Feb 12, 2025 | Helpful Tips, Digital Literacy

Sometimes the Keyboard is Quicker than the Mouse

Computers have come a long way since the days of DOS and the C: prompt, where you had to type in every command verbatim. Mess up one keystroke and it wouldn’t work. Nowadays, thanks to fun little icons on a colorful screen, computers are a lot more user-friendly and easier to understand. You don't need a degree in computer science to run one.

The introduction of the mouse in 1984 revolutionized computing. No more typing every little command. Just click and go, almost like magic. For most tasks, the mouse is the best and fastest way to do stuff.

However, sometimes a keyboard shortcut can be even quicker. These time-saving key combinations can significantly reduce the time you spend navigating through menus and clicking buttons, saving time and improving efficiency.

Some general keyboard shortcuts apply to common tasks you do on a computer all the time, while others are more specialized. Let’s look at the most often used ones first, followed by the less frequently used shortcuts, broken down by both PCs and Macs.

General Shortcuts (PC / Mac)

These handy, commonly used shortcuts apply to just about every application or program you’ll use on a PC or a Mac.

• Copy: Ctrl+C / Cmd+C: Quickly duplicate text, files, or other content without using the right-click menu.

• Cut: Ctrl+X / Cmd+X: Move content from one location to another efficiently.

• Paste: Ctrl+V / Cmd+V: Insert copied or cut content without navigating through menus.

• Undo: Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z: Quickly reverse your last action, saving time on manual corrections.

• Redo: Ctrl+Y / Shift+Cmd+Z: Reapply an action you’ve undone; it is useful for comparing changes.

• Select All: Ctrl+A / Cmd+A: Instantly highlight all content in a document or folder.

• Find: Ctrl+F / Cmd+F: Quickly locate specific text within a document or webpage.

• Save: Ctrl+S / Cmd+S: Preserve your work without interrupting your workflow.

Text Editing Shortcuts

Need to bold or italicize a font? How about underlining some text?

• Bold: Ctrl+B / Cmd+B: Emphasize text without using the formatting toolbar.

• Italic: Ctrl+I / Cmd+I: Add italics to text quickly for emphasis or stylistic purposes.

• Underline: Ctrl+U / Cmd+U: Underline text without reaching for the mouse.

• Delete word to the right: Ctrl+Delete / Option+Delete: Remove entire words efficiently while editing.

• Delete word to the left: Ctrl+Backspace / Option+Fn+Delete: Quickly delete previous words without multiple backspace presses.

Navigation Shortcuts

These shortcuts help get you quickly from window to window or browser tab to browser tab.

• Switch between open applications: Alt+Tab / Cmd+Tab: Quickly move between programs without using the taskbar or dock.

• Open new tab in browser: Ctrl+T / Cmd+T: Start a new browsing session without using the mouse.

• Close current tab or window: Ctrl+W / Cmd+W: Swiftly shut down unnecessary tabs or windows.

• Reopen closed tab: Ctrl+Shift+T / Cmd+Shift+T: Recover accidentally closed tabs without searching through your browser history.

• Move to beginning/end of line: Home/End / Cmd+Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Navigate text efficiently without multiple arrow key presses.

• Move to beginning/end of document: Ctrl+Home/End / Cmd+Up Arrow/Down Arrow: Jump to the start or end of a document instantly.

System Shortcuts

Use these shortcuts to find files and capture images quickly for general system commands.

• Lock computer: Windows Key+L / Cmd+Control+Q: Quickly secure your computer when stepping away.

• Open Task Manager (Windows only): Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Access system information and close unresponsive programs rapidly.

• Take a full screenshot: PrtScn (Print Screen) / Cmd+Shift+3: Capture your entire screen without opening separate tools.

• Take a partial screenshot: Windows Key+Shift+S / Cmd+Shift+4: Select a specific area of the screen to capture.

• Open File Explorer (Windows) / Finder (Mac): Windows Key+E / Cmd+Space (then type “Finder”): Access your files and folders without navigating through menus.

Productivity Boosters

Multi-tasking made easy, these shortcuts help you move files around and make new ones.

• Zoom in/out: Ctrl+ (+/-) / Cmd+ (+/-): Adjust view size quickly for better readability or detail.

• Split screen: Windows Key+Left/Right Arrow / Control+Cmd+F (then manually arrange): Efficiently work with multiple windows side by side.

• Create new folder: Ctrl+Shift+N / Cmd+Shift+N: Organize files quickly without right-clicking.

• Rename file or folder: F2 / Enter: Change names rapidly when organizing files.

• Open Run dialog (Windows): Windows Key+R: Quickly access programs, folders, or system tools.

• Spotlight search (Mac): Cmd+Space: Find files, launch applications, or perform calculations instantly.

Incorporating these keyboard shortcuts into your daily routine can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. While memorizing and getting accustomed to using these shortcuts may take some time, the long-term benefits are worth it.

The key to mastering keyboard shortcuts is practice. Start by focusing on a few you’ll use often in your daily tasks, and gradually expand your repertoire. As you become more comfortable, you’ll naturally reach for the keyboard instead of the mouse, speeding up your workflow and reducing the risk of repetitive wrist and arm strain injuries associated with excessive mouse use.

Additionally, many applications offer their own set of unique shortcuts. Exploring these can further enhance your efficiency within specific programs. Don’t hesitate to look up shortcut lists for your most frequently used software.

Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful tool for anyone looking to boost their digital productivity. By investing a little time in learning and practicing these shortcuts, you’ll be rewarded with faster work processes, reduced physical strain, and more time to focus on the content of your work rather than the mechanics of operating your computer. So why wait? Start incorporating these shortcuts into your routine today and experience the difference they can make in your daily computing tasks.