
What is a Shortcut Key? A Complete Beginner's Guide (2025) Shortcut keys are combinations of keys on your keyboard that perform specific tasks faster than using a mouse. They are essential tools for improving productivity, navigating software more efficiently, and reducing repetitive strain. In this guide, we’ll explain what shortcut keys are, how they work, and give you practical examples across popular platforms like Windows, macOS, and common apps such as Microsoft Word and Google Chrome. Definition: What is a Shortcut Key? A shortcut key (also called a keyboard shortcut ) is a quick way to execute a command using a specific key combination instead of going through menus or clicking with a mouse. For example: Ctrl + C = Copy Ctrl + V = Paste Alt + Tab = Switch between open applications Shortcut keys save time and help users work more efficiently, especially when performing repeated tasks. Why Are Shortcut Keys Important? Using shortcut keys can: ...