We use computers for everything we do – both at work and at home. Sending emails, browsing the internet or using various apps and programs often means spending hours every day in front of a screen. Using a few keyboard shortcuts can save time helping you work more efficiently. Short keys can be especially helpful when it comes to writing up patient notes or preparing letters. Here are our favourite keyboard shortcuts and tips to help speed up your work flow:
GENERAL SHORT KEYS
Our most frequently used short keys…
COPY (CTRL + C)
This one makes it quick and easy to copy some text from your screen. Just select the text you want to copy then use this short key to copy it. (It also works with other things such as copying files and images).
CUT (CTRL + X)
Removes the selected item you’ve selected, such as text.
PASTE (CTRL + V)
Once you’ve copied or cut, use this short key to paste it wherever you need it.
UNDO (CTRL + Z)
Reverses the last action. This one works great with Smilenotes, for example if you accidentally delete some of your template text whilst you’re typing it’s easy to get it back!
FIND (Ctrl + F)
Brings up a text box which allows you to search for any text on a page. Works in a web browser and with many software programs.
SPEECH TO TEXT
Some people find it easier dictating their notes. Here’s how to use your device’s inbuilt voice recognition with Smilenotes:
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Keyboard, then click Dictation. Click the pop-up menu below the microphone icon, then choose the microphone you want to use for keyboard dictation. To start dictating, select a text field within the Notepad and press the ‘Control’ button twice.
On your Windows PC, to start dictating, select a text field within the Notepad and press the Windows logo key + H to open the dictation toolbar. Then say whatever’s on your mind. To stop dictating at any time while you’re dictating, say “Stop dictation.”
WEB BROWSERS
The following short keys are handy for general web browsing or using online software such as Smilenotes or an email program such as Outlook or Gmail.
ZOOM (Ctrl + +) or (Ctrl + -)
Zoom in or out to magnify the screen.
NEW TAB (Ctrl + T)
Quickly opens a new browser tab.
OPEN LAST TAB (Ctrl + shift + T)
Have you ever accidentally closed a tab in your internet browser? This short key gets it back! and if you repeat the action it will restore previously closed tabs in order.
REFRESH BROWSER (Ctrl + F5)
This is useful if something goes wrong on a web page or if something didn’t quite load properly. It allows you to refresh things to get everything working again.
MICROSOFT WINDOWS USERS
TOGGLE APPLICATIONS ( Windows Key + TAB)
If you’ve got lots of applications open on your Windows machine use this short key to quickly toggle between them.
OPEN FILE VIEWER ( Windows Key + E)
Opens file explorer when using Microsoft Windows
Hope you found this article useful! If you have any other short keys you’d like to share please add them in the comments below.