Shortcut keys for advanced users

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Are you convinced of the benefits of using keyboard shortcuts and would you like to know more? Then you’ve come to the right place. Below, I’ll explain more about using keyboard shortcuts in the hope that you’ll soon be able to work faster and more comfortably on your computer.

Have you read the first blog post on keyboard shortcuts yet? If not, please have a quick read through it before you start this one. 5 Reasons to start using keyboard shortcuts

1. Launching programmes

For Mac users, this is often preaching to the converted; they’re usually already used to using the ‘Spotlight’ feature. Windows users often find this a bit trickier; that ‘Start menu’ seems so damn handy.

Mac users can search for any installed programme, image or document by pressing ⌘Cmd+Space, then typing the name of the programme and pressing Return. In Windows, it’s even easier: simply press the Windows key, type the name of your document or programme, press Enter once, and you’re in your programme.

2. Become a word processing guru

Do you often work in a word processor such as Word? Then you can work like a ninja, making the letters fly across your screen. Select, cut, paste and move your text without touching that mouse. You’ll realise that the mouse has been slowing you down for years.

For example, select an entire paragraph using theShift+Ctrl+⇧ / ⇩ shortcut, or jump straight to the start or end of a sentence using the Home and End keys. It’s all much quicker using the keyboard than having to take your hand off the keys and use the mouse. Take a look below at a number of keys and shortcuts that work in most word processors.

3. Restart, shut down or lock your computer

You don’t need to go through all the steps to switch off your computer at the end of the day. A Windows user needs at least three clicks to switch off, restart or lock their computer. With a simple key combination, you’ll be on your way out the door before the clock strikes 6.01 pm.

4. Browsing the web without a mouse

You hardly need to touch your mouse in your web browser either, if you don’t want to. Most browsers use the same keyboard shortcuts. For example, you can scroll using your arrow keys, use Page Up or Page Down, or even scroll down an entire page using your spacebar. There are also a few other handy functions such as:

5. Manage your programmes using the keyboard

Are you one of those people who prefers to work on 20 things at once and therefore has just as many programmes or windows open? With these keyboard shortcuts, you won’t have to keep clicking up and down to switch between windows.

6. Email at the speed of light

I hope you’re using Gmail, as that’s what I’m familiar with. To use keyboard shortcuts in Gmail, however, you’ll need to enable the keyboard shortcuts option first.

Follow this link to see how to enable keyboard shortcuts; in the drop-down menus, you’ll find a huge range of shortcuts that’ll help you manage and compose your emails much faster.

 Practise, practise... 

  If you try your best, you’ll get the hang of it .

That’s all you need to do now: practise, practise, practise. At first, it will feel awkward to leave the mouse alone. But gradually you’ll get used to it and you’ll find that those shortcut keys really are quicker than switching between the mouse and the keyboard.