Find Shortcut Key (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)
For find in Windows 11, use Ctrl+F: Open the find/search dialog in the current app. The tables below list the recorded alternatives by operating system and application; there is no single key combination that works everywhere.
Last verified: 2026-10-04 (latest recorded check on at least one row; rows without their own date remain pending).
Operating system shortcuts
| App | Platform | Keys | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 14 / 15 | Android | ⋮ menu → find in page | Search for text on the current web page Verification pending |
| Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS | Linux | Ctrl+F | Open the search bar in the current application Verification pending |
| Windows 10 | Windows | Ctrl+F | Open the find/search dialog in the current app Verification pending |
| Windows 11 | Windows | Ctrl+F | Open the find/search dialog in the current app Verification pending |
Application shortcuts
| App | Platform | Keys | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Acrobat | Platform not independently verified | Ctrl+F | Open the Find toolbar to search within the document Verification pending |
| Cursor | Platform not independently verified | Ctrl+F | Search within the current file Verification pending |
| Google Docs | Windows | Ctrl+F | Open Find toolbar to search in the document Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source |
| Microsoft Word | Windows | Ctrl+F | Open the Find pane to search the document Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source |
| Microsoft Word | macOS | Cmd+F | Open the Find pane to search the document Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source |
| Notepad++ | Platform not independently verified | Ctrl+F | Open the Find dialog Verification pending |
| Sublime Text | Platform not independently verified | Ctrl+F | Open inline find bar Verification pending |
| VS Code | Windows | Ctrl+F | Open find widget in the current file Latest recorded check: 2026-10-04 · Source |
| Windows Terminal | Platform not independently verified | Ctrl+Shift+F | Search for text in the terminal output Verification pending |
Mac equivalent
On Mac, use Cmd+F in Microsoft Word. These are documented equivalents for those specific contexts, not a universal Ctrl-to-Cmd substitution.
Full shortcut pages
Frequently asked questions
- Find Shortcut Key (Windows, Mac, Chromebook)
- For find in Windows 11, use Ctrl+F: Open the find/search dialog in the current app. The tables below list the recorded alternatives by operating system and application; there is no single key combination that works everywhere.
- Does this shortcut work the same way in every app?
- No. The listed contexts include Android 14 / 15, Ubuntu Linux 24.04 LTS, Windows 10, Windows 11, Adobe Acrobat, Cursor, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Notepad++, Sublime Text, VS Code, Windows Terminal. Check the table for each application and platform: the active window, keyboard layout and application settings determine which command receives the key press. An application being available on an operating system is not evidence that this exact binding works there.
- What should I use on a Mac?
- On Mac, use Cmd+F in Microsoft Word. These are documented equivalents for those specific contexts, not a universal Ctrl-to-Cmd substitution.