Browser Terms Explained: Keyboard shortcuts
Navigating the internet is an essential aspect of our daily lives, and we use web browsers to access our favorite websites, conduct research, and communicate with others. While there are various ways to interact with web browsers, using keyboard shortcuts is one of the most efficient methods. Keyboard shortcuts speed up navigation by allowing users to control browser functionality without using a mouse.
Understanding Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that perform a specific function on a computer program, such as a browser. Instead of navigating to the menus and using mouse clicks, users can use these predefined keystrokes to complete tasks quicker. The following sections explain what keyboard shortcuts are, their benefits, and how to use them.
What are Keyboard Shortcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts are keystroke combinations that give users quick access to browser features. The shortcuts vary depending on the browser and operating system. For example, pressing CTRL+C copies highlighted text on a Windows computer, while pressing Command+C performs the same function on a Mac.
Keyboard shortcuts are not limited to just browsers. They can be used in various software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. These shortcuts can help users complete tasks faster and more efficiently.
Benefits of Using Keyboard Shortcuts
The primary benefit of using keyboard shortcuts is that they save time. By avoiding menu navigation and mouse clicks, users can move faster through web pages, create new tabs, and much more. Using keyboard shortcuts is also useful for people with disabilities, as it allows them to navigate without a mouse.
Another benefit of using keyboard shortcuts is that they can reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. By using keyboard shortcuts instead of a mouse, users can avoid repetitive movements that can cause strain on their hands and wrists.
How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts is easy. Most browsers have a list of keyboard shortcuts that can be accessed through their help menu. To use a shortcut, simply press the keys in the combination listed. It may take some time to get used to the shortcuts, but with practice, they can become second nature.
It's important to note that some keyboard shortcuts may not work on all computers or with all browsers. Additionally, some shortcuts may conflict with other software applications or operating system functions. Users should always check their browser's documentation to ensure that the shortcuts they want to use are compatible with their system.
Commonly Used Keyboard Shortcuts Across Browsers
Although different browsers have different keyboard shortcuts, there are a few common shortcuts that work across most browsers:
CTRL+T - Opens a new tab
CTRL+W - Closes a tab
CTRL+P - Opens the print dialog box
CTRL+F - Opens the find dialog box
CTRL++ - Zooms in on a web page
CTRL+- - Zooms out on a web page
These shortcuts can save users time and make browsing the web more efficient. By using keyboard shortcuts, users can become more productive and get more done in less time.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Popular Browsers
Using keyboard shortcuts can make browsing the internet faster and more efficient. Here are some of the most popular keyboard shortcuts for the most commonly used web browsers:
Google Chrome Keyboard Shortcuts
Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, and it has several keyboard shortcuts that can make browsing more efficient:
CTRL+T - Opens a new tab
CTRL+W - Closes the current tab
CTRL+SHIFT+T - Opens the last closed tab
CTRL+H - Opens the browsing history
CTRL+SHIFT+N - Opens a new incognito window
CTRL+SHIFT+B - Opens or closes the bookmarks bar
Using these keyboard shortcuts can save you time and make your browsing experience more efficient. For example, if you need to open a new tab to search for something, instead of clicking on the new tab button, you can simply press CTRL+T.
Mozilla Firefox Keyboard Shortcuts
Mozilla Firefox is a browser known for its customization options and privacy features, and it includes several keyboard shortcuts:
CTRL+T - Opens a new tab
CTRL+W - Closes the current tab
CTRL+SHIFT+T - Opens the last closed tab
CTRL+H - Opens the browsing history
CTRL+SHIFT+N - Opens a new private window
CTRL+SHIFT+B - Opens or closes the bookmarks bar
Firefox also has other useful keyboard shortcuts, such as CTRL+L to quickly highlight the address bar and CTRL+K to highlight the search bar. These shortcuts can help you navigate the web more efficiently.
Microsoft Edge Keyboard Shortcuts
Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows 10, and it includes several keyboard shortcuts:
CTRL+T - Opens a new tab
CTRL+W - Closes the current tab
CTRL+SHIFT+T - Opens the last closed tab
CTRL+H - Opens the browsing history
CTRL+SHIFT+P - Opens a new InPrivate browsing window
CTRL+D - Adds a web page to favorites
Edge also has a feature called "Set Aside Tabs" which allows you to save a group of tabs for later use. You can access this feature by pressing CTRL+SHIFT+H. This can be a useful feature if you need to switch between different sets of tabs frequently.
Apple Safari Keyboard Shortcuts
Apple Safari is the default browser for Apple devices, and it includes several keyboard shortcuts:
Command+T - Opens a new tab
Command+W - Closes the current tab
Command+SHIFT+T - Opens the last closed tab
Command+Y - Opens the browsing history
Command+SHIFT+N - Opens a new private window
Command+OPTION+B - Shows or hides the favorites bar
Safari also has a feature called "Reader Mode" which allows you to view a simplified version of a web page without ads or other distractions. You can access this feature by clicking on the "Reader" button in the address bar or by pressing Command+SHIFT+R. This can be a useful feature if you want to focus on reading an article without any distractions.
Navigating Webpages with Keyboard Shortcuts
In addition to browser navigation, shortcuts are available for the following most common webpage actions:
Scrolling and Zooming
To scroll through a web page, press the arrow keys or use the mouse wheel. To zoom in or out on a web page, press CTRL+plus sign (+) or CTRL+minus sign (-) on your Windows PC. On a Mac, Command+plus sign (+) or Command+minus sign (-) will perform the same function.
Opening and Closing Tabs
To open a new tab, press CTRL+T, Command+T on a Mac, or click the plus (+) symbol on your browser tab bar. To close a tab, press CTRL+W, Command+W on a Mac, or click the close (X) symbol on the tab.
Managing Bookmarks
Bookmarks help you quickly access your favorite websites. To bookmark a web page, press CTRL+D on a Windows PC, Command+D on a Mac, or click the star symbol in your browser address bar. To access your bookmarks, press CTRL+SHIFT+B, Command+SHIFT+B on a Mac.
Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts
Creating Your Own Shortcuts
Browsers enable users to customize or create new keyboard shortcuts. To create a new shortcut in Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, follow these steps:
Open the browser settings menu.
Click on Keyboard Shortcuts.
Select the function you want to customize.
Enter the combination of keys you want to use.
Save the new shortcut.
Browser Extensions for Enhanced Shortcuts
Browser extensions offer enhanced keyboard shortcuts and can be downloaded from the browser's extension store. These extensions include Shortkeys, Vimium, and KeyRocket. These extension apps provide advanced shortcuts to control your browser and increase productivity while navigating the web. However, ensure that you download only legit extensions from reputable providers to avoid malware and computer vulnerabilities.
Conclusion
Keyboard shortcuts are an effective way to navigate through web browsers, save time, and be more productive. By using the above-described shortcuts, navigating web browsing will become an effortless experience. However, some shortcuts may not work on some websites or applications, and, therefore, users must check keyboard shortcut availability before trying to use them.