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5 Text Expansion Tools To Insert Text Snippets And Common Phrases7 Ways to Get Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed Up Your Computing Tasks5 Tools to get Quick Folder Access in Explorer Windows and Dialogs5 Free KVM Switch Tools to Share Keyboard and Mouse on Multiple Computers5 Free Tools to Search and Replace a Word or Phrase Across Multiple Text Files
Rob1 month ago zewdu8 years ago devcih8 years ago
This term collection covers how to refer to keyboard shortcuts and the names of specific keys.
For information about describing customers' interactions with UI, see Procedures and instructions.
Here are three shortcut keys to fix Microsoft Word formatting instantly. You’ll want to keep these handy, like on a sticky note stuck to the side of your monitor. CTRL-SPACE removes character-level formatting (fonts, italics/bold, font size, etc.) but leaves paragraph formatting (indents, line spacing, etc.) intact. /:16 Text expansion utilities monitor your typing and trigger rules when you type a predefined phrase or key combination. When you type one of those pre-defined phrases, your text expansion.
Keyboard actions and access
Term | Usage |
---|---|
keyboard shortcut, accelerator key, fast key, hot key, quick key, speed key | In general, use keyboard shortcut to describe a combination of keystrokes used to perform a task. Example Alt+Ctrl+S Don't use accelerator key, fast key, hot key, quick key, or speed key. |
access key | Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for developers or content about customizing the UI, it's OK to distinguish between an access key and a shortcut key. An access key is a letter or number that users select to access UI controls that have text labels. For example, the F in Alt+F. A shortcut key is a key or key combination that users select to perform a common action. For example, Ctrl+V. If you use these terms, explain the difference. |
Key Tip | In general, don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content teaching basic skills or content for a technical audience, it's OK to use Key Tip to refer to the letter or number that appears in the ribbon when the Alt key is pressed. |
key combination | Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for a technical audience, it's OK to distinguish between a key combination (two or more keys selected simultaneously) and a key sequence (two or more keys selected sequentially). If you use these terms, explain the difference. |
key sequence | Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for a technical audience, it's OK to distinguish between a key sequence (two or more keys selected sequentially) and a key combination (two or more keys selected simultaneously). If you use these terms, explain the difference. |
keypad | Use numeric keypad on the first mention. Don't use keypad by itself unless the context has been established and there's no possibility the customer will confuse the keypad with the keyboard. When in doubt, continue to use numeric keypad. In general, don't distinguish between the keyboard and the numeric keypad. When the customer can select two keys that look the same, direct the customer to the correct key. Example Select the Minus sign on the numeric keypad, not the Hyphen key on the keyboard. |
keystroke, keypress | Don't use keypress. Use keystroke instead. |
select, press, depress, hit, strike, use | Use select to describe pressing a key on a physical or on-screen keyboard. Don't use press, depress, hit, or strike. Don't use depressed to describe an indented toolbar button unless you have no other choice. Use use when select might be confusing, such as when referring to the arrow keys or function keys and select might make customers think that they need to select all the arrow keys simultaneously. Example Use the arrow keys to move around the text. Use use when multiple platform or peripheral choices initiate the same action or actions within a program. Example Use the controls on your keyboard or controller to run through the obstacle course. Be specific when teaching beginning skills. Example To run through the obstacle course, select the Spacebar on the keyboard or pull the right trigger on the Xbox controller. Consider using a table to present instructions that have more than two alternatives. Use select and hold only if a delay is built into the software or hardware interaction. Don't use select and hold when referring to a mouse button unless you're teaching beginning skills. See alsoDescribing interactions with UI, Mouse and mouse interaction term collection |
shortcut key | Don't use in content for a general audience. Use keyboard shortcut instead. In content for developers or content about customizing the UI, it's OK to distinguish between an access key and a shortcut key. An access key is a letter or number that users select to access UI controls that have text labels. For example, the F in Alt+F. A shortcut key is a key or key combination that users select to perform a common action. For example, Ctrl+V. If you use these terms, explain the difference. |
Key names
- In general, use sentence capitalization for key names.
Examples
the Shift key
the Page up key - Capitalize letter keys in general references.
Example
the K key - Lowercase and bold a letter key when instructing customers to enter the letter (unless you're instructing them to enter a capital letter).
Example
enter k - On the first mention, you can use the definite article the and the word key with the key name if necessary for clarity.
Example
Select the F1 key. - On subsequent mentions, refer to the key by its name only.
Example
Select F1.
Ifyou need guidance for a key name that isn't on this list, use sentencecapitalization and spell it as it appears on the keyboard.
