one screen	`Page Up` or `Page Down`	`Fn`+`Up Arrow` or `Fn`+`Down Arrow`	Scrolls the view by one screenful.
Switch between insert and overwrite mode	`Insert`	—	In overwrite mode, new letters replace the old ones. Press Insert again to go back.
Insert a tab or move to the next field	`Tab`	`Tab`	Adds an indent in a document, or moves to the next box in a form.
Move to the previous field	`Shift`+`Tab`	`Shift`+`Tab`	Goes back one box in a form or one cell in a table.
Open the emoji and symbols panel	`Win`+`.` (full stop) or `Win`+`;`	`Control`+`Cmd`+`Space`	Lets you insert emoji and symbols.
Select a word with the mouse	`Double-click`	`Double-click`	Selects the word under the pointer. Triple-click selects the whole paragraph.

7.Formatting Text (Word, Google Docs and most editors)

Change how text looks without using the menus.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Centre the text	`Ctrl`+`E`	`Cmd`+`E`	Centres the paragraph.
Align the text to the left	`Ctrl`+`L`	`Cmd`+`L`	Aligns the paragraph to the left margin.
Align the text to the right	`Ctrl`+`R`	`Cmd`+`R`	Aligns the paragraph to the right margin.
Justify the text	`Ctrl`+`J`	`Cmd`+`J`	Spreads the lines so that both edges are straight.
Increase the font size	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`>`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`>`	Makes the selected text bigger.
Decrease the font size	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`<`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`<`	Makes the selected text smaller.
Subscript	`Ctrl`+`=`	`Cmd`+`=`	Lowers the text, as in H2O.
Superscript	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`=`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`=`	Raises the text, as in m2 (metres squared).
Insert a hyperlink	`Ctrl`+`K`	`Cmd`+`K`	Turns the selected words into a clickable link.
Bulleted list	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`L`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`L`	Starts a bulleted list in Word.
Apply Heading 1, 2 or 3	`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`1`, 2 or 3	`Cmd`+`Option`+`1`, 2 or 3	Applies a heading style, which helps to build a table of contents.
Single, 1.5 or double line spacing	`Ctrl`+`1`, `Ctrl`+`5` or `Ctrl`+`2`	`Cmd`+`1`, `Cmd`+`5` or `Cmd`+`2`	Changes the spacing of the selected lines (in Word).
Clear formatting	`Ctrl`+`Space`	`Control`+`Space`	Removes character formatting such as bold or colour from the selection (in Word).
Copy formatting	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`C`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`C`	Copies the look of the text, so that you can apply it elsewhere.
Paste formatting	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`V`	Applies the copied look to other text.
Change the case	`Shift`+`F3`	`Fn`+`Shift`+`F3`	Cycles between lower case, UPPER CASE and Title Case (in Word).
Insert a page break	`Ctrl`+`Enter`	`Cmd`+`Return`	Starts a new page in Word.
Show or hide paragraph marks	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`8`	`Cmd`+`8`	Shows the hidden formatting marks, which helps you find extra spaces and breaks.
Insert a comment	`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`M`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`A`	Adds a comment to the selected text in Word. (In Google Docs the shortcut is `Ctrl`+`Alt`+`M`.)
Check spelling and grammar	`F7`	`Fn`+`F7`	Starts the spelling check in Word.
Zoom in	`Ctrl`+`Plus` or `Ctrl`+`Mouse wheel up`	`Cmd`+`Plus`	Makes the page bigger on the screen.
Zoom out	`Ctrl`+`Minus` or `Ctrl`+`Mouse wheel down`	`Cmd`+`Minus`	Makes the page smaller on the screen.
Reset the zoom	`Ctrl`+`0`	`Cmd`+`0`	Returns the page to normal size in most browsers.

