Keyboard Shortcuts: the Benefits

Photo of keyboard

Keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your efficiency and productivity compared to relying mainly on the mouse.

Keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that allow a function to be activated. A common one is Control C for copy.

Using keyboard shortcuts allows you to perform tasks quickly and conveniently without needing to navigate through menus or use the mouse for every action. Here are some reasons to use keyboard shortcuts to improve your efficiency:

  1. Speed: Keyboard shortcuts removed the time-consuming process of moving the cursor and clicking on various options. With a simple key combination, you can perform tasks instantly, saving valuable time and reducing repetitive movements.
  2. Multitasking: Keyboard shortcuts enable you to switch between applications and perform actions seamlessly. By using shortcuts, you can rapidly toggle between windows, copy and paste content, navigate through documents, and perform other common functions, all without interrupting your workflow.
  3. Precision: Keyboard shortcuts offer precise control, especially in tasks that require selecting text, moving objects, or making precise edits. With the keyboard, you can quickly navigate through documents, highlight text, adjust formatting, and make edits with ease.
  4. Reduced strain: Relying excessively on the mouse can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and discomfort in the hand, wrist, and arm. Using keyboard shortcuts helps distribute the workload between different input methods and reduces strain on specific muscle groups.
  5. Memorisation: While it may take some time to learn and remember keyboard shortcuts, once you have them memorised, they become second nature. Memorising shortcuts for frequently used actions empowers you to work more fluidly and intuitively, allowing for a seamless and uninterrupted workflow.

To take advantage of keyboard shortcuts, become familiar with the commonly used ones in the applications you frequently use, such as word processors, spreadsheets, and graphic design software. Many software programs provide built-in lists of keyboard shortcuts, which you can reference or print out as a handy reference. You can find the relevant shortcut lists on the internet.

By embracing keyboard shortcuts and integrating them into your daily computing tasks, you can experience a significant improvement in speed, accuracy, and overall efficiency, ultimately saving valuable time and enhancing your productivity.