Are you tired of constantly right-clicking just to perform simple tasks like cut, copy, and paste? It may not be overly time-consuming, but it can become quite annoying after a while. If you haven’t been utilizing keyboard shortcuts, you’re missing out on a convenient way to save time and effort. In this article, we’ll show you how you can utilize shortcut commands to effortlessly perform actions like cut, copy, paste, and even undo across various Windows applications.
Cut (Ctrl + X)
When you use the cut shortcut, you remove the selected text from its original location and store it in your clipboard. By using Ctrl + X, you can remove text from one place and paste it into multiple other areas. Previously, Windows didn’t automatically keep a history of items on your clipboard, which meant that the text was overwritten in memory every time you used the keyboard shortcut. However, the October 2018 Update introduced an extended clipboard feature with a history.
To access the clipboard history, simply press the Windows Key + V combination. A pop-up window will appear, displaying a list of previously cut or copied text. You can select any of the recorded entries, and they will be pasted into your desired document. However, you need to manually enable this feature the first time you use the Windows Key + V combination.
Cutting and pasting text is a fantastic way to rearrange content in reports or reuse information across multiple forms. Unfortunately, there are no alternative inputs to the Ctrl + X shortcut. The Shift + Delete shortcut used to serve a similar purpose, but it has now been assigned to other commands.
Copy (Ctrl + C)
The keyboard shortcut for copying text is similar to cutting but with one crucial difference: the original text remains in the document. By using Ctrl + C, you send the selected text to the clipboard in the system memory. Before the October 2018 Update, all text copied to the clipboard would be overwritten the next time you used the Ctrl + C keyboard shortcut, just like the cut command.
Alternatively, you can use the Ctrl + Ins shortcut. The Insert key is typically found on full-size keyboards with number pads. This option may be more useful when dealing with numeric data, as it allows you to copy text without taking your fingers off the number pad.
Paste (Ctrl + V)
The Ctrl + V keyboard shortcut is the opposite of the cut and copy commands. It allows you to paste text from the clipboard into your document wherever your cursor is located. When you paste text, formatting and spacing are often retained, which can sometimes lead to issues when pasting into a new field or form. To avoid these problems, you can usually copy and paste an unformatted version of the text.
Alternatively, you can use the Shift + Ins shortcut, which is especially handy if you frequently use the numeric keypad. The pasted text will appear wherever your cursor is, so make sure you’ve selected the correct location before pasting.
Undo (Ctrl + Z)
Oops! Did you accidentally overwrite a sentence or make a mistake? Don’t worry! The handy Ctrl + Z keyboard shortcut allows you to undo your last action. For example, if you were typing, it will remove the last section of text you entered before pausing.
Most Windows applications support repeated undo commands, enabling you to undo multiple previous actions. However, keep in mind that not all apps have universal support for this functionality. It’s always a good idea to confirm whether your app supports these commands before relying on them in critical situations.
An Extra Tip for Working Between Apps
Cut, copy, paste, and undo commands are supported by every Windows program as they are an essential part of the Windows foundation. These shortcuts work consistently in various contexts, such as writing spreadsheets, drafting emails, or creating documents.
However, when it comes to online forms and apps, their reliability varies. While many of them support the same shortcuts, it’s not guaranteed. If you’re using a new app, it’s wise to test it out first. Execute a few commands to ensure that it runs smoothly and supports the shortcuts you need.
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