The Ctrl key: explanation and important shortcuts

In addition to the keys for standard letters and numbers on a Windows keyboard, there are also keys with less obvious functions. For example, one of the most frequently used of these keys is the Shift key. When combined with a letter key, it ensures that the uppercase version of that letter is entered. Ctrl key shortcuts are less frequently used but are nonetheless extremely handy. Similar to the Shift key, this key does not have a function assigned to it, but if you combine it with other keys, you can perform a variety of commands that can otherwise only be accessed by taking a longer route using a mouse or a menu.

In the following, we will provide you with an overview of the most useful Ctrl key shortcuts.

The abbreviation “Ctrl” stands for “Control”. It is mainly found on English-language keyboards. On a German-language keyboard, you would see “Strg” instead. [Ctrl] and [Strg] are thus two names for the same key.

Keyboard shortcuts make it easier to perform commands that would otherwise take multiple mouse clicks to achieve. It is worth taking the time to memorize the most important Ctrl key shortcuts because you can use these to perform the same common commands in different programs.

The functions available for keyboard shortcuts vary depending on the active window. There are a number of useful shortcuts available directly in Windows and in internet browsers, and other applications.

In word processing programs such as Microsoft Word, the Ctrl key offers a wide range of useful keyboard shortcuts. At first, memorizing all these shortcuts may seem challenging. However, you can generally figure them out by considering the English word for the desired command. Press the key labelled with the first letter of that word while holding the Ctrl key to perform the function. For example, if you want to print something, you will be able to open the dialog box for printing by pressing [Ctrl] + [P] at the same time.