8.Windows Shortcuts

Shortcuts that use the Windows logo key (Win) and other system keys. Some need Windows 10 or 11.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Open or close the Start menu	`Win`	—	Gives access to your apps and settings.
Open File Explorer	`Win`+`E`	—	Opens your folders and files.
Open Settings	`Win`+`I`	—	Opens the Windows Settings app.
Open Search	`Win`+`S`	—	Searches your computer and the web.
Open the Run box	`Win`+`R`	—	Lets you type a program name or command, such as notepad, calc or cmd.
Open the power-user menu	`Win`+`X`	—	Shows quick links to tools such as Device Manager and Disk Management.
Lock the screen	`Win`+`L`	—	Locks the computer so that it needs your password.
Show the desktop	`Win`+`D`	—	Hides all windows. Press again to restore them.
Minimise all windows	`Win`+`M`	—	Minimises everything. `Win`+`Shift`+`M` restores them.
Minimise all except the active window	`Win`+`Home`	—	Keeps only the window you are using.
Task View	`Win`+`Tab`	—	Shows all open windows and virtual desktops.
Switch between open apps	`Alt`+`Tab`	—	Hold Alt and press Tab until the app you want is selected.
Open Task Manager	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Esc`	—	Opens the tool for closing frozen programs and checking performance.
Open the security screen	`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`Delete`	—	Shows options to lock, switch user, sign out or open Task Manager.
Snap a window to the left or right	`Win`+`Left Arrow` or `Win`+`Right Arrow`	—	Fits the window on one half of the screen, so you can work with two windows side by side.
Maximise or restore a window	`Win`+`Up Arrow` or `Win`+`Down Arrow`	—	Makes the window fill the screen, or returns it to its size.
Move a window to another monitor	`Win`+`Shift`+`Left Arrow` or `Win`+`Shift`+`Right Arrow`	—	Sends the active window to the next screen.
Take a screenshot of the entire screen	`PrtScn`	—	Copies the whole screen to the clipboard. Paste it into Paint or a document.
Capture the active window only	`Alt`+`PrtScn`	—	Copies only the window that you are using.
Save a full-screen screenshot as a file	`Win`+`PrtScn`	—	Saves the picture automatically in Pictures > Screenshots.
Snip and sketch a part of the screen	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	—	Opens the snipping tool for capturing a rectangle, free shape, window or full screen.
Open the clipboard history	`Win`+`V`	—	Shows the last items you copied, so that you can paste an older one.
Use voice typing	`Win`+`H`	—	Lets you dictate text into the selected text box.
Open the emoji panel	`Win`+`.` or `Win`+`;`	—	Inserts emoji, GIFs and symbols.
Switch the keyboard language	`Win`+`Space` or `Alt`+`Shift`	—	Changes between input languages, such as English and Urdu.
Project to a second screen	`Win`+`P`	—	Chooses between duplicate, extend or second screen only.
Cast to a wireless display	`Win`+`K`	—	Connects to a wireless display or device.
Open Quick Settings (Windows 11)	`Win`+`A`	—	Gives quick access to Wi-Fi, volume, brightness and more.
Open notifications and the calendar (Windows 11)	`Win`+`N`	—	Shows notifications and the calendar.
Open widgets (Windows 11)	`Win`+`W`	—	Shows the widgets board.
Open Snap Layouts (Windows 11)	`Win`+`Z`	—	Shows layouts for arranging windows.
Create a new virtual desktop	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`D`	—	Adds an extra desktop, handy for keeping school and entertainment apart.
Switch virtual desktops	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Left Arrow` or `Win`+`Ctrl`+`Right Arrow`	—	Moves between virtual desktops.
Close the current virtual desktop	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`F4`	—	Closes the desktop and moves its windows to another one.
Open the Game Bar	`Win`+`G`	—	Opens the tools for capturing video and checking performance.
Record the screen	`Win`+`Alt`+`R`	—	Starts or stops a screen recording of the active window using the Game Bar.
Open Accessibility settings	`Win`+`U`	—	Opens the ease-of-access options.
Open the Magnifier	`Win`+`Plus`	—	Zooms in on the screen. `Win`+`Esc` closes it.
Start or stop Narrator	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Enter`	—	Turns the screen reader on or off.
Open the on-screen keyboard	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`O`	—	Shows a keyboard on screen that you can use with a mouse or touch.
Peek at the desktop	`Win`+`,`	—	Shows the desktop while you hold the keys. Releasing returns to your windows.
Restart the graphics driver	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`B`	—	Refreshes a blank or frozen screen without restarting.
Open the window menu	`Alt`+`Space`	—	Lets you move, resize, minimise or close the window with the keyboard.
Open the right-click menu	`Shift`+`F10`	—	Shows the context menu for the selected item, handy if the mouse is not working.
Turn on Sticky Keys	Press Shift five times	—	Lets you press shortcuts one key at a time, which helps people who cannot hold several keys.
Turn on Filter Keys	Hold the right Shift key for eight seconds	—	Ignores brief or repeated key presses.

9.macOS Shortcuts

The Command key (Cmd), Option and Control keys do the work of Ctrl and Win on a Mac.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Open Spotlight search	`Win`+`S` (Windows equivalent)	`Cmd`+`Space`	Searches files, apps, contacts and the web, and works as a calculator and converter.
Switch between open apps	`Alt`+`Tab`	`Cmd`+`Tab`	Hold Cmd and press Tab to choose an app. Press Q while holding Cmd to quit the highlighted app.
Switch between windows of the same app	—	`Cmd`+` (backtick)	Cycles through the windows of the program in front.
Quit the app	`Alt`+`F4`	`Cmd`+`Q`	Quits the current application completely.
Close the front window	`Ctrl`+`W`	`Cmd`+`W`	Closes the window but keeps the app open.
Minimise the window	`Win`+`Down Arrow`	`Cmd`+`M`	Sends the window to the Dock.
Hide the app	—	`Cmd`+`H`	Hides the front app. `Cmd`+`Option`+`H` hides all other apps.
Force Quit	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Esc`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`Esc`	Opens the Force Quit window for apps that are not responding.
Take a screenshot of the whole screen	`PrtScn`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`3`	Saves a picture of the entire screen to the desktop.
Take a screenshot of a selection	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`4`	Drag to choose the area. Press Space to capture a single window.
Open the screenshot and recording tools	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`5`	Shows controls for capturing the screen or recording a video of it.
Copy a screenshot to the clipboard	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	`Control`+`Cmd`+`Shift`+`3` or 4	Holding Control with the screenshot shortcut copies the image instead of saving it.
Lock the screen	`Win`+`L`	`Control`+`Cmd`+`Q`	Locks your Mac immediately.
Open Settings (Preferences)	`Win`+`I`	`Cmd`+`,`	In most Mac apps, opens that app's settings.
Open Mission Control	`Win`+`Tab`	`Control`+`Up Arrow`	Shows all open windows and desktops (Spaces).
Switch between desktops (Spaces)	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Left Arrow` or `Right Arrow`	`Control`+`Left Arrow` or `Right Arrow`	Moves to the next or previous desktop.
Show or hide the Dock	—	`Cmd`+`Option`+`D`	Hides the Dock to give more space, or shows it again.
Move a file to the Trash	`Delete`	`Cmd`+`Delete`	Moves the selected file to the Trash.
Empty the Trash	—	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Delete`	Permanently deletes everything in the Trash, after confirming.
Show hidden files in Finder	—	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`.`	Shows or hides files that start with a dot.
Open Quick Look	—	`Space`	Previews the selected file without opening it.
Go to a folder by typing its path	`Ctrl`+`L`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`G`	Lets you type a folder location in Finder.
Create a new folder	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`N`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`N`	Makes a new folder in Finder.
Get information about a file	`Alt`+`Enter`	`Cmd`+`I`	Shows the size, type and permissions of the selected file.
Duplicate a file	—	`Cmd`+`D`	Creates a copy of the selected file in the same folder.
Open the emoji and symbols viewer	`Win`+`.`	`Control`+`Cmd`+`Space`	Lets you insert emoji and special characters.
Switch the keyboard language	`Win`+`Space`	`Control`+`Space`	Changes the input source (for example, English to Urdu).
Start dictation	`Win`+`H`	Press the Dictation key or Fn twice	Lets you speak instead of typing. The exact key depends on your Mac and settings.
Open VoiceOver	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Enter` (Narrator)	`Cmd`+`F5`	Turns the Mac screen reader on or off.
Zoom the screen	`Win`+`Plus` (Magnifier)	`Option`+`Cmd`+`8`	Turns screen zoom on or off, if enabled in Accessibility settings.

