Useful hotkeys for PC and software
· 2 min read
Hotkeys are helpful for working efficiently. However, checking the official documentation that introduces the hotkeys is not always practical because it often includes many unnecessary hotkeys. Here are some useful hotkeys based on my experience. I made this page to review and also hope it can help you. I will update the content regularly.
Windows
| Hotkeys | Function |
|---|---|
Windows key + D | Show and hide the desktop |
Windows key + TAB | Switch the running application |
Windows key + arrow key ↑↓→← | Snap the windows |
CTRL + Windows + arrow key | Switch the workspace |
Windows key + Space / SHIFT + ALT | Switch input keyboard |
Windows + SHIFT + S | Screenshot |
Windows + V | Show clipboard history |
Ubuntu
In Ubuntu, there is a key called the super key. It functions the same as the Windows key. Most PC keyboards are designed for Windows, so that you should know super key = Windows key.
| Hotkeys | Function |
|---|---|
CTRL+ALT+T | Open a Terminal |
super key + D | Show and hide the desktop |
super key + A | Show the application menu |
super key + Q | Close the application |
super key + TAB | Switch the running application |
super key + arrow key | Snap the windows |
CTRL + ALT + arrow key | Switch the workspace |
SHIFT + ALT | Switch input keyboard |
setting > keyboard > keyboard hotkey > screenshot | Screenshot |
Terminal
| Hotkeys | Function |
|---|---|
CTRL+SHIFT + C | Copy |
CTRL+SHIFT + V | Paste |
Browser
Works with Chrome, Edge, Firefox:
| Hotkeys | Function |
|---|---|
CTRL+T | New Tab |
CTRL + W | Close Tab |
ALT + right arrow | Forward |
ALT + left arrow | Back |
CTRL + TAB | Switch the Tab |
CTRL + F | Search |
Universal Shortcuts
These work across most applications:
| Hotkeys | Function |
|---|---|
CTRL + C | Copy |
CTRL + V | Paste |
CTRL + X | Cut |
CTRL + Z | Undo |
CTRL + Y | Redo |
CTRL + A | Select All |
CTRL + S | Save |
CTRL + SHIFT + S | Save As |
Tips for Learning Hotkeys
- Start Small: Learn 3-5 shortcuts that you'll use daily
- Practice Consistently: Force yourself to use shortcuts instead of mouse
- Customize: Many applications allow custom shortcut configuration
- OS-Specific: Remember that shortcuts may differ between Windows, Mac, and Linux
This is a living document - I'll continue adding shortcuts for specific software as I discover useful ones!