Common Keyboard Shortcuts | CVA Teacher Resources
Common Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can save time when creating lessons, managing files, navigating CTLS, and working in a web browser. Use the Windows PC or Mac shortcut that matches your device.
Quick Reminder: Windows shortcuts usually use Ctrl. Mac shortcuts usually use Command (⌘).
Reading the Shortcuts
Hold the first key, then press the next key. For example, Ctrl + C means hold Ctrl and press C. Some shortcuts may vary slightly by browser or application.
Essential Editing
These shortcuts work in most documents, text editors, web browsers, and digital tools.
| Task | Windows PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C | ⌘ + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | ⌘ + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | ⌘ + V |
| Paste without formatting Supported in many browsers and applications | Ctrl + Shift + V | ⌘ + Shift + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | ⌘ + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | ⌘ + Shift + Z |
| Select all | Ctrl + A | ⌘ + A |
| Save | Ctrl + S | ⌘ + S |
| Find on page or in document | Ctrl + F | ⌘ + F |
| Ctrl + P | ⌘ + P |
Text Formatting
Bold
Windows: Ctrl + B
Mac: ⌘ + B
Italic
Windows: Ctrl + I
Mac: ⌘ + I
Underline
Windows: Ctrl + U
Mac: ⌘ + U
Browser and Tabs
Use these shortcuts to move more quickly between webpages, tabs, and links.
Open and Close Tabs
New tab: Ctrl + T / ⌘ + T
Close tab: Ctrl + W / ⌘ + W
Reopen closed tab: Ctrl + Shift + T / ⌘ + Shift + T
Move Between Tabs
Next tab: Ctrl + Tab / Control + Tab
Previous tab: Ctrl + Shift + Tab / Control + Shift + Tab
Refresh a Page
Regular refresh: Ctrl + R / ⌘ + R
Hard refresh: Ctrl + Shift + R or Ctrl + F5 / ⌘ + Shift + R
Address Bar and Links
Jump to address bar: Ctrl + L / ⌘ + L
Open link in new tab: Ctrl + Click / ⌘ + Click
Zoom
Zoom in: Ctrl + Plus / ⌘ + Plus
Zoom out: Ctrl + Minus / ⌘ + Minus
Reset zoom: Ctrl + 0 / ⌘ + 0
Windows and Applications
Switch Between Open Apps
Windows: Alt + Tab
Mac: ⌘ + Tab
Close an Application
Windows: Alt + F4
Mac: ⌘ + Q
Lock Your Screen
Windows: Windows key + L
Mac: Control + ⌘ + Q
Screenshots
Screenshots are useful for creating directions, documenting an issue, or showing students where to locate a tool.
Windows Screenshot Tools
Capture part of the screen: Windows key + Shift + S
Copy the full screen: PrtScn
Save the full screen: Windows key + PrtScn
Mac Screenshot Tools
Capture the full screen: Shift + ⌘ + 3
Capture part of the screen: Shift + ⌘ + 4
Open screenshot and recording tools: Shift + ⌘ + 5
Keyboard Navigation
These keys work on both Windows and Mac and can make websites and digital tools easier to navigate without a mouse.
Tab
Move to the next link, button, or field.
Shift + Tab
Move to the previous item.
Enter
Open a link or activate a selected control.
Spacebar
Select a checkbox, activate a button, or scroll.
Esc
Close a menu, dialog box, or full-screen view.
Arrow Keys
Move through menus, lists, and text.
Start With Three
Choose three shortcuts you use often and practice them for a week. Once they become automatic, add a few more.
