Benefits of using Function Keys from F1 to F12 on a Computer

What are function keys and what are they for?

If you’re using your computer right now, take a look at your keyboard. Look at the top line. There are 12 keys that can make your life easier, but chances are you’ve never used them or don’t know what they’re for. They are called “quick function keys”, which go from F1 to F12. If you learn to use them correctly, they can help you save time with a few simple commands in the browser or in different applications, such as Microsoft Word, where there are many shortcuts.

For users with mobility or visual impairments, keyboard shortcuts can be easier than using the touch screen and are an essential alternative to using a mouse.

Apple also specifies some functions of the “f’s” on its website.

By default, Apple’s operating system binds those keys to “special functions,” which the icons on them indicate, such as adjusting screen brightness or turning the volume up and down. But you can also use them for “shortcuts”. To do this, you must hold down the Function (Fn) key or the globe key while pressing the “efe” you want to activate. They are especially useful if you use Word on Mac.

But what are these “shortcuts” and what actions do they enable?

Here we offer you a summary with some of them.

F1
On Windows, open the help menu. It also hides or shows the options menu in Excel and Word and the Windows strip, if you press it at the same time as Control [Ctrl + F1]. If you click F1 + Shift, you will see the “show formatting” task pane. In Apple, the F1 key, with the icon of a small light bulb, reduces the brightness of the screen. In Word – and pressing Fn, as we explained above – it is used to undo the previous action.

F2
Press Alt + Ctrl + F2 and it will immediately open the document library in Microsoft Office. If you’re in Word and try the Ctrl + F2 shortcut, you’ll see a print preview of the file you’re working on. In Windows Explorer, it allows you to rename a folder or file. And if you are using Excel and you press this key, you will be able to edit the active cell. If you use Apple, with F2 you increase the brightness of the screen.

With F1 and F2 you can open menus, edit cells in Excel and rename files, depending on the command you use.

F3
The F3 key is used to open the search function in Windows Explorer, Firefox and Chrome. If you also press it at the same time as the Shift key, you will change the state of the letter in Word, to uppercase or lowercase. On a Mac, turn “Mission Control” on or off – which provides a bird’s-eye view of all open windows. And if you use Word on Mac, F3 is used to copy the selected content to the Clipboard.

F4
F4 allows you to place the cursor in the browser’s address bar. And to close a window, use this shortcut: Alt + F4. If you use Apple, with F4 you can turn the Launchpad on and off – an easy way to find and open apps on your Mac. And by using the shortcut in Word, you paste the contents of the Clipboard.

F5
Do you want to update your web browser or the folder you have open? Try pressing F5. If in addition to updating the browser you want to clear the cache (data that is temporarily stored), press Ctrl + F5. If you are using Powerpoint and want to start with the presentation, it is also your key. In Microsoft Office, it is used to open “Find and Replace”. On Apple, reduce the light intensity of the keys. And the shortcut in Word allows you to display the “Go To” dialog box.

F6
In Windows, it is used to turn pages in a split screen in Word. Together with Control and Shift [Ctrl + Shift + F6] it allows you to easily switch between Word documents. On Mac, increase the light intensity of the keys. And your shortcut in Word when accessed from an Apple computer .

F7
Do you need a spelling and grammar check on your Word document? If you’re using Windows, try this shortcut: Alt + F7. If you’re using a Mac, just the F7 key (next to Fn, to activate the “shortcut”). And if you need a synonym and you’re using a Windows computer, try Shift + F7 to access the thesaurus. Apple users can also use this key to go back to the previous song in iTunes.

F8
If you’re in Windows and you press F8, you’re enabling safe mode. In Excel, turn on extended mode. And on Apple, stop or pause songs in iTunes. Also, using Word on Apple, F8 is used to enlarge a selection. For example, if you select a word, the size of the selection expands to a sentence.

F9
This key allows you to send and receive emails in some applications. If you use Windows, in Word and next to Control [Ctrl + F9] it is used to insert empty fields. On Apple, updates the selected fields. Also, on Macs it allows you to advance to the next song in the iTunes playlist.

F10
F10 allows you to mark elements of the active window. It is also used to switch to a different tab and use the access keys or cursors in Windows. Together with the Shift key [Shift + F10], it opens the context menu in Windows, which is the menu that appears when you right-click on the desktop or on a file or folder. The same if you use Apple (but remember to press Fn at the same time). It is also used to maximize the window in Word [Ctrl + F10], with PC. On a Mac, turn audio on or off.

F11
Need to quickly go in and out of full screen mode on a PC? Simply click F11. If you also press the Shift key and you are using Excel, you can automatically activate a new spreadsheet. If you have Apple, use this key to reduce the audio volume. And the shortcut in Word is to go to the next field.

F12
To open the “Save As” function in Word, click F12. You can also directly save the document, if you press it next to Shift or open a document if you use it next to Control. If you try with the three keys at the same time [Ctrl + Shift + F12] you will open the print function. If you’re using Apple, you can use F12 to increase the audio volume.

Many users find that using an external keyboard with keyboard shortcuts for Word helps them work more efficiently,

Benefits of using Function Keys from F1 to F12 on a Computer

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