10.Files and Folders (File Explorer and Finder)

Manage your files quickly.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Rename the selected file	`F2`	`Return`	Lets you type a new name for the file or folder.
Create a new folder	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`N`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`N`	Makes a new folder in the current location.
Select several files one by one	`Ctrl`+`Click`	`Cmd`+`Click`	Adds or removes single items from the selection.
Select a range of files	`Shift`+`Click`	`Shift`+`Click`	Selects everything between the first and the last click.
Select all files in the folder	`Ctrl`+`A`	`Cmd`+`A`	Selects every item in the folder.
Copy the selected file	`Ctrl`+`C`	`Cmd`+`C`	Copies the file so that you can paste a duplicate somewhere else.
Move a file by cut and paste	`Ctrl`+`X` then `Ctrl`+`V`	`Cmd`+`C` then `Cmd`+`Option`+`V`	Moves the file to a new folder. On a Mac, `Cmd`+`Option`+`V` moves instead of copying.
Delete the selected file	`Delete`	`Cmd`+`Delete`	Sends the file to the Recycle Bin or Trash.
Delete permanently	`Shift`+`Delete`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`Delete`	Deletes without using the Recycle Bin or Trash (be careful: it cannot be undone easily).
Show properties or info	`Alt`+`Enter`	`Cmd`+`I`	Shows size, type, date and permissions.
Go up one folder level	`Alt`+`Up Arrow`	`Cmd`+`Up Arrow`	Moves to the parent folder.
Go back or forward	`Alt`+`Left Arrow` or `Alt`+`Right Arrow`	`Cmd`+`[` or `Cmd`+`]`	Moves through the folders you visited.
Select the address bar	`Ctrl`+`L` or `Alt`+`D`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`G`	Lets you type or paste a folder path.
Search inside the folder	`Ctrl`+`E` or `Ctrl`+`F`	`Cmd`+`F`	Moves the cursor to the search box.
Preview the file	`Alt`+`P`	`Space`	Shows the contents of a file without opening it (`Alt`+`P` toggles the preview pane in Windows).
Change the size of icons	`Ctrl`+`Mouse wheel`	`Cmd`+`1`, 2, 3 or 4	Switches between big icons, lists and other views.
Refresh the folder	`F5`	—	Shows recent changes in the folder. (Finder updates by itself.)
Undo a file action	`Ctrl`+`Z`	`Cmd`+`Z`	Brings back a file you just moved, renamed or deleted.

11.Web Browser Shortcuts (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Browse faster. Most of these work in all common browsers.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Open a new tab	`Ctrl`+`T`	`Cmd`+`T`	Opens an empty tab.
Close the current tab	`Ctrl`+`W` or `Ctrl`+`F4`	`Cmd`+`W`	Closes the tab you are viewing.
Reopen the last closed tab	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`T`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`T`	Brings back a tab you closed by mistake. Press again for older tabs.
Open a new window	`Ctrl`+`N`	`Cmd`+`N`	Opens another browser window.
Open a private window	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`N` (Chrome and Edge) or `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`P` (Firefox)	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`N` or `Cmd`+`Shift`+`P`	Opens Incognito, InPrivate or Private mode, which does not save your history on this device.
Go to the next tab	`Ctrl`+`Tab` or `Ctrl`+`Page Down`	`Control`+`Tab` or `Cmd`+`Option`+`Right Arrow`	Moves to the tab on the right.
Go to the previous tab	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Tab` or `Ctrl`+`Page Up`	`Control`+`Shift`+`Tab` or `Cmd`+`Option`+`Left Arrow`	Moves to the tab on the left.
Jump to a specific tab	`Ctrl`+`1` to `Ctrl`+`8`	`Cmd`+`1` to `Cmd`+`8`	Goes straight to the first, second, third and so on up to the eighth tab.
Jump to the last tab	`Ctrl`+`9`	`Cmd`+`9`	Goes to the last tab, however many are open.
Select the address bar	`Ctrl`+`L`, `Alt`+`D` or `F6`	`Cmd`+`L`	Lets you type a web address or search.
Add www. and .com to a name	`Ctrl`+`Enter`	`Control`+`Return` (Chrome) or `Cmd`+`Return`	Type "example" in the address bar and press this to open example.com.
Bookmark the page	`Ctrl`+`D`	`Cmd`+`D`	Saves the page in your bookmarks.
Open the history	`Ctrl`+`H`	`Cmd`+`Y` (Chrome) or `Cmd`+`Shift`+`H` (Firefox)	Shows pages you have visited.
Open downloads	`Ctrl`+`J`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`J` (Chrome)	Shows the list of downloaded files.
Clear browsing data	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Delete`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Delete`	Opens the window for deleting history, cookies and cache.
Find on the page	`Ctrl`+`F` or `F3`	`Cmd`+`F`	Highlights every match of a word on the page.
Refresh the page	`F5` or `Ctrl`+`R`	`Cmd`+`R`	Reloads the page.
Hard refresh	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`R` or `Ctrl`+`F5`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`R`	Reloads the page while ignoring the cached copy. Useful when a site looks out of date.
Go back or forward	`Alt`+`Left Arrow` or `Alt`+`Right Arrow`	`Cmd`+`[` or `Cmd`+`]`	Moves through the pages you viewed.
Go to your home page	`Alt`+`Home`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`H` (Chrome)	Opens your browser home page.
Stop loading the page	`Esc`	`Esc` or `Cmd`+`.`	Stops a page that is taking too long.
Scroll down a screen	`Space` or `Page Down`	`Space` or `Fn`+`Down Arrow`	Scrolls one screenful. `Shift`+`Space` scrolls up.
Go to the top or bottom of the page	`Ctrl`+`Home` or `Ctrl`+`End`	`Cmd`+`Up Arrow` or `Cmd`+`Down Arrow`	Jumps to the top or bottom of the page.
Zoom in, zoom out or reset	`Ctrl`+`Plus`, `Ctrl`+`Minus`, `Ctrl`+`0`	`Cmd`+`Plus`, `Cmd`+`Minus`, `Cmd`+`0`	Makes the page larger or smaller, or returns it to 100%.
Full screen	`F11`	`Control`+`Cmd`+`F`	Hides the toolbar to fill the screen with the page. Press again to exit.
View page source	`Ctrl`+`U`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`U` (Chrome)	Opens the HTML code of the page, handy for learning web design.
Open developer tools	`F12` or `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`I`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`I`	Opens the tools used to inspect and debug web pages.
Print the page	`Ctrl`+`P`	`Cmd`+`P`	Opens the print preview, where you can also save as PDF.
Save the page	`Ctrl`+`S`	`Cmd`+`S`	Saves the web page as a file.
Open a link in a new tab	`Ctrl`+`Click`	`Cmd`+`Click`	Opens the link in the background without leaving the page.

