Technology Shortcuts Every Teacher Should Know

Keyboard shortcuts are one of the simplest ways to save time and work more efficiently—whether you’re writing a paper, designing a presentation, or managing daily tasks. Instead of clicking through menus, shortcuts let you perform actions instantly and stay in your flow.

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Get a free Download of these printable shortcuts: CLICK HERE

This guide includes both Mac and PC shortcuts. Most commands are nearly identical—just remember:

Command (⌘) on a Mac = Control (Ctrl) on a PC

🖥️ Universal Shortcuts for Mac and PC

Action	Mac Shortcut	PC Shortcut
Copy	Command + C	Ctrl + C
Paste	Command + V	Ctrl + V
Cut	Command + X	Ctrl + X
Undo	Command + Z	Ctrl + Z
Redo	Command + Y	Ctrl + Y
Select All	Command + A	Ctrl + A
Save	Command + S	Ctrl + S
Print	Command + P	Ctrl + P
New Document / Tab	Command + N	Ctrl + N
Find	Command + F	Ctrl + F
Bookmark Page	Command + D	Ctrl + D
Quit / Close App	Command + Q	Alt + F4
Switch Between Apps	Command + Tab	Alt + Tab
Zoom In / Out	Command + + / –	Ctrl + + / –
Bold / Italic / Underline	Command + B / I / U	Ctrl + B / I / U

🍏 Mac-Only Shortcuts Worth Knowing

Action	Shortcut	Description
Force Quit	Command + Option + Esc	Quickly close a frozen app
Hide Active Window	Command + H	Keeps your workspace clean
Minimize Window	Command + M	Sends the active window to the dock
Screenshot – Full Screen	Command + Shift + 3	Saves an image of the full screen
Screenshot – Selection	Command + Shift + 4	Capture a chosen portion of your screen
Preview File	Spacebar	Quick Look without opening
System Menu	Control + Eject	Sleep, shut down, or restart the dialog

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📱 Shortcuts and Hidden Tricks on Other Devices

iPhone: Double-tap the spacebar for a period, space, and capitalization.
Selfies: Use the volume button as a shutter for steadier shots.
Ask Siri: “Open Notes” or “Launch Calendar” instead of searching manually.
Google Search: Type define [word] for an instant definition.
Flights: Enter your flight number in Google for gate and departure info.
Camera Focus: Half-press the shutter before taking a photo to reduce lag.
Silence Calls: Press any side button to stop your phone from ringing.
Dropdown Menus: Type the first letter repeatedly to scroll through options quickly.

🧠 Why Shortcuts Support Executive Functioning

Shortcuts don’t just save time—they strengthen executive functioning skills like organization, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. By automating routine actions, your brain conserves energy for higher-level thinking and problem-solving.

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Start by mastering three or four shortcuts that fit your daily workflow. Once they become second nature, add more. Over time, you’ll notice increased efficiency, focus, and ease—both on your devices and in how you manage your day.

Shortcuts often require you to hold down one or more modifier keys while pressing another key. For example, to use the print shortcut, Command-P (print), hold down Command and press P, and then release both keys. Here is a list of the modifier keys:

Command ⌘
Shift ⇧
Option/alt ⌥
Control ⌃
Caps Lock ⇪
Function fn

Two-page reference sheet showing keyboard and device shortcuts for Mac and PC, designed to save time, boost productivity, and support executive functioning skills.

To get a free, printable copy of this shortcut list, click on the image to download or click here: free PDF

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I hope you find these tricks helpful!

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.