Computer Keyboard Tricks

Keyboad Shortcuts

There are a host of computer keyboard tricks that work with Macintosh and PCs and in various programs. Some shortcuts used in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint perform the same functions in email, Dreamweaver and the Internet. Keyboard shortcuts help you save time and cut down on aches and pains that result from over-using your mouse. Remember, when using keyboard shortcuts on a Macintosh versus a PC, the "Command" key acts like the "Control" (CTRL) key and the "Option" key works in place of the "Alternate" (ALT) key.

Saving a Document

• Save your document by holding down your "CTRL" and “S” keys, also referred to as “CTRL + S.” There are two "CTRL" buttons on a Qwerty keyboard, which is the English standard keyboard: one on the bottom left and the other on the bottom right.

Opening a Document

• Access your open file menu by pressing "CTRL + O." You can also press "F12" at the top right to do the same thing. In Dreamweaver, "F12" will enable you to view your page on the local server.

Toggling Between Programs

• If you have multiple applications open, such as Microsoft Word, your Web browser and Adobe Photoshop, press your "ALT" key, which is next to your space bar, and hold down “Tab” just left of the “Q” key. When you press “Tab” once, a pop-up window will appear showing icons for each application. When you release, it will take you to that program. You can hold your "ALT" key down and keep pressing tab to get to the other open applications.

The Insert Key

• If “Insert” is activated, you can add words in the middle of a sentence. This works in Microsoft products. If the feature is not activated, and you try to insert words into a sentence, you’ll end up typing over the letters to the right of it. Press the “Insert” key once and start typing in the middle of a sentence to see if it is activated or not. Press it again to get it to do the opposite.

• If you’re typing in Word, Excel or Dreamweaver and you delete or add something by mistake, press "CTRL + Z" to undo. Keep doing this if you made the mistake a few commands back.

Refresh or Find

• To refresh your screen in the Internet, press the "F5" key at the top of your keyboard. In Microsoft Word, use the "F5" key to access the “Find” feature.

Other Shortcuts

• Cut: "CTRL + X." Paste: "CTRL + V." Copy: "CTRL + C." Print: "CTRL + P." Go to end of document: "CTRL + End." Go to beginning of document: "CTRL + Home."

Access the Menus on Top

Microsoft Windows

• Press “ALT” plus the letter that is underlined on top to open a specific menu. To open the file menu, "ALT + F." Use the down arrow key to scroll down.

Print Screen

• At the top right of your keyboard, press “Print Screen” or “PRTSC” on the laptop to “take a picture” of what you see on your screen. Paste that image in Photoshop or Microsoft Word to include it in a document or print it out. This feature is not the same as printing a document.

Numeric Keypad

• If you’re using a desktop keyboard, press the “Num Lock” at the top left of your numeric keypad to enter data into programs such as Excel. The “Enter” key in the same key pad will take you to the next cell below.