Term | Usage |
---|---|
Alt | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Alt key. |
Application key | Capitalize. Use the Application key to refer to the key that opens a shortcut menu containing commands related to a selection. |
arrow keys, direction keys, directional keys, movement keys | Arrow keys are labeled only with an arrow. Refer to similar keys on the numeric keypad as the arrow keys on the numeric keypad. Use sentence capitalization to refer to a specific arrow key: the Left arrow key, the Right arrow key, the Up arrow key, or the Down arrow key. It’s OK to use arrow key as a general term for any single arrow key. Include the and key in references to a specific arrow key except in key combinations or key sequences. Don’t use direction keys, directional keys, or movement keys. Use specific names to refer to other navigational keys, such as Page up, Page down, Home, and End. |
asterisk (*), star | Use asterisk to refer to the * symbol. An asterisk is used to indicate multiplication in a programming language or as a wildcard character representing one or more characters. It’s OK to use star to refer to the key on a phone keypad. |
at sign (@) | Pronounced at. In most cases, don’t spell out. |
Back | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Back key, which performs the same action as the Back button in a browser. |
Backspace | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Backspace key. |
backtab | Don’t use to refer to the Shift+Tab keyboard shortcut. |
Break caps | Use sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Break caps key. |
Caps lock | Use sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Caps lock key. |
comma (,) | Spell out comma when referring to a key or the punctuation mark. Capitalize Comma when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity. |
Command | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Command key on the Mac keyboard. Use the bitmap to show this key if possible. It isn't named on the keyboard. |
Control | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Control key on the Mac keyboard. |
Ctrl | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Ctrl key. Don’t use for the Mac keyboard. |
Del | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Del key. On the Mac keyboard only, use to refer to the forward delete key. |
Delete | Capitalize. Use to refer to the back delete key on the Mac keyboard. |
End | Capitalize. Use to refer to the End key. |
Enter | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Enter key. On the Mac, use only when functionality requires it. |
Esc | Always use Esc, not Escape. |
F1–F12 | Capitalize the F. Don't add a space between the F and the number. |
Forward | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Forward key, which performs the same action as the Forward button in a browser. |
Help | Use the Help key only to refer to the key on the Mac keyboard. |
HELP key | Use the HELP key to avoid confusion with the Help button. Always include the and key. |
Home | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Home key. |
hyphen (-) | Spell out hyphen when referring to a key. Capitalize Hyphen when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity. |
Insert | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Insert key. |
Lock clear | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Lock clear key. |
minus sign (–) | Spell out minus sign when referring to a key. Use sentence capitalization (Minus sign) when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity. |
Num lock option | Use sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Num lock option key on the Mac keyboard. |
number sign (#), pound key, hashtag | Use # key to describe the key. It's OK to use pound key (#), including the symbol in parentheses, to refer to the keypad on a telephone. It's OK to use hashtag (#) to describe the use of the # key to identify a metadata term in social media. |
numeric keypad, keypad, numerical keypad, numeric keyboard | Use numeric keypad on first mention. Don't use keypad by itself unless there's no possibility of confusion with the keyboard. Don't use numerical keypad or numeric keyboard. In general, don't distinguish between the keyboard and the numeric keypad. If a customer can select two keys that look the same, specify the correct key. Example Select the Minus sign on the numeric keypad. |
on-screen keyboard, keyboard display, soft keyboard, virtual keyboard, visual keyboard | Use to describe the keyboard representation on the screen that the customer touches to enter characters. Hyphenate on-screen keyboard. Don't use virtual keyboard, soft keyboard, visual keyboard, or keyboard display. |
Page down, Page up | Use sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Page up key and the Page down key. |
Pause | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Pause key. |
period (.) | Spell out period when referring to a key. Capitalize Period when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity. |
plus sign (+) | Spell out plus sign when referring to a key. Use sentence capitalization (Plus sign) when instructing a reader to select the key. Include the symbol in parentheses when needed for clarity. |
Print screen | Use sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Print screen key. |
Reset | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Reset key. |
Return | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Return key on the Mac keyboard. |
Scroll lock | Use sentence capitalization. Use to refer to the Scroll lock key. |
Select | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Select key. |
Shift | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Shift key. |
Spacebar | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Spacebar. Always precede with the except in procedures, key combinations, and key sequences. |
Tab | Capitalize. Use to refer to the Tab key. Always use the and key except in key combinations and key sequences. |
Windows logo key | Capitalize Windows. Use to refer to the Windows logo key. |
Special character names
Becausespecial character names could be confused with an action (such as+) or be difficult to see, always spell out the following specialcharacter names: Plus sign, Minus sign, Hyphen, Period, and Comma.
To avoid confusion, it's OK to add the character in parentheses after spelling out the name.
Example
Plus sign (+)
Example
Plus sign (+)
Use discretion. This might not be necessary for commonly used characters, such as the period (.).
