Keyboard shortcuts are an efficient way to save time. Here are 20 of my favorite keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac that will make your work easier.
20 Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows & Mac:
Copy (Ctrl+C or Command+C): Copy the selected text, image, or files to the clipboard.
Cut (Ctrl+X or Command+X): Cut the selected text, image, or files and move them to the clipboard.
Paste (Ctrl+V or Command+V): Paste the contents of the clipboard at the current cursor location.
Undo (Ctrl+Z or Command+Z): Undo the last action taken.
Redo (Ctrl+Y or Command+Shift+Z): Redo the last action that was undone.
Select all (Ctrl+A or Command+A): Select all items in the current window.
Save (Ctrl+S or Command+S): Save the current document.
Find (Ctrl+F or Command+F): Find a word or phrase in the current document or webpage.
Open a new tab (Ctrl+T or Command+T): Open a new tab in your web browser.
Print (Ctrl+P or Command+P): Print the current document or webpage.
Close current window (Alt+F4 or Command+W): Close the current window or application.
Switch between open windows (Alt+Tab or Command+Tab): Quickly switch between open windows or applications.
Zoom in (Ctrl+Plus or Command+Plus): Zoom in on the current document or webpage.
Zoom out (Ctrl+Minus or Command+Minus): Zoom out on the current document or webpage.
Minimize window (Windows key+Down Arrow or Command+M): Minimize the current window.
Maximize window (Windows key+Up Arrow or Command+F): Maximize the current window.
Open file explorer (Windows key+E or Command+E): Open the file explorer window.
Open task manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc or Command+Option+Esc): Open the task manager window.
Open the snipping tool: (Print Screen/PrtScn): Capture a (partial) image of the current screen.
Take a full screenshot (Windows key + Print Screen/PrtScn or Command+Shift+3): Capture a screenshot of the current screen.
Try them out and see if you like them as much as I do.
Ready to go Rogue?
Now these shortcuts may not be what you are looking for; you may want to create your own custom keyboard shortcuts to automate repetitive tasks and streamline your workflow. This is where AutoHotkey comes in.
AutoHotkey is a free, open-source programming language for Windows that lets you create your own keyboard shortcuts and macros.
Here’s how it works:
First, download and install AutoHotkey from the official website.
Then, Right-click on the desktop and select New > AutoHotkey Script to create a new script file. Open the script file in a text editor and add the following code:
This code creates a custom keyboard shortcut that opens Notepad when you press the Windows key + Z.
Save the script file and double-click on it to run it.
Try out your new keyboard shortcut by pressing the Windows key + Z.
AutoHotkey supports many commands and functions, so you can customize your keyboard shortcuts and macros to do almost anything. With a bit of practice, you can create a suite of custom shortcuts that save you time and effort on a daily basis.
Note that creating custom keyboard shortcuts with AutoHotkey requires some technical know-how, so be sure to read the documentation and start with simple scripts before diving into more complex macros.
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