What is the shift key on the keyboard ⌨️⬆️

Nobody is born knowing and we have all passed that stage in which we do not know which button does what or which is which. Therefore we are going to show you where the SHIFT key is on the keyboard and the actions that we can take with it. Ahead!

Index of contents

About SHIFT

We can say that the SHIFT key is a function button. Its name originates from ancient typewriters and is used to perform keyboard shortcuts, select multiple items, set capitals, key combinations, and the like. For this reason it is considered a single modifier key and as a general rule we will find two variants per keyboard, one on the right of the second lower row and the other on the left.

Different SHIFT appearance on various keyboards

The graphical representation of SHIFT may vary by manufacturer. Generally we will find it with the icon of a fringe (⇑ or ↑) outlined pointing upwards or with its own name SHIFT screenprinted on it. A combination of both options can also occur.

Common uses of the SHIFT key

We must remember that there are specific programs (Photoshop, Blender…) that can perform specific functions with this key. We are going to list the common uses in office automation since the specifications of key commands for programs can vary according to the user.

• SHIFT + letter: capitalize even if the CAPS LOCK is off. SHIFT + 1-0 numbers on keyboard: activates the special characters ( !, “, $, %, &, /, (,), =, ?, ¿ ). SHIFT + right drag: magnification without maintaining aspect ratio (proportions). SHIFT + mouse wheel: zoom in & out in Firefox and Safari browsers (it is being replaced by CTRL + wheel). SHIFT + left click: select all the text from the cursor position to where we have clicked, either left or right (it is a selection variable without dragging the mouse). SHIFT + WIN + Right or Left Arrow: moves the window to the monitor to the right or to the left, respectively, there must be several connected to the equipment).

Shortcuts that include the SHIFT key

Apart from those commands that have the base SHIFT, in our day to day we can find many situations in which there are other combinations that make use of it. We list the most basic:

• ALT + SHIFT + TAB: It shows us all the open and active applications on our pc and we select which of them to maximize to move from one to another without accessing the taskbar. CTRL + SHIFT + TAB: We move through windows of the program or browser that we currently have open. CTRL + SHIFT + N: Open a new sale in incognito mode. CTRL + SHIFT + T: reopen the last tab that has been closed. SHIFT + DELETE: delete files without going through the trash (destroys them). CTRL + SHIFT + ESC: open Task Manager (Windows). CTRL + SHIFT + B: Hide the browser's bookmarks bar. CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE: Delete the navigation data.

In summary about the SHIFT key

The SHIFT key is an essential command in our day to day with which we can perform multiple actions. Programmers and designers get great performance out of their use since together with CTRL and TAB they are options that speed up their work and make life easier in many aspects.

Related to keyboard shortcuts you may be interested:

• Best keyboard shortcuts Windows 10 How to unlock computer keyboard How to enable / disable dark mode in macOS Mojave with a keyboard shortcut

For the general public, we hope that this article has been useful to you and that you find some of the commands listed here practical.