The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows and MAC

Do you ever get tired of rolling your mouse, fiddling with your trackpad and running through tabs in order to switch between apps, jump into your spotlight search or close a page? How about finding a specific file, locking your computer or any of the other dozens of functions you need your computer to accomplish on any given day?

Completing simple functions on your computer can eat up precious time that should be spent elsewhere. Like on completing the finishing touches for your latest killer game design or hitting tomorrow’s thesis deadline. That’s where keyboard shortcuts come in.

We want to make it easier (and shall we say, more fun?) for you to use your computer and all of the functional magic it offers with a simple click of the keys. Check out our ultimate guide to keyboard shortcuts on Windows and Mac to perfect the shortcuts for some of the most commonly used functions and you’ll be well on your way to getting your work done faster and more easily.

What are keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are essentially certain key combinations that you can use to perform a function in an application, program or operating system. They help speed up functions that would normally take longer to accomplish using a mouse or trackpad.

One thing to note, though, is not all computer keyboard shortcuts are built the same. Depending on whether you’re a Mac or a PC user will change the way you shortcut and click. But don’t worry. We’ve got you.

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows

If you’re a PC user, chances are you’ve found yourself getting pretty familiar with the left and right clicking of a mouse. But what if you could cut down on click-time and find a more effective way to navigate the apps and programs you use the most within your operating system? Check out these ridiculously useful keyboard shortcuts for Word, Chrome and to help you navigate Windows.

Keyboard shortcuts to Navigate Windows

Windows Key ⊞ + D allows you to access your desktop if you need to quickly grab a file. Quickly click again to return back to where you were.

Windows Key ⊞ + Down Arrow lets you minimise your current window or taskbar app. Then use the Windows Key ⊞ + Up Arrow to maximise once again.

Windows Key ⊞ + S quickly opens your Windows search bar to let you search docs, files, apps and the like.

Windows Key ⊞ + T gives you free range to scroll through your task bar at your open programs and apps, just keep hitting T to move to the next one and see what windows are open in each application or program. If you get to an app/program you want to open, click Windows Key ⊞ + The Number that corresponds to the order of that app/program on your taskbar.

Windows Key ⊞ + ; opens your emoji window.

Windows Key ⊞ + L will lock your computer for you if you’re ready to walk away for a coffee break.

Alt + Tab will allow you to quickly and easily switch between open applications.

Shift + F10 is your keyboard shortcut for the mouse’s right click.

Keyboard shortcuts for Word

Control + N creates a new document for you.

Control + O takes you to the doc screen to open a document.

F12 is your Save As shortcut.

Control + S lets you save your document.

Control + C is your copy shortcut.

Control + V is your paste shortcut.

Control + Z will undo the previous action.

Control + Y will go ahead and redo the action.

Control + P takes you to print a file.

Control + F allows you to find a certain word or phrase in the document.

Keyboard shortcuts for Chrome

Control + N opens up a brand spanking new window in Chrome.

Alt + F opens your Chrome menu to access new tabs, printing, history and the like. But if you’re in Google Docs, it will open your file menu for you.

Control + Shift + N will open a new incognito window if you want a private search.

Control + T lets you open a new tab and go directly to it.

Control + Tab allows you to bounce from one tab to the next.

Control + W closes the tab you’re currently in.

Keyboard shortcuts for Mac

Mac users have their own secret code of keyboard shortcuts for Mac operating systems, with the Command Key ⌘ as a big player in the functionality. Let’s take a look at the shortcuts for MacOS, Word and Chrome.

Keyboard shortcuts to Navigate MacOS

Command ⌘ + Space Bar opens your Spotlight search tool.

Command ⌘ + F3 lets you quickly check out your desktop.

Command ⌘ + Tab lets you cycle through your applications. Each time you hit tab, you’ll head to the next app.

Command ⌘ + M will easily minimise the front window to the Dock.

Control + Command ⌘ + Space opens your character viewers to access emojis.

Command ⌘ + Control + Q immediately locks your screen.

Keyboard shortcuts for Word

Command ⌘ + N creates a new document.

Command ⌘ + O lets you open a document.

Command ⌘ + Shift + S lets you Save As.

Command ⌘ + S lets you save your Word doc.

Command ⌘ + C is your copy shortcut.

Command ⌘ + V is your paste shortcut.

Command ⌘ + Z will undo the previous action.

Command ⌘ + Y will redo the action.

Command ⌘ + P takes you to print a file.

Command ⌘ + F allows you to find a certain word or phrase in the document.

Keyboard shortcuts for Chrome

Command ⌘ + N opens up a new window in Chrome.

Command ⌘ + F opens your find bar in Chrome.

Command ⌘ + Shift + N will open a new incognito window.

Command ⌘ + T lets you open a new tab and jump in.

Command ⌘ + Option + Right Arrow lets you go to the next open tab.

Command ⌘ + Option + Left Arrow lets you go to the previous open tab.

Command ⌘ + W closes the tab you’re in.

Need A Shortcut Tutorial? The Geeks Are Here!

This is only a taste of the keyboard shortcuts that are out there for both Mac and Windows users, so if you’re ready to deep dive further give us a call! In time, you’ll be amazed at how easy these shortcuts become. Just remember, practice makes perfect!