Do you use Shortcuts to use your software more effectively – working faster?
The beauty of Microsoft packages is that when you have learnt a shortcut you can then use it on another package. I use them frequently – mainly because when I learnt to use a computer there wasn’t a mouse! Or GUI (Graphical User Interface) which means icons and mouse working together.
There are a number of really good ones – ones that speed up your operation. Keyboard combinations are what I mean, as well as using the Function keys at the top of your keyboard – F1-F12.
When you use a Shortcut it means your hands do not leave your keyboard. Think about the time it takes to locate your mouse with your hand, locate the mouse pointer on the screen, move the pointer to the menu/icon/area on your screen and then click once or more times. With a keyboard stroke it is a simple click of a key – it is far quicker but does take a bit of discipline and un-learning those habits of ‘holding onto the mouse’ ‘using it as a comfort blanket’ (are you someone that rests your right hand on the mouse when not typing?).
So, let’s have some instructions on using a Keyboard Combination – do not try to strike both keys at the same time (more often than not it doesn’t work!) but hold the Control key (the ‘ctrl’ key) down and then strike the other key.
Here are some common keyboard combinations:
| Ctrl + P | The print screen will be displayed so options can be selected, ie the printer of choice, pages, orientation, number of copies etc | ||
| Highlight All | Ctrl + A | Highlights All the information | |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Copies the text that is highlighted | |
| Remove/Cut | Ctrl + X | Removes the highlighted text and places on the Clipboard to use later | |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Takes the text/picture from the Clipboard to the current location | |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Undo the last keyboard stroke/operation |
Let’s look at the Function keys – F1 to F12 at the top of your keyboard. Each programme uses them differently; however there are a few that are common:
| F1 | Help – takes you online to source help |
| F4 | Do again – repeat the last operation (such as applying formatting) |
| F12 | File-Save As – to save the document with a new name or new location |
What’s your favourite? Mine is F12 as it saves me so much time and ‘mouse time’ specifically.
If you need any further help do ask – or check out Google as they are all there plus more.
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I automatically use Control B for Bold – habit!
There are always one or two that stick! Do you put it on before typing and after to take off – or just highlight and apply? 🙂
Hi Michelle,
I know and use a few of these, and find them really useful.
Thanks for the new ones, I think the copy and paste ones will be a good place to start.
It’s great when you can add one or two at a time – certainly easy to learn that way! When you need some more just let me know. 🙂
I admit it, I rest my hand on the mouse. I was so technophobic for such a long time that the mouse and icon combination was firmly established by the time I started using a computer. Useful to know though, in case it breaks!
You’ve obviously come a long way since then – but these little tricks will definitely speed up your operation of the computer. Pick up one or two and implement – see the difference – F12 would be my first recommendation. 🙂
I use most of these, and thanks for introducing me to F12 and Cntrl + X/Z.
just found myself reading your post with hand resting on the mouse, so I guess that says a lot. And i’m a 2 finger typist anyway! Am now using Dragon Naturally Speaking to dictate a lot of stuff and finding it keeps my hands off the mouse AND the keyboard!
Ooh training your ‘Dragon’ it is wonderful once trained although not something I use. Look forward to hearing how you get on,
Great Blog! I’d bee lost without the shortcut keys, especially when using Excel, however you have taught me a few there.
Great blog. I don’t tend to use short cut keys – rely on my mouse. Will be printing this out and giving it a go now.
Thanks
Pleased you have learnt some more Merewyn – you just have to remember to keep using – or they will be forgotten so soon.
Just pick one or two and try to remember to use them and once learnt pick another one or two – they really do save you time. Do let me know how you get on.
This is a really useful post Michelle. Thanks. I’m going to cut and paste it. I don’t actually use any shortcuts as I am a bit of a techno-phobe! The irony having a my own blog, yet I shy away from Social Media and IT. I know that for my future plans I need to make friends with it. I guess that’s where the service you offer comes into its own for people like me 🙂
Control E – Centre
Control Y – Redo
Control N – New Document
Control U – Underline
Control @ – copy cell above
Control F -Find