Keyboard Function Keys

A function key is a key on a computer or on the computer keyboard which can be programmed so as to cause an operating system program to perform certain actions.

The function keys are arranged at the top of your keyboard numbered across from F1 to F12 and are commonly referred to as F keys or FN keys.

The keys provide some interesting shortcuts for common computer functions that can be useful tools in everyday computing.

The keys are frequently used in combination with other keys such as the CTRL key, the ALT key, and the SHIFT key.

F1
F1 is mostly used as the help key. Almost every program will open the help screen when this key is pressed.

Windows Key + F1 would open the Microsoft Windows help and support centre.

Opens the Task Pane.

Note: The Windows key has the Microsoft flag logo on it and is located between the CTRL and ALT keys on the keyboard.

F2
In Windows commonly used to rename a highlighted icon or file.

Alt + Ctrl + F2 opens a new document in Microsoft Word.

Ctrl + F2 displays the print preview window in Microsoft Word.

F3
Often opens a search feature for many programs including Microsoft Windows.

Shift + F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case or a capital letter at the beginning of every word.

F4
Opens find window.

Repeat the last action performed - for Word 2000+

Alt + F4 will close the open Window that you are currently working on.

Ctrl + F4 will close the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows.

F5
Pressing F5 will refresh or reload the page or document window - This can be a handy shortcut

Open the find, replace, and go to window in Microsoft Word.

Starts a slideshow in PowerPoint.

F6
This key is often used to move the cursor to the Address bar Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer.

Ctrl + Shift + F6 opens to another open Microsoft Word document.

F7
Commonly used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.

Shift + F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the word highlighted.

Turns on Caret browsing in Mozilla Firefox.

F8
The F8 key can be used to access Safe Mode if pressed during the computer's boot up process.

F9
Opens the Measurements tool bar in Quark 5.0.

F10
F10 is the key that is used to activate the menu bar in many programs. F10 can be used to highlight the first menu choice, and then use the arrow keys to move around the menus.

Shift + F10 is the same as right-clicking on a highlighted icon, file, or Internet link.

F11
Full-screen mode in all modern Internet browsers - Pressing F11 when you are working in Internet Explorer will open the window to full screen mode. All the tool bars disappears making it possible to see more information on the screen. Pressing F11 when you are in full screen mode will toggle you back to your normal view.

F12
Open a new document in Microsoft Word

Open the Save as dialog box in Microsoft Word.

Shift + F12 save the Microsoft Word document.

Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints a document in Microsoft Word.