12.Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets

Work with spreadsheets faster. Cell references are written like A1 or B3.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Move to the edge of the data	`Ctrl`+`Arrow keys`	`Cmd`+`Arrow keys`	Jumps to the last filled cell in that direction.
Select to the edge of the data	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Arrow keys`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Arrow keys`	Selects a whole block of data in one move.
Go to cell A1	`Ctrl`+`Home`	`Control`+`Fn`+`Left Arrow`	Returns to the top-left of the sheet.
Go to the last used cell	`Ctrl`+`End`	`Control`+`Fn`+`Right Arrow`	Moves to the bottom-right of the data.
Edit the active cell	`F2`	`Control`+`U`	Puts the cursor in the cell so that you can change its contents.
Start a new line inside a cell	`Alt`+`Enter`	`Control`+`Option`+`Return`	Makes a second line within the same cell.
Insert the AutoSum formula	`Alt`+`=`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`T`	Adds a SUM formula for the cells above or to the left.
Insert today's date	`Ctrl`+`;`	`Control`+`;`	Types the current date as a fixed value.
Insert the current time	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`;`	`Cmd`+`;`	Types the current time as a fixed value.
Switch between relative and absolute references	`F4`	`Cmd`+`T`	Adds or removes the $ signs in a cell reference, such as A1 to $A$1.
Select the whole column	`Ctrl`+`Space`	`Control`+`Space`	Selects the entire column of the active cell.
Select the whole row	`Shift`+`Space`	`Shift`+`Space`	Selects the entire row of the active cell.
Turn filters on or off	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`L`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`F`	Shows or hides the filter arrows on a header row.
Fill down	`Ctrl`+`D`	`Control`+`D`	Copies the top cell of a selection to the cells below it.
Fill right	`Ctrl`+`R`	`Control`+`R`	Copies the left cell of a selection across to the right.
Fill a selection with the same entry	`Ctrl`+`Enter`	`Control`+`Return`	Types the same value or formula in all selected cells.
Format cells	`Ctrl`+`1`	`Cmd`+`1`	Opens the Format Cells window for numbers, borders and colours.
Apply currency format	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`$`	`Control`+`Shift`+`$`	Formats numbers as money.
Apply percentage format	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`%`	`Control`+`Shift`+`%`	Formats numbers as percentages.
Show formulas instead of results	`Ctrl`+` (backtick)	`Control`+`	Shows all formulas on the sheet, useful for checking.
Insert a new worksheet	`Shift`+`F11`	`Shift`+`Fn`+`F11`	Adds a new sheet to the workbook.
Move to the next or previous sheet	`Ctrl`+`Page Down` or `Ctrl`+`Page Up`	`Control`+`Page Down` or `Control`+`Page Up`	Switches between worksheet tabs.
Create a table	`Ctrl`+`T`	`Control`+`T`	Turns a range into a formatted table with filters.
Insert cells, rows or columns	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`+`	`Control`+`Shift`+`+`	Opens the dialogue for inserting.
Delete cells, rows or columns	`Ctrl`+`-`	`Cmd`+`-`	Opens the dialogue for deleting.
Hide the selected rows	`Ctrl`+`9`	`Control`+`9`	Hides the rows. `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`9` shows them again.
Recalculate all formulas	`F9`	`Fn`+`F9`	Forces the workbook to recalculate.

13.Microsoft PowerPoint (Presentations)

Create slides and present with confidence.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Start the slide show from the beginning	`F5`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Return`	Starts presenting from slide 1.
Start from the current slide	`Shift`+`F5`	Use Slide Show > Play from Current Slide	Starts presenting from the slide you are on.
Go to the next slide	`N`, `Enter`, `Space` or `Right Arrow`	`N`, `Return`, `Space` or `Right Arrow`	Moves forward during the presentation.
Go to the previous slide	`P`, `Backspace` or `Left Arrow`	`P`, `Delete` or `Left Arrow`	Moves back during the presentation.
Go to a particular slide	Type the slide number, then Enter	Type the slide number, then Return	Jumps straight to that slide.
Black out the screen	`B` or . (full stop)	`B` or . (full stop)	Makes the screen black so that attention returns to you. Press again to return.
White out the screen	`W` or , (comma)	`W` or , (comma)	Makes the screen white. Press again to return.
End the slide show	`Esc`	`Esc`	Returns to editing mode.
Show the pen during the slide show	`Ctrl`+`P`	`Cmd`+`P`	Changes the pointer to a pen so you can draw on slides.
Add a new slide	`Ctrl`+`M`	`Control`+`M`	Inserts a new slide after the current one.
Duplicate the selected object or slide	`Ctrl`+`D`	`Cmd`+`D`	Makes a copy right away.
Group objects	`Ctrl`+`G`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`G`	Joins selected shapes so that they move together.
Open presenter view	`Alt`+`F5`	—	Starts the slide show with notes and next slide shown only to you (set up in the Slide Show tab on a Mac).

