What are the F1 through F12 keys?
The F1 through F12 keys, also known as function keys, are a
row of keys located at the top of most computer keyboards. They serve various
functions depending on the software or operating system being used. Here's a
general overview of their common functions:
- F1 - Help: Typically opens a help menu or provides context-sensitive help within software applications.
- F2 - Rename: Allows you to rename files or folders in Windows Explorer.
- F3 - Search: Opens a search dialog box in many applications and operating systems.
- F4 - Open Address Bar: In web browsers, it can display the address bar for entering URLs.
- F5 - Refresh: Reloads or refreshes the current page or document in web browsers and file managers.
- F6 - Move Cursor: In some applications, it moves the cursor to different parts of the program.
- F7 - Spell Check: Initiates a spell-checking process in word processing programs.
- F8 - Boot Menu: During computer startup, it may open a boot menu for selecting a boot device.
- F9 - Refresh Document: In some applications, it refreshes the document or updates content.
- F10 - Menu Activation: Activates the menu bar in some programs, making it navigable using the arrow keys.
- F11 - Full Screen: Toggles full-screen mode in web browsers and some applications.
- F12 - Developer Tools: Opens developer tools or console in web browsers for web development.
Keep in mind that the exact functions of these keys can vary
depending on the specific software or operating system you're using. Some
programs allow you to customize the function keys to perform specific tasks as
well.
What are the F1 through F12 keys with other keys
The F1 through F12 keys on a keyboard often have additional
functions when used in combination with other keys, especially in laptops and
compact keyboards where space is limited. Here's a detailed explanation of
these keys when combined with modifier keys like Shift, Ctrl, Alt, and the
Windows key (Win):
F1:
- Shift + F1: Opens a new task pane or help window in some software.
- Ctrl + F1: Toggles the ribbon bar's visibility in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ctrl + F2: Opens the print preview window in Microsoft Office applications.
- Alt + F2: Opens a "Save As" dialog box in many applications.
F3:
- Shift + F3: Changes the text case (upper, lower, or title case) in word processing applications.
- Ctrl + F3: Opens the "Define Name" dialog box in Microsoft Excel.
F4:
- Alt + F4: Closes the active window or application.
- Ctrl + F4: Closes the currently active document or tab in many applications.
F5:
- Ctrl + F5: Forces a complete refresh (bypassing cache) of a web page in web browsers.
- Alt + F5: Restores a window's size and position in Microsoft Windows.
F6:
- Ctrl + Shift + F6: Switches between multiple open documents in Microsoft Word.
- Ctrl + F6: Switches between open workbook windows in Microsoft Excel.
F7:
- Shift + F7: Initiates a thesaurus search in word processing applications.
- Ctrl + F7: Moves the focus between document panes in Microsoft Word.
F8:
- Ctrl + F8: Performs various functions depending on the software or operating system, often used in debugging or boot menu selection.
F9:
- Shift + F9: Updates selected fields in a document in some word processing programs.
- Ctrl + F9: Inserts curly braces in some text editors.
F10:
- Shift + F10: Opens a context menu (similar to a right-click) on the selected item.
- Ctrl + F10: Maximizes or restores the selected window in Microsoft Windows.
F11:
- Ctrl + F11: Adds a field to a document in Microsoft Word.
- Alt + F11: Opens the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor in Microsoft Office.
F12:
- Shift + F12: Saves the current document in some applications.
- Ctrl + F12: Opens the "Open" dialog box in Microsoft Office applications.
Please note that the specific functions of these key
combinations may vary depending on the software and operating system you are
using. Additionally, some laptop keyboards and specialized keyboards may have
additional functions assigned to these keys.
What are the F1 through F12 keys? Full detail with other keys in MS office
In Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint, the F1 through F12 keys have various functions when used in
combination with other keys. Here's a detailed explanation of these function
key combinations in Microsoft Office:
F1:
- F1 alone: Opens the Help menu or provides context-sensitive help within Microsoft Office applications.
- Ctrl + F1: Toggles the ribbon bar's visibility. It hides or shows the ribbon containing various commands and options.
F2:
- F2 alone: Activates cell editing mode in Microsoft Excel, allowing you to edit the content of the active cell.
- Alt + F2: Opens the "Save As" dialog box in Microsoft Office applications.
F3:
- F3 alone: Opens the "Insert Function" dialog box in Microsoft Excel, allowing you to select and insert a function.
- Shift + F3: Changes the text case (upper, lower, or title case) in Microsoft Word.
- Ctrl + F3: Opens the "Define Name" dialog box in Microsoft Excel.
F4:
- F4 alone: Repeats the last action in Microsoft Office applications (often used for repetitive tasks).
- Alt + F4: Closes the active document or application window.
F5:
- F5 alone: Opens the "Find and Replace" dialog box in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing you to search for and replace text or elements.
- Ctrl + F5: Restores the document window's size and position in Microsoft Word.
F6:
- F6 alone: Moves the cursor to different parts of the program window (e.g., the ribbon, status bar) in Microsoft Office applications.
- Shift + F6: Moves backward through panes, frames, or documents in Microsoft Office.
F7:
- F7 alone: Initiates a spelling and grammar check in Microsoft Word.
- Shift + F7: Opens the Research task pane for research and thesaurus in Microsoft Office.
F8:
- F8 alone: Activates or deactivates the extended selection mode in Microsoft Word, allowing for precise text selection.
- Ctrl + F8: Resizes the document window in Microsoft Word.
F9:
- F9 alone: Updates all fields in a document in Microsoft Word.
- Shift + F9: Reveals the field codes in Microsoft Word.
- Ctrl + F9: Inserts empty field brackets {} in Microsoft Word.
F10:
- F10 alone: Activates the menu bar. Pressing it again navigates through the menu items.
- Shift + F10: Opens a context menu (similar to right-clicking) on the selected item.
- Ctrl + F10: Maximizes or restores the document window in Microsoft Word.
F11:
- F11 alone: Creates a new chart sheet in Microsoft Excel.
- Shift + F11: Inserts a new worksheet in Microsoft Excel.
- Alt + F11: Opens the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor in Microsoft Office for scripting and macros.
F12:
- F12 alone: Opens the "Save As" dialog box in Microsoft Office applications, allowing you to save the document with a new name or in a different location.
- Shift + F12: Saves the current document in Microsoft Office applications.
- Ctrl + F12: Opens the "Open" dialog box in Microsoft Office applications for opening files.
These function key combinations can help streamline your
workflow and perform various tasks more efficiently within Microsoft Office
programs.