Keyboard shortcuts

Understanding and mastering keyboard shortcuts

The keyboard is extremely important if you want to get the most out of your computer. You can use your PC’s built‑in keyboard, or add a wired or wireless external one. As well as letting you type, this component offers many different functions. Combining several keys lets you save time and gives you more control. But how do you master them? Find the answers here.

How do you make good use of a computer keyboard?

The keyboard is a component that allows you to communicate with your computer. Its layout and design can vary from one machine to another. In all cases, as a rule it includes:

• Function keys,
• Number keys and special characters,
• A block of letter keys,
• Punctuation marks,
• Controls for lower case and capital letters,
• An “Enter” key,
• Arrow keys for up, down, left and right,
• A numeric keypad.

On French keyboards, the block of letters starts with A, Z, E, R, T and Y. These initial letters give this type of keyboard its name: AZERTY. In English‑speaking countries it is known as QWERTY, as these letters are placed on the top row of the keyboard. These different letter layouts are inherited from old mechanical typewriters. They were designed to make typing easier and less time‑consuming. The position of the letters is therefore based on how often they are used. The most frequently used letters are separated from each other by less commonly used ones. This way your hands can move more freely, even when they are being used intensively.

For greater efficiency, it is recommended that you use both hands to control a keyboard. When typing, only your fingers should move. Your hands can then keep a fixed position that puts very little strain on your joints. This helps you adopt an ergonomic posture and reduces the risk of fatigue.

Each key is also assigned to a specific finger on one of your two hands. This arrangement has been established according to how easy the keys are to reach. For example, the letters at the far left are operated by the left little finger. This logic continues across to the centre so that each finger can be used in the most efficient way.

In the centre, the space bar is easily accessible by both thumbs. When you first start, using both hands like this is not always obvious. However, you should know that it will become more natural as you practise.

Although this specific method is the most recommended, you can use your keyboard in whatever way feels most natural. Your habits and your motor skills are key factors in defining the best way for you to use the keys. For example, if you find it very difficult to use your little finger, you can choose to control the keyboard with the other four fingers. In all cases, the aim is comfortable use.

Why and how should you use keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys. They allow you to perform certain commands without using a mouse. The keys involved are pressed at the same time.

They are easy to use and very practical. You can avoid repetitive tasks such as saving, copying, pasting, and so on. What’s more, mastering shortcuts does not require any prior IT knowledge.

At first, using shortcuts may seem more difficult than using the mouse. Remembering all the functions is not straightforward. Yet they can save you a considerable amount of time. The mouse equivalent of a keyboard shortcut is often quite a long sequence of actions.

You can now access various commands without leaving your current screen view:

• Printing a document,
• The save option,
• Displaying the context menu,
• Managing formatting,
• Showing downloads or history in your browser,
• Switching from one application to another,
• etc.

To help you get used to these functions, it’s useful to group shortcuts according to the commands they perform. The most commonly used keys are Ctrl, Windows and Alt. You can also set aside a specific amount of time to practise. For example, for one week you get into the habit of using “Ctrl” key combinations:

• Ctrl+C to copy,
• Ctrl+X to cut,
• Ctrl+V to paste,
• Ctrl+Z to undo the last action performed,
• Ctrl+Y to restore the action cancelled by Ctrl+Z,
• Ctrl+S to save,
• Ctrl+F to activate the search option,
• Ctrl+B or Ctrl+G to apply bold formatting, etc.

However, there is one important point to bear in mind. Keyboard shortcuts differ from one operating system to another. Certain functions are only available on specific, updated versions of systems. Below are some essential shortcuts.