14.Google Docs, Sheets and Slides

Shortcuts for working online in a browser.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Show all keyboard shortcuts	`Ctrl`+`/`	`Cmd`+`/`	Opens the full list of shortcuts for the Google app you are in.
Paste without formatting	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`V`	Pastes only the plain text.
Insert a comment	`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`M`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`M`	Adds a comment to the selected text or cell.
Start voice typing in Docs	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`S`	Lets you dictate text into a Google Doc (in Chrome).
Insert a link	`Ctrl`+`K`	`Cmd`+`K`	Adds a hyperlink to the selection.
Clear formatting	`Ctrl`+`\`	`Cmd`+`\`	Removes formatting from the selection.
Search the menus	`Alt`+`/`	`Option`+`/`	Lets you type the name of a menu command and run it.
Make a copy of the file	—	—	Use the File menu > Make a copy. It makes a duplicate for editing or sharing.

15.Screenshots and Screen Recording

Capture what is on your screen for homework, help requests and tutorials.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Screenshot of the full screen (Windows)	`PrtScn`	—	Copies the entire screen to the clipboard.
Screenshot of the active window (Windows)	`Alt`+`PrtScn`	—	Copies only the window you are using.
Screenshot saved as a file (Windows)	`Win`+`PrtScn`	—	Saves the screenshot in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Snipping tool (Windows)	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	—	Lets you drag to select the area, then paste it or save it.
Record the screen (Windows)	`Win`+`Alt`+`R`	—	Records the active window with the Game Bar.
Screenshot of the full screen (Mac)	—	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`3`	Saves a picture of the whole screen.
Screenshot of a selected area (Mac)	—	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`4`	Drag to select; press Space to capture a window instead.
Screenshot and recording controls (Mac)	—	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`5`	Shows a toolbar for screenshots and screen recordings.
Screenshot on an Android phone	Hold Power and Volume Down together	—	Works on most Android phones; some have a three-finger swipe or a menu option as well.
Screenshot on an iPhone	Press the Side button and Volume Up together (models without a Home button)	—	On older iPhones with a Home button, press the Home and Side (or Top) buttons together.

16.Video Meetings (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams)

Mute and unmute quickly. The app settings may change these, so check Help in your app.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Zoom: mute or unmute	`Alt`+`A`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`A`	Switches your microphone off or on.
Zoom: start or stop your video	`Alt`+`V`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`V`	Switches your camera off or on.
Google Meet: mute or unmute	`Ctrl`+`D`	`Cmd`+`D`	Switches your microphone off or on.
Google Meet: camera on or off	`Ctrl`+`E`	`Cmd`+`E`	Switches your camera off or on.
Microsoft Teams: mute or unmute	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`M`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`M`	Switches your microphone off or on.
Microsoft Teams: camera on or off	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`O`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`O`	Switches your camera off or on.

17.Command Line and Terminal

Shortcuts for Command Prompt, PowerShell, Linux and the Mac Terminal. Programmers and system administrators use them all day.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Stop the running command	`Ctrl`+`C`	`Control`+`C`	Interrupts a command that is running or stuck. It does not copy when a command is running.
Exit the shell or end input	`Ctrl`+`D` (Linux and Mac terminals)	`Control`+`D`	Closes the terminal session if the line is empty.
Clear the screen	`Ctrl`+`L` (Linux, Mac and PowerShell) or type cls in Command Prompt	`Control`+`L`	Clears the screen but keeps the command history.
Previous or next command	`Up Arrow` or `Down Arrow`	`Up Arrow` or `Down Arrow`	Cycles through commands you typed earlier.
Autocomplete a name	`Tab`	`Tab`	Completes file and folder names. Press Tab twice in Linux to list the options.
Search the command history	`Ctrl`+`R` (Linux and Mac)	`Control`+`R`	Type part of an earlier command to find it. Press `Ctrl`+`R` again for older matches.
Go to the start of the command line	`Ctrl`+`A` (Linux and Mac) or `Home`	`Control`+`A`	Moves the cursor to the beginning of what you typed.
Go to the end of the command line	`Ctrl`+`E` (Linux and Mac) or `End`	`Control`+`E`	Moves the cursor to the end of the line.
Delete from the cursor to the start	`Ctrl`+`U` (Linux and Mac)	`Control`+`U`	Deletes everything to the left of the cursor.
Delete from the cursor to the end	`Ctrl`+`K` (Linux and Mac)	`Control`+`K`	Deletes everything to the right of the cursor.
Delete the previous word	`Ctrl`+`W` (Linux and Mac)	`Control`+`W`	Deletes the word before the cursor.
Pause a running program	`Ctrl`+`Z` (Linux and Mac)	`Control`+`Z`	Suspends the job so that you can use the terminal. Type fg to bring it back.
Copy text in the terminal	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`C` (Windows Terminal and Linux)	`Cmd`+`C`	Copies the selected text. `Ctrl`+`C` alone would stop the command.
Paste text in the terminal	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V` or `Ctrl`+`V` (Windows Terminal), `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V` (Linux)	`Cmd`+`V`	Pastes the clipboard into the terminal.
Show the command history list	F7 (Command Prompt)	—	Opens a pop-up list of recent commands in Command Prompt.

18.Code Editors (Visual Studio Code)

Write programs faster. VS Code is a popular free editor for Python, HTML, JavaScript and more.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Open the Command Palette	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`P`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`P`	Lets you type the name of any command to run it. It is the most useful shortcut in VS Code.
Quick open a file	`Ctrl`+`P`	`Cmd`+`P`	Type part of a file name to open it.
Comment or uncomment lines	`Ctrl`+`/`	`Cmd`+`/`	Turns the selected lines into comments (or back into code).
Open or close the terminal	`Ctrl`+`	`Control`+`	Shows the built-in terminal at the bottom of the editor.
Move the line up or down	`Alt`+`Up Arrow` or `Alt`+`Down Arrow`	`Option`+`Up Arrow` or `Option`+`Down Arrow`	Moves the current line without cutting and pasting.
Copy the line down	`Shift`+`Alt`+`Down Arrow`	`Shift`+`Option`+`Down Arrow`	Duplicates the current line below it.
Delete the line	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`K`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`K`	Removes the whole line.
Select the next matching word	`Ctrl`+`D`	`Cmd`+`D`	Selects the next occurrence of the highlighted word, so that you can edit many places at once.
Add another cursor	`Alt`+`Click`	`Option`+`Click`	Lets you type in several places at the same time.
Find in the current file	`Ctrl`+`F`	`Cmd`+`F`	Searches in the open file.
Replace in the current file	`Ctrl`+`H`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`F`	Finds and replaces text.
Search across all files	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`F`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`F`	Searches the whole project.
Go to a line number	`Ctrl`+`G`	`Control`+`G`	Jumps to a particular line, useful when an error message gives a line number.
Show code suggestions	`Ctrl`+`Space`	`Control`+`Space`	Opens the autocomplete list.
Go to the definition	`F12`	`F12`	Jumps to where a function or variable was defined.
Indent or outdent the line	`Ctrl`+`]` or `Ctrl`+`[`	`Cmd`+`]` or `Cmd`+`[`	Moves the line to the right or left by one level.
Show or hide the side bar	`Ctrl`+`B`	`Cmd`+`B`	Gives more room for code.
Run or debug the program	`F5`	`F5`	Starts the program with the debugger (depending on your setup).
Format the document	`Shift`+`Alt`+`F`	`Shift`+`Option`+`F`	Tidies the spacing and indentation of the whole file.

