Shortcut Keys

(Key+Key)
Many keyboard shortcuts are actually combination keystrokes, expressed as Key+Key. These involve
holding down the first key, tapping the second key, and then releasing the first key. For example, Ctrl+A
means hold down the Ctrl key, press and release the letter A, and then release the Ctrl key. Shift+F1
means hold down the Shift key, press and release the function key labeled F1, and then release the
Shift key. Alt+Enter means hold down the Alt key, press and release the Enter key, and then release the
Alt key.
As you’ll eventually discover, most combination keystrokes start with one of the following special keys:
Ctrl (Control), Alt (Alternate), or Shift. That’s partly because those keys never actually type any
characters on the screen. Most keys offer Ctrl, Alt, and Del keys on both the left and right side of the
keyboard, so you can use either hand to press the combination keystroke.
Many menu options display shortcut keys. These are keystrokes you can use as an alternative to going
through the menus. If you look to the right of the Save option in the File menu shown in Figure 2-4, for
example, you’ll notice the shortcut option Ctrl+S. So let’s say you’re working on a document and you
want to save your work. Your hands are on the keyboard rather than on the mouse. Instead of going
through the menu and choosing File › Save, you can just press Ctrl+S on the keyboard if you prefer.
If you don’t know the shortcut key for performing a task, but would still prefer to use the keyboard rather
than the mouse, you can work the menus right from the keyboard. Just press and release the Alt key.
You’ll notice that each option in the menu suddenly sports one underlined letter. After you press the Alt
key, for example, the letter F in the File option will be underlined. After the underline appears, you can
just type that underlined letter to open the corresponding menu.
When the menu is open, you can use the ‹,›, , and ˇ arrow keys on the keyboard to move the
selection highlight about the menus. To choose the currently highlighted option, press Enter. Optionally,
you can just type the underlined letter of the option you want.
Tip Remember, shortcut keys and other keyboard alternatives are just an alternative
for people who prefer the keyboard to the mouse. You can always use the mouse
to work the menus.