11 Most Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts that You Need to Remember

Remembering a million different keyboard commands for various tasks and software is difficult. It is undeniably beneficial to be familiar with keyboard shortcuts because they can help you accomplish your job faster. But which among hundreds of shortcuts should you memorize first?

This article is a compilation of the 11 helpful shortcuts you need to know that would make your workflow more efficient and help you become more productive.

11 Most Helpful Keyboard Shortcuts that You Need to Remember:

◾ Alt+ Tab

◾ Windows logo key + L

◾ Windows logo+ Shift+ S and Ctr+ Print Screen

◾ Ctrl + F

◾ Ctrl + S

◾ Ctrl + A and Shift + Arrow cursors

◾ Ctrl C, Ctrl X, and Ctrl V, 

◾ Ctrl Z and Ctrl Y 

◾ F5

◾ F1

◾ F12

Alt+ Tab

Are you a multitasker? Or does your job need you to open several windows, and you need to shift from one to another? Then, this shortcut is what you need. Alt + Tab is a shortcut that allows you to view the other window and return to your working window. For example, you are writing an essay and need to recheck your online journal source from time to time. This keyboard shortcut will help you to seamlessly view your journal source and quickly go back to your document window. 

Also, you can hold the Alt key while pressing Tab to view all the active windows and shift from one to another. 

Windows logo + L

If you are working on confidential files, one way to secure your files is to lock your device when you need to go on a coffee break, go to the loo, or join a meeting. Locking your device will be the best if you do not have access to software that would lock your folders. 

Windows logo+ Shift+ S and Ctrl+ Print Screen

This command is the shortcut key for taking a screenshot. If you are familiar with the snipping tool, this shortcut functions similarly. But if you want to take a photo of the whole screen, then use the command Ctrl+ Print Screen instead. Teachers can benefit from screenshots when making lessons to demonstrate concepts to students or show step-by-step processes easily. Getting screenshots is also good when you are doing some documentation for software or program. 

Ctrl + F

Another go-to shortcut for most users is Ctrl + F. It is used to find characters in a word document, a site, or any window or app. Data analysts handle massive data, and finding specific entries could be challenging without this keyboard shortcut. Ctrl + F is also an excellent way to search for keywords or information on a particular page. 

Ctrl + S

One of the first shortcuts you will learn when using a computer is Ctrl + S, which saves you work. Imagine being unable to save the progress on the manuscript you have been writing for days! So make sure to hit those keys to save you time and energy. 

Ctrl + A and Shift + arrow cursors

This keyboard shortcut will allow you to hight light all the content or entries on a page. If you are copying content, this is the quickest way to select all items. However, if you want to highlight a few lines, hold the Shift key and use the arrow cursors to direct the cursor to which lines you want to highlight. 

Ctrl + C, Ctrl + X, and Ctrl + V

Copying, cutting, and pasting are the most used commands. Knowing shortcuts for these commands can boost your efficiency. Ctrl + C allows you to copy an element; Ctrl + X is for cutting a section or even a character from a source, while Ctrl + V lets you paste all the content/ elements you copied or cut. 

Ctrl + Z and Ctrl +Y

Graphic designers benefit from these two keyboard shortcuts when working on a design. They can undo (Ctrl+ Z) changes they made if they are unsatisfied with them, while Ctrl+ Y enables them to redo a command they executed on their design software. This saves them a lot of time (and the frustration of messing up a specific layer!)

F1

Whether you are a beginner or have advanced computer skills, having a help button will still assist you in solving issues or problems you encounter when using programs—Press F1 for the help center to appear in your active window. 

F5

To check the codes added or edited, programmers need to refresh pages from time to time. Or, if you have a problematic internet connection and would need to refresh your page from time to time, then F5 is the simplest way to do that. 

F12

In a browser like Google Chrome, F12 shows a panel that helps web developers/ programmers to debug, check source code, and design a web page. F12 also is a shortcut for printing a file of an active window. 

Apart from enabling you to work faster, there is another reason many prefer to use a keyboard than a mouse. 

Why do we need to use a mouse less? 

While a mouse might be the easiest way to navigate a computer, excess usage will lead to a wrist injury. At worst, you will develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

In the palm of your hand is a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel. Bones and ligaments are around this passage. There is a median nerve in the same area that, when compressed, will cause discomfort, tingling, and numbness. If it progresses, it can also cause weakness affecting your grip. For more information on this, check out Mayo Clinic's website.

Extensive use of a mouse can trigger Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; therapy and wearing a wrist splint will help ease the pressure. In the worst cases, it requires surgery to treat a patient. 

Wrist injury

Always keep the correct typing position and lessen mouse use as much as possible. And if you have the means, avail of an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. 

A split-type ergonomic keyboard

Conclusion

Keyboard shortcuts will help you be more productive and efficient in your work and lessen your mouse use. The list we came up with consists of those we think are the most helpful, whether you are new to using a computer or an expert.

How about you? What keyboard shortcuts do you frequently use, and what do you do? We would like to hear from you!