Must Use Shortcut Keys — Boost Productivity with Keyboard Shortcuts

• November 12, 2025 • 6 min read

Keyboard shortcuts save time and reduce friction. Whether you're a student, developer, or office worker, learning the essential shortcuts for your platform and favorite apps will make everyday tasks much faster. Below you'll find must-know shortcuts, a printable cheat sheet suggestion, and tips for building the habit.

Core shortcuts everyone should know

Ctrl / Cmd + C — Copy selected text or item.

Ctrl / Cmd + V — Paste from clipboard.

Ctrl / Cmd + X — Cut selected text or item.

Ctrl / Cmd + Z — Undo last action.

Ctrl / Cmd + S — Save current document.

Alt / Option + Tab — Switch between open apps/windows.

Platform-specific essentials

Windows

• Windows + D — Show desktop.
  

• Windows + L — Lock screen.
  

• Ctrl + Shift + T — Reopen last closed browser tab.
  

macOS

• Cmd + Space — Open Spotlight search.
  

• Cmd + Tab — Switch apps.
  

• Cmd + Shift + 4 — Screenshot selection.
  

Shortcuts for popular apps

Web browsers (Chrome/Firefox/Edge)

• Ctrl / Cmd + T — Open new tab.
  

• Ctrl / Cmd + W — Close current tab.
  

• Ctrl / Cmd + L — Focus address bar.

Microsoft Office / Google Docs

• Ctrl / Cmd + B — Bold selected text.

• Ctrl / Cmd + K — Insert link.

• Ctrl / Cmd + F — Find in document.
  

VS Code (essential for developers)

• Ctrl / Cmd + P — Quick file open.

• Ctrl / Cmd + / — Toggle comment on line.

• Ctrl / Cmd + Shift + F — Global search.

7-day habit plan to learn shortcuts

1. Pick 3 shortcuts for your daily apps and practice them all day.

2. Create a printable cheat sheet and keep it by your monitor.

3. Use a browser extension or app that shows shortcuts as tooltips.

4. Focus on navigation (switching apps, tabs) to save large chunks of time.

5. Practice text-editing shortcuts (copy/paste/undo/find) while working.

6. Try a shortcut-only day where you avoid using the mouse for 2 hours.

7. Review and add 2 new shortcuts to your cheat sheet for the next week.
   
   

   

   
   TypingOwl