At Ergo Works® in Palo Alto, CA, we’re passionate about finding simple, effective strategies to improve the ergonomic health of heavy computer users.
Did you know that your mouse can be more time-consuming—and even more painful—to use than your keyboard? Overusing your mouse can lead to repetitive strain injuries, wrist pain, and shoulder tension.
One of the easiest ways to reduce mouse use is to master keyboard shortcuts. Whether you work on a Mac or Windows PC, these shortcuts help you work faster, maintain better posture, and avoid unnecessary reaching and clicking.
We’ve compiled some of the most helpful keyboard shortcuts from Apple Support and Windows Support so you can start improving your workflow today.
Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
Cut, Copy, and Paste
- Command + X – Cut and copy selected text or files
- Command + C – Copy
- Command + V – Paste
Undo and Redo
- Command + Z – Undo
- Shift + Command + Z – Redo
File Management and Navigation
- Command + A – Select all
- Command + F – Find text or files
- Command + G – Find next
- Shift + Command + G – Find previous
- Command + H – Hide current window
- Command + M – Minimize window
- Command + N – New window
- Command + O – Open
- Command + S – Save
- Command + P – Print
- Command + W – Close window
- Shift + Command + N – Create a new folder
- Command + Comma (,) – Open app preferences
Productivity Tools
- Command + T – New tab
- Command + Spacebar – Show Spotlight Search
- Control + Command + Spacebar – Open Character Viewer (emoji and symbols)
- Control + Command + F – Full-screen mode
- Spacebar – Quick Look preview
App Management
- Command + Tab – Switch apps
- Option + Command + Esc – Force quit an app
Screenshots and Recordings
- Shift + Command + 5 – Screenshot or screen recording (macOS Mojave and later)
- Shift + Command + 3 – Screenshot entire screen
- Shift + Command + 4 – Screenshot selection
Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
Cut, Copy, and Paste
- Ctrl + X – Cut
- Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert – Copy
- Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert – Paste
- Ctrl + Z – Undo
Navigation and App Management
- Alt + Tab – Switch between open apps
- Alt + F4 – Close current app
- Windows Key + L – Lock your PC
- Windows Key + D – Show/hide the desktop
- Alt + Esc – Cycle through apps in order
- Ctrl + A – Select all
File Explorer and System
- F2 – Rename selected item
- F3 – Search in File Explorer
- F4 – View address bar
- F5 – Refresh window
- F6 – Cycle screen elements
- F10 – Activate Menu bar
- Alt + Enter – Properties for selected item
- Alt + Spacebar – Window menu
- Alt + Left Arrow – Go back
- Alt + Right Arrow – Go forward
- Ctrl + F4 – Close current document
Why Keyboard Shortcuts Matter for Ergonomics
Using keyboard shortcuts is more than just a time-saver—it’s an essential part of an ergonomic workstation. Shortcuts help you:
- Reduce repetitive mouse movements
- Minimize wrist and shoulder strain
- Maintain a neutral posture
- Increase productivity and focus
If you spend hours on your computer each day, mastering these shortcuts can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and health.
Need Help Creating an Ergonomic Workspace?
At Ergo Works® in Palo Alto, we specialize in ergonomic solutions for heavy computer users. Our expert team can assess your workstation, recommend equipment, and teach you best practices to prevent injuries.
Ready to improve your ergonomic health?
Schedule one of our three levels of Ergonomic Evaluations today and start feeling better at work.
Contact us to learn more or book your evaluation:
📞 (650) 322-9775
www.askergoworks.com
