Overview of the functions of the keys on a standard keyboard
A standard keyboard layout typically follows the QWERTY layout, named after the first six letters on the top row of the keyboard.
Alphanumeric keys
These keys include letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). They are used for typing text, numbers and symbols.
A list of all the symbols on the alphanumeric keys of a standard keyboard, along with their locations:
- Symbols on Number Keys (Top Row)
1: ! (Shift + 1)
2: @ (Shift + 2)
3: # (Shift + 3)
4: $ (Shift + 4)
5: % (Shift + 5)
6: ^ (Shift + 6)
7: & (Shift + 7)
8: * (Shift + 8)
9: ( (Shift + 9)
0: ) (Shift + 0)
- Symbols on Punctuation Keys (Right Side of Keyboard)
– (next to 0): _ (Shift + )
= (next to -): + (Shift + =)
- Symbols on Letter Keys
Q: \ (AltGr or Option on some layouts)
E: € (AltGr or Option on some layouts)
- Symbols on Keys Near Letters
[: { (Shift + [)
]: } (Shift + ])
;: : (Shift + 😉
‘: ” (Shift + ‘)
,: < (Shift + ,)
.: > (Shift + .)
/: ? (Shift + /)
\: | (Shift + \)
- Special Cases
Some international keyboards may include additional symbols, such as £, ¥, or accented characters, accessible via the AltGr key or specific key combinations.
These symbols allow for a wide range of input options, from punctuation and mathematical operations to special characters, enhancing the keyboard’s versatility.
Function keys (F1-F12)
Function keys, labeled F1 through F12, are found on the top row of a standard keyboard. These keys serve various functions, often varying depending on the software or operating system being used.
- F1: The F1 key is often used as a help key. Pressing it within many software applications will typically open a help window or provide context-sensitive help related to the current task or application.
- F2: The F2 key is commonly used for renaming files, folders, or selected items. In Windows Explorer or File Explorer, pressing F2 on a selected file allows you to quickly rename it.
- F3: In many applications, pressing F3 activates a search function. For example, in web browsers or file managers, pressing F3 typically opens a search box or activates a search bar.
- F4: The functionality of the F4 key varies depending on the context. In many applications, it is used to repeat the last action performed. In combination with the Alt key (Alt+F4), it is commonly used to close the current window or exit the current program.
- F5: F5 is often used to refresh the current window or page in web browsers, file managers, and other applications. It reloads the content to display the latest information.
- F6: F6 is typically used to move the cursor to the address bar or search box in web browsers, file explorers, or other applications.
- F7: The F7 key is often used for spell checking in word processing software and text editors. It may also have other functions depending on the specific application being used.
- F8: In Windows, F8 is commonly used during system startup to access the advanced boot options menu, allowing users to boot into Safe Mode or access other troubleshooting options.
- F9: The functionality of the F9 key varies widely depending on the software being used. It may be used for refreshing content, opening specific dialogs, or executing certain commands in different applications.
- F10: F10 is often used to activate the menu bar in many applications. In combination with the Shift key (Shift+F10), it can sometimes open a context menu similar to right-clicking with a mouse.
- F11: In web browsers, pressing F11 typically toggles fullscreen mode, maximizing the viewing area by hiding toolbars and other elements. In some applications, it may have other functions.
- F12: The F12 key often opens the developer console in web browsers, providing access to web development tools and debugging features. It may also have other functions in different applications.
While these are common functions associated with the function keys, it’s important to note that their exact behavior can vary depending on the software being used and any custom keybindings that may be in place.
Modifier keys
Modifier keys include Shift, Ctrl (Control), Alt (Alternate), and the Windows key (on Windows keyboards) or Command key (on Mac keyboards). These keys modify the function of other keys when pressed in combination with them.
- Shift key: This key is used to capitalize letters or access the upper symbols on keys.
- Control (Ctrl) key: This key is used in combination with other keys for various shortcuts. For example, Ctrl+C is commonly used to copy, Ctrl+V to paste, and Ctrl+Z to undo.
- Alt key: This key is used in combination with other keys to access additional functions or shortcuts, depending on the software being used.
- Windows key (on Windows keyboards) or Command key (on Mac keyboards): This key is used to access system commands or shortcuts. On Windows, it’s often used to open the Start menu, and on Mac, it’s used for various system and application shortcuts.
Arrow keys
These keys include the up arrow, down arrow, left arrow, and right arrow. They are used for navigating within documents, spreadsheets, or webpages.
Other Keys
In addition to the standard letter, number, symbol, function, modifier, and arrow keys, the keyboard includes various other keys designed for specific tasks to enhance productivity and navigation.
- Enter/Return key: This key is used to confirm a command or to move to the next line in a document or text field.
- Backspace key: This key is used to delete characters to the left of the cursor or selected text.
- Tab key: This key is used to insert a tab space or to move the cursor to the next selectable element, such as a form field in a web browser.
- Spacebar: This key is used to insert a space between words or elements.
- Caps Lock key: This key is used to toggle between uppercase and lowercase letters. When activated, all letters typed will be in uppercase until Caps Lock is turned off.
- Page Up and Page Down keys: These keys let you quickly move up or down a page in documents or web pages. They save time scrolling.
- Escape (Esc) key: The Esc key is used to cancel actions, close menus, or exit fullscreen modes in programs.
- Insert key: Toggles between inserting text at the cursor or overwriting text as you type.
- Delete key: Removes text or items to the right of the cursor or deletes selected items.
- Print Screen (PrtSc) key: Captures a screenshot of your screen, which you can paste into programs like Paint or a document.
Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad on a standard keyboard is a set of keys on the right side, arranged like a calculator. It includes numbers (09), arithmetic symbols (+, , , /), and a few special keys like Enter. It makes typing numbers and calculations faster and more convenient.
For screen readers, the numeric keypad is especially important because it provides additional navigation controls, allowing users to move through text, menus, or web pages efficiently using specific key combinations.
- Numbers (09): Used for entering numerical data or interacting with screen reader commands that require numbers.
- 5 Key: Reads the current item, such as text, a link, or a button.
- 0 Key (Insert): Works as a modifier key to perform screen readerspecific commands when combined with other keys.
- Enter Key: Activates the selected item or confirms a command.
- Plus (+), Minus (), and Slash (/): Used for navigating lists, increasing or decreasing verbosity levels, or performing specific screen reader functions.
- Star (*): Expands all items in a tree view or reveals hidden information in some applications.
- Arrow Keys: When Num Lock is off, the keypad arrows allow navigation by character, word, line, or paragraph, depending on the screen reader mode.
The numeric keypad’s flexibility and shortcut commands enhance accessibility, making it easier to control and explore content without relying on a mouse.
These are the primary keys found on a standard keyboard, each serving a specific function to facilitate typing, navigation, and interaction with software and operating systems.