![Quick Key 2 0 – Text Expansion Word Quick Key 2 0 – Text Expansion Word](https://ba.ajman.ac.ae/upload/f7ed9ec59aa2e61d50c5776a31301746.jpg)
To show a key combination that includes punctuation requiring use of the Shift key, such as the question mark, use Shift and the name or symbol of the shifted key. Using the name of the unshifted key, such as 4 rather than $, could be confusing or even wrong. For example, the ? and / characters aren't shifted keys on every keyboard. Always spell out Plus sign, Minus sign, Hyphen, Period, and Comma.
Examples
Ctrl+Shift+?
Ctrl+Shift+*
Ctrl+Shift+Comma
Ctrl+Shift+?
Ctrl+Shift+*
Ctrl+Shift+Comma
See alsoSpecial character term collection
Most average computer users like to use the mouse for performing the majority of tasks in Windows. It makes sense because Windows is primarily point and click. More advanced users and professionals prefer to use the keyboard for many tasks because Windows has tons of keyboard shortcuts. Therefore with just a few key presses, you can do something which might take several mouse clicks.
If you send loads of emails or write lots of documents and endlessly type in the same text time after time, it makes sense to set up a keyboard shortcut to help you out. With a configured custom hotkey you can insert a block of commonly used text or run a program that doesn’t already have an assigned shortcut. That could be a big time saver and reduce mouse actions or repeated typing by a sizable amount.
If you are simply looking for an automatic text replacement tool, there are many dedicated programs available like WordExpander or PhraseExpress. If you’re looking to insert text, run programs, or perform other tasks from a custom hotkey, we have six free tools for you to try out. All were tested in Windows 10 and 7 64-bit.
Note: Windows has dozens of hotkey combinations or shortcuts already assigned to the operating system and included tools/apps. Also, most third party software will have custom hotkeys as well. If you assign a hotkey in one of these tools and it doesn’t appear to work, the chances are the combination is already in use somewhere else. In that case, try a different combination.1. QuickTextPaste
QuickTextPaste is from SoftwareOK, the same developer as the well known Q-Dir quad pane file manager. The program is around 300KB in size and a single portable executable with settings stored in an INI file inside the same folder. QuickTextPaste is updated at reasonable intervals so new features are possible and any bugs or issues are likely to be fixed.
The program is quite simple to use with just a textbox for entering text to be pasted with the hotkey. There is more to it though, and you can also run programs, open web pages, and paste data from the clipboard. Inserting plain text has a number of extra variables such as date and time. First set the hotkey to use, the qualifier keys are left or right Win, Ctrl+Alt, Alt-Gr, Ctrl, Alt, R-Ctrl, or the mouse buttons.
Enter the text or command in the box and press Add. QuickTextPaste allows for a multiple command menu which pops up if you assign the same shortcut to more than one command, the Menu-Text box is to name the menu item. There’s no help guide but the online FAQ should get you going. The included hotkeys and commands act as a useful guide to create your own, but they can be deleted if you don’t want them.
Download QuickTextPaste
2. Clavier+
Clavier is not loaded with tons of features but it should have enough functionality to satisfy all but the most advanced users. The program is open source, around 200KB in size, is kept relatively up to date, and has both setup installer and portable versions available.
Pdfelement 6 pro 6 5 0. The main hotkey functions available are launching programs, opening files, folders or websites, and inserting text. It can also write special characters, simulate keystrokes, copy data to the clipboard, and emulate mouse movements or buttons. Some of the special commands will require you to have a quick read of the help file. A few examples are included but adding your own hotkey action is simple enough.
Click the Add button and select the action to perform from the list, then choose a hotkey combination (Clavier+ can optionally distinguish between left and right special keys). The lower half of the window then becomes usable with the text box on the left and URLs, programs, or folder settings on the right. The drop down arrow next to the text box opens up the more advanced commands that can be added.
There’s also an include/exclude option at the bottom so you can choose specific programs the hotkeys will or will not affect. This is quite useful because Windows 10 uses more hotkeys than previous operating systems and a conflict with another hotkey is more likely.
Download Clavier+ Photoline 21 50 key.
3. TyperTask
This is a tool we’ve mentioned before because it can act as a text expander when you type certain words or phrases in addition to launching programs or inserting text with a hotkey. TyperTask is a tiny portable executable of 53KB and it only consumes a Megabyte or two of memory while sitting in the tray. Sadly, the website has gone and the developer is no longer around but there is a useful help guide built in.
TyperTask doesn’t really have a point and click based user interface and its main window is similar to Notepad where you enter the commands manually. Adding an entry is not difficult, simply add a qualifier combination of {Winkey}, {Control}, {Shift}, or {Alt}, add the keyboard hotkey, enter an equals sign (=), and then add your text to be entered when the combination is pressed.