19.Function Keys (F1 to F12)

The top row of the keyboard. Meanings vary by program, but these are the common uses. On many laptops you must hold Fn to use them.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
F1	`F1`	`Fn`+`F1`	Opens Help in most programs.
F2	`F2`	`Fn`+`F2`	Renames the selected file or edits the selected cell.
F3	`F3`	`Fn`+`F3`	Starts a search or finds the next match.
F4	F4 (`Alt`+`F4` closes a window)	`Fn`+`F4`	Repeats the last action in Word and Excel, or opens the address list in File Explorer.
F5	`F5`	`Fn`+`F5`	Refreshes a page or folder, and starts a slide show in PowerPoint.
F6	`F6`	`Fn`+`F6`	Moves between parts of a window, such as the address bar and the page.
F7	`F7`	`Fn`+`F7`	Runs the spelling and grammar check in Word.
F8	`F8`	`Fn`+`F8`	Used during start-up to open boot options on some computers.
F9	`F9`	`Fn`+`F9`	Updates fields in Word and recalculates formulas in Excel.
F10	`F10`	`Fn`+`F10`	Activates the menu bar. `Shift`+`F10` opens the right-click menu.
F11	`F11`	`Fn`+`F11`	Switches full-screen mode on or off in browsers and other programs.
F12	`F12`	`Fn`+`F12`	Opens Save As in Word, or developer tools in browsers.
Fn key	`Fn`	`Fn`	Works with other keys on laptops to give brightness, volume and the F-key functions.
Esc	`Esc`	`Esc`	Cancels an action or closes a dialogue box.
Caps Lock	`Caps Lock`	`Caps Lock`	Makes all letters capital until you press it again.
Num Lock	`Num Lock`	—	Switches the number pad between numbers and navigation keys.
Print Screen	`PrtScn`	—	Captures the screen.

20.Accessibility, Language and Voice Input

Shortcuts that help everyone, and make a computer easier to use with different needs or languages.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Voice typing (Windows)	`Win`+`H`	—	Lets you speak to type in a text box.
Dictation (Mac)	—	Press the Dictation key or Fn twice	Lets you speak instead of typing. You can change the key in System Settings.
Voice typing in Google Docs	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`S`	Lets you dictate into a document in Chrome.
Switch the keyboard language	`Win`+`Space` or `Alt`+`Shift`	`Control`+`Space`	Switches between layouts such as English and Urdu.
Open the on-screen keyboard	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`O`	—	Shows a keyboard on the screen.
Turn on Narrator or VoiceOver	`Win`+`Ctrl`+`Enter`	`Cmd`+`F5`	Reads out what is on the screen.
Magnify the screen	`Win`+`Plus`	`Option`+`Cmd`+`8`	Zooms in so that small text is easier to see.
Turn on high contrast	`Left Alt`+`Left Shift`+`PrtScn`	—	Changes the display to high-contrast colours for easier reading.
Use Sticky Keys	Press Shift five times	Press Shift five times (if enabled)	Lets you press shortcut keys one at a time.
Open accessibility settings	`Win`+`U`	—	Opens the accessibility settings.

21.Shortcuts for Working With AI Tools

AI chat apps have their own shortcuts, and some computer shortcuts are especially helpful when writing prompts. AI apps change often: open the app's Help or press the shortcut for its shortcut list to see the current version.

Action	Windows / Linux	Mac	What it does
Show the shortcut list in ChatGPT	`Ctrl`+`/`	`Cmd`+`/`	Opens ChatGPT's built-in list of keyboard shortcuts, so you always see the current version.
Start a new chat in ChatGPT	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`O`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`O`	Opens a fresh conversation so that earlier messages do not affect the answer.
Jump to the message box in ChatGPT	`Shift`+`Esc`	`Shift`+`Esc`	Puts the cursor in the chat input box.
Start a new line in a prompt	`Shift`+`Enter`	`Shift`+`Enter`	Adds a line break instead of sending the message. Press Enter alone to send.
Copy the last answer in ChatGPT	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`C`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`C`	Copies the whole last reply to the clipboard.
Copy the last code block in ChatGPT	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`;`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`;`	Copies only the last block of code.
Open or close the ChatGPT sidebar	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`S`	Shows or hides your list of chats.
Open custom instructions in ChatGPT	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`I`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`I`	Lets you set how ChatGPT should respond.
Delete the current ChatGPT chat	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`Backspace`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`Backspace`	Removes the conversation (be careful).
Edit your last ChatGPT message	Up Arrow (with an empty message box)	Up Arrow (with an empty message box)	Brings back your last message so you can change it.
Claude: see the shortcut list	Open your account menu, then Learn more, then Keyboard shortcuts	Open your account menu, then Learn more, then Keyboard shortcuts	Claude shows its own list in the app. Shortcuts differ between the website, desktop app and versions, so read the in-app list.
Claude and most AI chats: send and new line	Enter to send, `Shift`+`Enter` for a new line	Return to send, `Shift`+`Return` for a new line	The same pattern works in most AI chat boxes.
Zoom a chat window	`Ctrl`+`Plus`, `Ctrl`+`Minus`, `Ctrl`+`0`	`Cmd`+`Plus`, `Cmd`+`Minus`, `Cmd`+`0`	Makes text bigger or smaller in a browser or desktop app.
Paste a prompt without formatting	`Ctrl`+`Shift`+`V`	`Cmd`+`Option`+`Shift`+`V`	Keeps stray fonts and styles from copied text out of your prompt.
Reuse earlier prompts	`Win`+`V`	—	Opens the Windows clipboard history, so you can paste a prompt you copied some time ago.
Capture a screen to ask an AI about it	`Win`+`Shift`+`S`	`Cmd`+`Shift`+`4` (add Control to copy)	Takes a screenshot that you can paste into an AI app that accepts images. Do not share private information.
Find a word in a long AI answer	`Ctrl`+`F`	`Cmd`+`F`	Highlights every match in the browser page.
Select the whole reply	`Ctrl`+`A` (with the reply in focus)	`Cmd`+`A`	Selects the page text so that you can copy a long answer.
Use the Copilot key	Copilot key (on some new Windows PCs)	—	Some newer Windows laptops have a dedicated key that opens Microsoft's AI assistant. Its action can differ by PC and settings.
Dictate a prompt	`Win`+`H`	Dictation key or Fn twice	Lets you speak a long prompt instead of typing it.

