Computer shortcut keys are the combinations of keyboard buttons that perform certain actions on a computer that you would otherwise do with a mouse.
They can help you get more done in less time. So if you’re looking to save time and be more productive on your computer, learning about these shortcuts is essential.
F1
F1 is the first function key that you might encounter on your keyboard. It’s a standard function that you might expect on almost every device, and is used to open the help and support center of your computer or mobile phone.
You can also use it to access the settings menu of your computer or phone and a web page that offers support for your device. You can also use it to change the screen brightness or volume on your laptop and some other device-specific functions.
You can also use it to capture the current screen (a “screen shot”) and copy it to the Clipboard for later printing. You might also find it useful if you need to change the wallpaper on your screen.
F2
You probably use F2 all the time to adjust your screen brightness, but what you might not know is that it’s also a key that has a whole lot of other functions. The keyboard keys that start with the letter F are called function keys or F-keys, and each one has a specific function defined by the operating system or by the program you’re using.
In many programs, this key will open the help and support center. In Windows, it’s also used to rename a file or folder.
It can also be used to refresh a document in Microsoft Word, or to switch between open documents. It’s also a shortcut for displaying the print preview window in Microsoft Word.
In addition, it has a secondary function that changes the backlight color on single-color keyboards and adjusts red color levels on Cooler Master desktop keyboards. However, there’s no standard for what each keyboard uses as its secondary function, so make sure to check the product manual for your specific model.
F3
F3 is a shortcut key on the computer keyboard that opens a search function. It is used in many programs, including word processors and browsers.
The F3 key is also used to open the save as window in Microsoft Word, and it recalculates all formulas in an Excel workbook when pressed.
Another common use of the F3 key is to show and hide files and folders on a computer. This can help you quickly find information on your computer when it’s hard to see what you’re looking for.
Other common uses of the F3 key are to put on laptop keyboard backlight (on some laptops), mute the microphone, reduce the volume of the laptop speaker, and enter full screen mode in Internet browsers. In some programs, F3 also opens a debug screen, which displays information about the game’s memory and other parameters. It also shows a hitbox around entities, like characters or objects in a game.
F4
The F4 key is a function key that can be found at the top of almost all computer keyboards. It is often used in combination with the Alt and Ctrl keys to close open windows and tabs.
The key also has a secondary function depending on the type of computer and program that you’re using. For example, some laptop and desktop keyboards use it to mute and unmute the volume.
Another common use for the F4 key is to repeat the last action that you performed, such as changing a text’s color and font or adding a picture to a PowerPoint presentation.
This function can be especially useful in Excel, as it allows users to re-execute their last action as many times as they like. In addition, it’s one of the fastest ways to close out an active application or program in Windows.
