What is a Keyboard Shortcut?

A keyboard shortcut is one or more keys used to perform a menu function or other common functions in a program or operating system. Keyboard shortcuts usually are not as intuitive as point-and-click mouse actions. However, they can be used by novice users in frequently used programs to get to locations much faster than using the mouse.

Why should I use and learn keyboard shortcuts?

Below are a few of the reasons you should learn and memorize keyboard shortcuts.

• Makes the computer easier to use.

• Allows you to be faster and more productive on the computer.

• Keeps your hands on the keyboard and reduces the stress caused by you moving your hand between the mouse and keyboard.

• Can perform tasks difficult for some to perform using the mouse.

• Keyboard shortcuts can be used with programs like AutoHotkey to automate common tasks.

For example, to copy paste all text in an e-mail to a Microsoft Word document without keyboard shortcuts, you’d do the following steps.

• Highlight all of the text with the mouse.

• Right-click the highlighted text and click Copy.

• Use the mouse to navigate to Microsoft Word.

• Right-click in Microsoft Word and click Paste.