22.Windows to Mac: How Shortcuts Translate

If you switch between a Windows PC and a Mac, one simple rule covers most shortcuts: replace Ctrl with Cmd. Here is the full set of rules and the exceptions:

On Windows	On a Mac	Example
`Ctrl`	`Cmd`	Ctrl+C becomes Cmd+C; Ctrl+S becomes Cmd+S.
`Alt`	`Option`	Alt+Shift+Arrow becomes Option+Shift+Arrow.
`Win` key	`Cmd` key (for the Spotlight, Mission Control and Dock shortcuts)	Win+S (search) is Cmd+Space.
`Backspace`	`Delete`	Delete the character to the left.
`Delete`	`Fn`+`Delete`	Delete the character to the right.
`Enter`	`Return`	Confirm or start a new line.
`Home` / `End`	`Cmd`+`Left Arrow` / `Cmd`+`Right Arrow`	Go to the start or end of a line.
`Alt`+`F4`	`Cmd`+`Q`	Quit the program.
`Ctrl`+`Alt`+`Delete` or Task Manager	`Cmd`+`Option`+`Esc`	Close a program that has frozen.

Exceptions: in a few programs the Mac keeps using Control (for example, in terminals, where Control+C stops a command), and some shortcuts, such as the screenshot shortcuts, are quite different. Always check the tables above for the exact shortcut.

23.Shortcuts That Are Often Mixed Up

Shortcut pair	The difference
`Ctrl`+`Z` and `Ctrl`+`Y`	Ctrl+Z undoes the last action; Ctrl+Y redoes it (brings it back).
`Ctrl`+`T` and `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`T`	Ctrl+T opens a new browser tab; Ctrl+Shift+T reopens the tab you just closed.
`F5` and `Ctrl`+`F5`	F5 reloads the page normally; Ctrl+F5 reloads it while ignoring saved copies (a hard refresh).
`Delete` and `Shift`+`Delete`	Delete sends a file to the Recycle Bin; Shift+Delete deletes it permanently.
`Ctrl`+`W` and `Alt`+`F4`	Ctrl+W closes the current tab or document; Alt+F4 closes the whole program window.
`PrtScn` and `Win`+`Shift`+`S`	PrtScn captures the whole screen; Win+Shift+S lets you choose part of the screen.
`Ctrl`+`S` and `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`S`	Ctrl+S saves the file; Ctrl+Shift+S opens Save As, to save under a new name.
`Ctrl`+`C` in a terminal and elsewhere	In most programs it copies; in a terminal it stops a running command. Use Ctrl+Shift+C to copy in a Linux or Windows terminal.

24.A 7-Day Plan to Learn Shortcuts

Learning hundreds of shortcuts at once is impossible, and unnecessary. Learn a few at a time, and use them until they become automatic. Here is a simple plan.

Day	Learn these	Practise by
1	`Ctrl`+`C`, `Ctrl`+`X`, `Ctrl`+`V`, `Ctrl`+`Z`, `Ctrl`+`A`	Copying and moving a paragraph in a document.
2	`Ctrl`+`S`, `Ctrl`+`F`, `Ctrl`+`P`, `Ctrl`+`N`, `Ctrl`+`O`	Saving, finding and printing a school assignment.
3	`Ctrl`+`B`, `Ctrl`+`I`, `Ctrl`+`U`, `Ctrl`+`E`, `Ctrl`+`K`	Formatting a heading, a list and a link.
4	`Ctrl`+`T`, `Ctrl`+`W`, `Ctrl`+`Shift`+`T`, `Ctrl`+`L`, `Ctrl`+`D`	Researching a topic using several browser tabs.
5	`Alt`+`Tab`, `Win`+`D`, `Win`+`E`, `Win`+`L` (Mac: Cmd+Tab, Cmd+Space)	Switching between programs without the mouse.
6	`Win`+`Shift`+`S` (Mac: Cmd+Shift+4), `Win`+`V`, `Win`+`H`	Capturing a diagram, using clipboard history and dictating a paragraph.
7	The Home, End and arrow-key combinations from the text-editing table, plus one set from the program you use most (Excel, PowerPoint or coding)	Editing a long text without touching the mouse.

Tips: put a small note near your screen with the five shortcuts of the day; try to use them for every task; and when you catch yourself reaching for the mouse, stop and ask "Is there a shortcut for this?" Most menus show the shortcut next to the command.

25.Try It Yourself: Practice Tasks

Task 1: copy text from a web page into a document

Select a paragraph on a web page, copy it, switch to your document and paste it without the web page's formatting.

Select the paragraph with the mouse, or click at its start and use Ctrl+Shift+Down Arrow to extend the selection.

Press Ctrl+C (Mac: Cmd+C), switch with Alt+Tab (Mac: Cmd+Tab), then press Ctrl+Shift+V to paste as plain text (Mac: Cmd+Option+Shift+V).

