10 computer shortcuts to save you time
If you’re like us, you’re on the lookout for ways to save time wherever you can. Even a few moments here and there can add up to enough time to do something you actually enjoy, even if it is only a cup of coffee in peace once a day (don’t underestimate it!).
Given how much time the majority of us spend using a computer at work, it seems like the obvious place to make some time-saving changes.
While they may not be life-changing, these 10 computer shortcuts will certainly help to streamline your working habits.
10 time-saving computer shortcuts
Make quick notes whenever you need to
If you remember something you must jot down, but don’t want to shut your browser or lose your train of thought by shuffling between programs, here’s how to open a notebook:
Copy the following text into your web browser and, hey presto, a notebook will appear.
data:text/html, <title>Text Editor</title><body contenteditable style=”font-size:2rem;font-family:georgia;line-height:1.4;max-width:60rem;margin:0 auto;padding:4rem;”>
Bear in mind you cannot save the text you have typed here, so make sure you don’t accidentally close the tab or window.
Accurate text selection in Word
Fed up of accidentally selecting too much text, then too little, then an entirely different section than you meant to select…? You’re not alone, so some clever techy type created these shortcuts to help make your text selection more accurate and less fiddly:
Ctrl + arrow: moves the cursor forward by a whole word
Ctrl + Shift + arrow: selects an entire word at once
Shift + Home: select all text before the cursor
Shift + End: select all text after the cursor
Easily switch between windows
This one is incredibly simple; just press alt + tab to cycle through all open windows, and add shift to the combination to go in the other direction.
Using your mouse for speedy scrolling
If you use a mouse with a scroll wheel, all you need to do is hold it down and move the mouse downwards to instantly scroll to the bottom of the page (and move upwards to go back to the top).
An easier way to zoom
Did you know that pressing ctrl with the + key zooms in, and with the – key zooms out? If you want to get back to your standard setting, press ctrl + 0 to reset.
Make notes on any webpage
You can do this, and it doesn’t require any add-ons, as long as you are using Chrome as your browser.
Click F12 to open the Chrome control panel
Type document.designMode = “on” and hit enter
Now you can type whatever you like into the webpage. It will only be viewable in your browser so feel free to be as creative as you like.
If you’re typing notes to refer back to later, the screenshot tool will come in very handy at this point.
Quickly search for the source of an image
While viewing an image in a Chrome browser, holding S and right-clicking the image will search for other locations where it appears. You may find similar, rather than identical, images, but it’s definitely a handy tool. Even if you do only use it to track down where “that” pair of shoes can be found.
On a more serious note, it’s a good way to check for anyone using your images without authorisation, although it’s not guaranteed to find everything.
Never leave your computer unlocked
Keep your documents, online accounts and anything else on your computer safe by pressing the Windows key + L to lock your screen before you leave your desk.
Instantly minimise a window
We’re sure you won’t be looking at anything you don’t want to be seen looking at but, in case you’re browsing for a surprise gift or similar, holding down the Windows key and pressing either the left or right arrows will instantly switch you to the next window in that direction.
Easy screenshots
Screenshots can be handy, but they can also be tricky to get right. No more “investing” in paid software to help you to produce more professional-looking screenshots, just type “snip” into the Search Windows box and screengrab only what you need using the Snipping Tool.
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