To run a program, open a website, or open a file, include “RUN:” after the equals, and enter the path or URL. TyperTask has more advanced uses like activating windows, emulating mouse presses/movements, adding delays, creating list menus, altering system volume, and entering the date/time. Go to File > Save and then minimize the window to the system tray. A few settings like start with Windows are in the Options menu.
Download TyperTask
4. HotkeyP
There’s potentially a lot to like about HotKeyP. It’s portable, open source, light on resources, and has a lot of interesting functions you can assign to a hotkey. The only real downside is many of the hotkey functions will need you to consult the help file to understand how they work and the arguments to use. Thankfully, the help text is thorough enough without being over complicated.
In addition to the standard function of inserting text with the hotkey, the number of other interesting functions is quite impressive. It can show a drive free space meter, kill processes, remove USB drives, start/stop services, perform media and volume controls, manipulate open windows, turn the monitor off, show the screensaver, show shutdown options, simulate mouse actions, run macros, and even perform joystick actions.
To create a new hotkey, click Add and enter the hotkey at the top first, then check the required qualifier boxes of Ctrl, Shift, Alt, or Win. Click the left arrow next to Command to bring up the dozens of included functions and select what you want from the list. The explanation of the command and optional parameters can be viewed if you press Help.
Other boxes on the page like adding a working directory, playing a sound, or altering process priority are optional. Run as administrator is useful if the target command or program needs full administrator privileges. Text, audio volume, and disk free space display colors can be edited in Options, as can the mouse and joystick settings.
Download HotKeyP
5. HotKeyBind
The HotKeyBind program is actually very old dating back to 2004. However, apart from a couple of minor command issues, it works without too much problem. It’s similar to HotKeyP in many ways and offers a number of other command functions in addition to inserting text. Both installer and portable versions are available.
During the first run, HotKeyBind will ask to set up some example hotkeys. If you do that, the examples for volume up/down, mute, and turn off Windows will need deleting or changing as they conflict with existing hotkeys. The included actions range from inserting text or searching the web via different search engines to launching a command or folder, emulating mouse actions, or showing shutdown options.
After adding a new hotkey and selecting the action from the list, you will be asked to select the qualifier keys and main hotkey. The main window gives a clear view of the hotkey combinations you have chosen. The volume functions didn’t work for us in Windows 10, or 7 and the Windows hotkeys tab should be left alone as it hasn’t been tested on anything newer than XP. The green on screen display can be turned off from the Other tab.
Download HotKeyBind
CopyTexty
CopyTexty is a free tool to use although it installs as the basic version with a maximum of five hotkey commands allowed. A free registration key can be requested from the website to unlock this limit which lasts for six months. After which you will need to request another key.
In contrast to other tools here, CopyTexty only allows you to insert blocks of text with a hotkey combination, no other commands or functions are available. While it’s not feature rich, it does make the program easy to use if pasting text is all you need. To set up a Texty, click the Add button, give the action a title and choose which qualifier keys of Shift, Alt, and Ctrl to use, then select the alphanumeric character as the hotkey.
Finally, enter all the text to assign to the hotkey in the lower box and press the Save button. The text will be pasted into the program when you press the key combination. To simply copy the text to the clipboard without pasting it in to a program, double click on its entry in the main window.
Download CopyTexty
Final Note: All these programs need to stay running in the background or the system tray so they can apply the hotkeys when required. Thankfully, none of them use too much memory. The most was CopyTexty with about 15MB, HotkeyP used around 8MB, QuickTextPaste and HotKeyBind used around 4MB. The most memory efficient were TyperTask and Clavier+, they used just over 1MB while sitting in the tray.
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5 Text Expansion Tools To Insert Text Snippets And Common Phrases7 Ways to Get Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed Up Your Computing Tasks5 Tools to get Quick Folder Access in Explorer Windows and Dialogs5 Free KVM Switch Tools to Share Keyboard and Mouse on Multiple Computers5 Free Tools to Search and Replace a Word or Phrase Across Multiple Text Files 5 Comments - Write a Comment
Thanks, Quick-Paste doesn’t work on WIN 10
ReplyQuickTextPaste works fine on Windows 10, I’ve just finished testing all the tools in this list for updating the article.
If a hotkey combination doesn’t work, it’s likely to be in use somewhere else. The QuickTextPaste examples work so if you test them and they don’t work, it’s likely a hotkey conflict issue on your end.
ReplyThanks, I will try it
ReplyThanks Mario, I’ll certainly check it out!
ReplyQuick Key 2 0 – Text Expansion Word Search
Tried it few days ago, thumbs up, small & portable