Use a keyboard shortcut
- Choose the operating system you are using. Mac Command and Windows Ctrl are different modifier keys.
- Choose Everyday, Desktop, Chrome or Excel. Search for an action such as copy, screenshot or reopen tab.
- Focus the app where you want the action to happen. Hold the displayed modifiers, press the last key once, then release the keys.
Match the app and operating system
Chrome commands control browser tabs and pages. Excel entries apply to the desktop version of Excel; a browser can intercept shortcuts when using Excel for the web.
Mac menus use Command (⌘), Option (⌥), Control (⌃) and Shift (⇧). In a combination such as Command + Shift + Z, hold Command and Shift while pressing Z.
Everyday copy, paste, save and undo commands work in many apps. If a shortcut has been customized, use the combination displayed beside the action in that app’s menu.
When a shortcut does not work
A browser test can show key events it receives. An operating-system command may run before the browser receives it; confirm the result in the intended app.
- Check that the intended app and text field have focus. If only one app is affected, review its menu and shortcut settings.
- Check the modifier keys individually in the keyboard tester, then check the actual combination in the rollover tool.
- If a Windows shortcut fails, check Windows-key lock. If function-key shortcuts behave differently, check Fn or F Lock and the app’s own settings.