Top 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know
Top 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Everyone Should Know – 2026 Guide
Keyboard shortcuts save time and boost productivity. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or Linux, these top 10 shortcuts are essential for every computer user in 2026.
Table of Contents
- 1. Copy – Ctrl + C / Cmd + C
- 2. Paste – Ctrl + V / Cmd + V
- 3. Cut – Ctrl + X / Cmd + X
- 4. Undo – Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z
- 5. Redo – Ctrl + Y / Cmd + Shift + Z
- 6. Select All – Ctrl + A / Cmd + A
- 7. Find – Ctrl + F / Cmd + F
- 8. Switch Between Apps – Alt + Tab / Cmd + Tab
- 9. Take Screenshot – Windows + Shift + S / Cmd + Shift + 4
- 10. Lock Screen – Windows + L / Ctrl + Cmd + Q
1. Copy – Ctrl + C / Cmd + C
Copy text, files, or images quickly without using the mouse.
2. Paste – Ctrl + V / Cmd + V
Paste what you copied anywhere instantly. Works across applications.
3. Cut – Ctrl + X / Cmd + X
Move text or files from one location to another efficiently.
4. Undo – Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z
Undo mistakes in text, documents, or even file operations.
5. Redo – Ctrl + Y / Cmd + Shift + Z
Redo actions you just undid. Useful for text edits or creative work.
6. Select All – Ctrl + A / Cmd + A
Select all items in a document, folder, or webpage instantly.
7. Find – Ctrl + F / Cmd + F
Search for text quickly within a document, webpage, or spreadsheet.
8. Switch Between Apps – Alt + Tab / Cmd + Tab
Move between open windows and apps without using your mouse.
9. Take Screenshot – Windows + Shift + S / Cmd + Shift + 4
Capture part or all of your screen instantly. Great for work, tutorials, and sharing.
10. Lock Screen – Windows + L / Ctrl + Cmd + Q
Secure your computer instantly when stepping away.
Tips for Using Keyboard Shortcuts
- Learn a few shortcuts at a time, then practice them daily.
- Customize shortcuts in apps like Photoshop, Excel, or VS Code for maximum productivity.
- Use cheat sheets for reference until they become second nature.
Common FAQs About Keyboard Shortcuts
- Q: Can keyboard shortcuts be customized?
A: Yes, most applications allow custom shortcuts in settings or preferences. - Q: Do Mac and Windows shortcuts differ?
A: Yes, Macs use Cmd instead of Ctrl for most shortcuts. - Q: Can keyboard shortcuts save time?
A: Absolutely, using shortcuts reduces mouse dependency and speeds up workflow significantly. - Q: Are there shortcuts for browsers?
A: Yes, such as Ctrl + T (new tab), Ctrl + W (close tab), and Ctrl + Shift + T (reopen closed tab). - Q: How many shortcuts should I learn?
A: Start with the most common 10–20 shortcuts, then gradually learn more specialized ones for your apps.
