Keyboard shortcuts let you do common tasks in a second without reaching for the mouse. Learning even a few of them can save a surprising amount of time over a week. On Mac, replace Ctrl with Command.
Essential Editing Shortcuts
Ctrl+C copies, Ctrl+X cuts, Ctrl+V pastes and Ctrl+Z undoes. Ctrl+A selects everything, and Ctrl+S saves your work.
Browser Shortcuts
Ctrl+T opens a new tab, Ctrl+W closes the current tab and Ctrl+Shift+T reopens the last closed tab. Ctrl+L jumps to the address bar and Ctrl+F searches the page.
Switching and Managing Windows
On Windows, Alt+Tab switches between open apps and Windows key+D shows the desktop. On Mac, Command+Tab switches apps and Command+Space opens Spotlight search.
Text Navigation
Ctrl plus the arrow keys moves by whole words, and holding Shift at the same time selects them. Home and End jump to the start and end of a line.
Screenshots
On Windows, Windows key+Shift+S lets you capture part of the screen. On Mac, Command+Shift+4 does the same.
Final Thoughts
Pick three or four shortcuts that match what you do most and practise them for a week. They soon become habit and will speed up your work.
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