Users can easily find some of these combinations by consulting the manual or searching online for 'keyboard shortcuts' and the name of the program. In some operating systems, the control key’s usual functions are replaced by a different modifier key, while the key itself is used for a separate purpose. More complex combinations involving as many as four keys are possible in many cases, users can customize these combinations to perform the operations they desire. Common functions like saving, printing, and copy/paste are generally the same across many types of programs, while other functions may be specific to a certain program or even individual elements of that program. Pressing Ctrl+R in many web browsers will reload a webpage, while the same key combination in a word processing program often aligns a paragraph to the right. The precise impact that a control key combination has depends on the software and operating system being used. Holding control while pressing the “Q” key (Ctrl+Q), for example, will quit an application, while Ctrl+P can be used to print a document or webpage. The control key also modifies the usual output of keys, but generally changes the output to a command or function rather than a special character. Most computer users are familiar with the shift key combination, in which the shift key is used in combination with another key to produce upper case characters. These types of keys are instead meant to be used in conjunction with other keys on the keyboard in a technique known as a key combination. Modifier keys, which can include shift, alt, control, and other keys depending on keyboard layout, are unique in that they are seldom used by themselves. The control key’s name comes from its original purpose in teletype machines, where it was used to control aspects of the machine’s operation.Ī computer, mouse, and keyboard with a control key. Its exact function depends on the software and operating system being used, but it most often performs common functions like saving documents, printing, and copy/paste procedures.

The control key, often labeled “Ctrl” or “Ctl” on a computer keyboard, is a special type of key called a modifier key that is intended to be pressed down in combination with one or more other keys.

What does ctrl alt shift do