Task 2: rearrange a list with the keyboard only

Move the last line of a list to the top of the list.

Press Ctrl+End, then Shift+Home to select the last line. Press Ctrl+X to cut it.

Press Ctrl+Home to go to the top and Ctrl+V to paste.

Task 3: research with browser tabs

Open three sources, compare them, and bring back a tab you closed by accident.

Ctrl+T opens a tab; Ctrl+L selects the address bar so that you can type a search.

Ctrl+Tab moves between tabs; Ctrl+W closes one; Ctrl+Shift+T brings it back.

Task 4: make a quick screenshot for a question to an AI tool

Capture only the part of the screen that shows a problem and paste it into an AI chat that accepts images.

Press Win+Shift+S (Mac: Cmd+Control+Shift+4) and drag around the area.

Click in the chat box and press Ctrl+V to paste the image. Do not include private information such as passwords or personal data.

Task 5: calculate in Excel with the keyboard

Add a column of numbers without using the mouse.

Click the cell under the numbers, press Alt+= (Mac: Cmd+Shift+T) and then Enter. Excel writes the SUM formula for you.

26.When a Shortcut Does Not Work

The wrong program is active. Shortcuts work in the window that has focus. Click inside the document or page first.
Your laptop needs the Fn key. On many laptops the F1 to F12 keys control brightness or volume unless you hold Fn (or switch the Fn Lock setting).
The program uses a different shortcut. Shortcuts vary between programs and versions; look for the shortcut beside the command in the menu, or in Help.
Another program has claimed the shortcut. Some apps set global shortcuts. Check the app's settings or your operating system's keyboard settings.
A keyboard layout or language problem. If a key types the wrong symbol, check which input language is active (Win+Space).
A sticky or broken key. Test the key in a text box, and clean the keyboard if keys stick.
The shortcut is turned off by an organisation. School and work computers may block some shortcuts, such as the Task Manager.
Accessibility features are on. Sticky Keys or Filter Keys change how key presses behave; check the accessibility settings.

27.Using Shortcuts Safely

Save before you experiment (Ctrl+S) and learn Ctrl+Z (undo), which can rescue many mistakes.
Be careful with permanent deletion. Shift+Delete skips the Recycle Bin, so use it only when you are sure.
Lock the screen (Win+L, or Control+Cmd+Q on a Mac) whenever you leave a shared or public computer. Do not use "remember password" options on shared computers.
Do not paste unknown commands into a terminal or into your computer's Run box; some commands can damage files or install harmful software.
Protect private information when using AI tools. Do not paste passwords, ID numbers or other private data into a chat or a screenshot.
Take breaks and sit well. Shortcuts can reduce mouse use, but long typing sessions still need good posture and regular rest.

28.Check Your Understanding

Try each question before opening the answer.

1. Which shortcut copies selected text on Windows, and which one on a Mac?

Ctrl+C on Windows; Cmd+C on a Mac.

2. What is the difference between Ctrl+T and Ctrl+Shift+T in a browser?

Ctrl+T opens a new tab. Ctrl+Shift+T reopens the tab that you closed most recently.

3. You accidentally deleted a sentence. Which shortcut can bring it back?

Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on a Mac) undoes the last action.

4. Which shortcut takes a screenshot of a selected area on Windows?

Win+Shift+S.

5. Which shortcut starts a PowerPoint slide show from the first slide, and how do you stop it?

F5 starts it from the first slide; Esc ends it.

6. Why should you be careful with Shift+Delete?

It deletes a file permanently, without sending it to the Recycle Bin, so it is hard to recover.

7. In the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+S, do you type the plus signs?

No. You hold Ctrl and Shift together and tap S.

8. Name one shortcut that helps when working with an AI chat tool, and say what it does.

For example, Shift+Enter starts a new line in the prompt box without sending the message; Ctrl+Shift+O (Cmd+Shift+O on a Mac) starts a new chat in ChatGPT; Win+H starts voice typing on Windows.

Summary

A keyboard shortcut runs a command with a quick key combination. It saves time, supports accessibility and helps you stay focused.
Most shortcuts use a modifier (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Win on Windows; Cmd, Option, Control on a Mac) plus another key. Hold the first, tap the second, release both.
For most everyday shortcuts, swap Ctrl for Cmd when moving from Windows to a Mac.
Learn shortcuts in small groups, starting with copy, paste, undo, save and find.
AI chat tools have their own shortcuts, which change often; check each tool's in-app list.
Use shortcuts safely: save first, be careful with permanent deletion, lock shared computers and protect private data.

For teachers and parents

Try a "shortcut of the day" routine: show one shortcut at the start of each lesson and ask students to use it during the lesson. Use the practice tasks as short typing and computing activities, or time students doing the same task with and without shortcuts. Combine the topic with typing practice and good posture. Keyboards differ, so allow time for students to find the keys on their own devices, and remind them that school computers may have some shortcuts disabled. Shortcuts for AI and other web tools can change, so check the tool's help page before teaching specific ones.

Keep Learning on EDUSAMBAM

Sources and Further Reading

This article is original EDUSAMBAM writing. Shortcuts were checked against the official help pages below and, for AI apps, the apps' own shortcut lists. Shortcuts can differ between program versions, keyboards and settings.

Microsoft Support: keyboard shortcuts in Windows. Microsoft — Keyboard shortcuts in Windows.
Microsoft Support: shortcuts for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Word; Excel; PowerPoint.
Apple Support: Mac keyboard shortcuts. Apple — Mac keyboard shortcuts.
Google Help: Chrome shortcuts and Google Docs shortcuts. Chrome; Google Docs.
Visual Studio Code: keyboard shortcuts reference. VS Code — Key bindings.
ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps: open the app's own shortcut list (in ChatGPT press Ctrl+/ or Cmd+/; in Claude use the account menu, Learn more, Keyboard shortcuts), since these change from version to version.

Review note: shortcuts vary between programs, versions, languages and keyboards, and AI apps change quickly. A teacher should test the shortcuts on the computers used in class, and check the links in the Sources list.

Computer and AI Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete Guide