June 27, 2002

Shortcuts in Word Processors and Just About Anything Else

This Tutor Tip combines several common shortcuts techniques for most word processors and other programs. Some of these will even work in programs where you wouldn't expect them to work, so try them out wherever you can. Keep in mind some of these tips won't work in every program.

Shortcuts for Right-Handed Mouse Users

Need to cut, copy or paste some text or an item? Before reaching for an application's menu commands, try these handy keyboard shortcuts:

• Ctrl-X (hold down the Ctrl key, then press the X key and release both) to cut the selected text or item
• Ctrl-C to copy it
• Ctrl-V to paste it
• Ctrl-Z to undo the last action.

Shortcuts for Left-Handed Mouse Users

Left-handed mouse users, do you find that the commands above aren't too convenient? You'll be happy to know there are equivalents on the right side of your keyboard. The following CUA (common user access) commands are supported by most applications:

• Shift-Delete (hold down the Shift key, then press the Delete key and release both) to cut the selected text or item
• Ctrl-Insert to copy it
• Shift-Insert to paste it
• Alt-Backspace to undo the last action