Keyboard Shortcuts: Stop Wasting Time
The mouse is slow. Keyboard shortcuts can save you 10+ hours per month once they become muscle memory.
Universal Shortcuts
These work almost everywhere:
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|--------|---------|-----|
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Cmd + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Cmd + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Cmd + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Cmd + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Cmd + Shift + Z |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Cmd + S |
| Select All | Ctrl + A | Cmd + A |
| Find | Ctrl + F | Cmd + F |
| Print | Ctrl + P | Cmd + P |
| Close Window | Alt + F4 | Cmd + W |
Text Navigation
Navigate faster:
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|--------|---------|-----|
| Word left/right | Ctrl + ← / → | Option + ← / → |
| Line start/end | Home / End | Cmd + ← / → |
| Select word | Ctrl + Shift + ← / → | Option + Shift + ← / → |
| Delete word | Ctrl + Backspace | Option + Backspace |
Browser Shortcuts
| Action | Windows | Mac |
|--------|---------|-----|
| New tab | Ctrl + T | Cmd + T |
| Close tab | Ctrl + W | Cmd + W |
| Reopen closed tab | Ctrl + Shift + T | Cmd + Shift + T |
| Next tab | Ctrl + Tab | Ctrl + Tab |
| Address bar | Ctrl + L | Cmd + L |
| Refresh | F5 / Ctrl + R | Cmd + R |
| Bookmark | Ctrl + D | Cmd + D |
| History | Ctrl + H | Cmd + Y |
Window Management
- Win + D = Show desktop
- Win + L = Lock computer
- Win + Tab = Task view
- Alt + Tab = Switch windows
- Win + ← / → = Snap window
- Cmd + Tab = Switch apps
- Cmd + ` = Switch windows in same app
- Ctrl + ← / → = Switch desktops
- Cmd + M = Minimize
Screenshot Shortcuts
- Win + Shift + S = Screenshot tool
- PrtSc = Full screenshot
- Alt + PrtSc = Active window
- Cmd + Shift + 3 = Full screenshot
- Cmd + Shift + 4 = Selection
- Cmd + Shift + 5 = Screenshot toolbar
See also: Screenshot Tips
Learning New Shortcuts
How to build the habit:
1. Learn 2-3 shortcuts at a time
2. Force yourself to use them
3. Put sticky note on monitor
4. After a week, add more
Resist the mouse. Even if it feels slower at first.