15 Keyboard Shortcuts for Seniors That Make Computers Easier

Quick answer: The three most helpful shortcuts are Ctrl + + to make text bigger, Ctrl + Z to undo a mistake, and Ctrl + F to find a word on the page. In Mac browsers, use the documented Command + +, Command + Z and Command + F combinations for these actions. This is not a rule for converting other Windows shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts aren't just for experts. A few simple key combinations can make a computer easier to see, easier to fix when something goes wrong, and less tiring to use than a mouse. This guide covers 15 shortcuts that make the biggest difference, in plain language.

How to use a shortcut

Hold down the first key (usually Ctrl on Windows or Command on a Mac).
While holding it, tap the second key once.
Let go of both keys.

The plus sign (+) means "press together." You never type the plus sign itself.

Make things easier to see

What it does	Windows	Mac
1. Make text and pictures bigger	`Ctrl` + `+`	`Command` + `+`
2. Make them smaller	`Ctrl` + `-`	`Command` + `-`
3. Back to normal size	`Ctrl` + `0`	`Command` + `0`
4. Magnifier on / zoom in	`Windows` + `+`	`Option` + `Command` + `8`

Shortcuts 1–3 work in every web browser. On a Mac, shortcut 4 must be turned on first in System Settings > Accessibility > Zoom. Press Windows + Esc to close the Windows Magnifier.

Fix mistakes

What it does	Windows	Mac
5. Undo (take back the last thing you did)	`Ctrl` + `Z`	`Command` + `Z`
6. Bring back a web page you closed	`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `T`	`Command` + `Shift` + `T`
7. Reload a page that isn't working	`F5`	`Command` + `R`

Copy, paste, and find

What it does	Windows	Mac
8. Copy highlighted text	`Ctrl` + `C`	`Command` + `C`
9. Paste it somewhere else	`Ctrl` + `V`	`Command` + `V`
10. Find a word on the page	`Ctrl` + `F`	`Command` + `F`
11. Print the page	`Ctrl` + `P`	`Command` + `P`

Move around and stay safe

What it does	Windows	Mac
12. Switch to another open program	`Alt` + `Tab`	`Command` + `Tab`
13. Scroll down one screen	`Space`	`Space`
14. Lock the computer when you step away	`Windows` + `L`	`Control` + `Command` + `Q`
15. Insert an emoji 😊	`Windows` + `.`	`Control` + `Command` + `Space`

Safety tip: Locking your computer (shortcut 14) keeps your email and accounts private when you walk away. You'll need your password to get back in.

Bonus: let the computer read aloud

What it does	Windows	Mac
Turn the screen reader on or off	`Ctrl` + `Windows` + `Enter`	`Command` + `F5`

The screen reader (Narrator on Windows, VoiceOver on Mac) reads aloud what's on the screen. Press the same keys again to turn it off.

Practice tip

Don't try to learn all 15 at once. Start with bigger text, undo, and find. Print this page and keep it next to the keyboard. When those feel easy, add three more.

Want more? See our Windows shortcuts and Mac shortcuts pages.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Ctrl + C' mean?

It means hold down the Ctrl key, press the C key once, then let go of both. The plus sign means 'together'. You don't type the plus sign.

Where is the Ctrl key?

On Windows computers, Ctrl is in the bottom-left corner of the keyboard (and often the bottom-right too). Macs also have a Control key. Their Command key, marked ⌘ next to the space bar, is used for many common editing commands; check the documented Mac binding rather than substituting it for every Ctrl shortcut.

How do I make the text bigger on my screen?

In any web browser, press Ctrl and the plus key together (Command and plus on a Mac). Each press makes the page bigger. Press Ctrl and 0 to go back to normal size.

What if I press the wrong shortcut?

Press Ctrl + Z (Command + Z on a Mac) to undo it. Undo works for most mistakes, including deleted text and moved files.

Can I print this page for a class or a family member?

Yes. Click the Print this cheat sheet button at the top. Libraries and senior centers are welcome to share or link to this page.