These shortcuts are compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari. If you’re using a Mac and the shortcuts aren’t working for you, try replacing the ‘Ctrl’ key with the ‘Command’ key.
To use these shortcuts, simultaneously press the keys in bold.
Tabs
Modern internet browsers allow you to have dozens of page tabs open at the same time. Using these shortcuts, you can navigate between them with ease.
- Ctrl+Tab – switch to the next tab in your browser (the tab to the right)
- Ctrl+Shift+Tab – switch to the previous tab in your browser (the tab on the left)
- Ctrl+T – open a new tab
- Ctrl+Shift+T – reopen the last tab you closed
Zooming
These shortcuts can help you zoom in on small images or text to get a better view, saving your eyes from unnecessary strain.
- Ctrl++ (Ctrl and the plus (+) key), or Ctrl+Scroll wheel up – zoom in
- Ctr+– (Ctrl and the minus (–) key), or Ctrl+Scroll wheel down – zoom out
Browsing
This mix of handy shortcuts will get you whizzing around a web page, and will enable you to search and browse more effectively.
- Ctrl+F – opens up a search box that allows you to search a page for a word or words
- Spacebar – scrolls down the page by one page length
- Shift+Spacebar – scrolls up the page by one page length
- F5, or Command+R on Mac – refreshes or reloads the page
Do you have any keyboard shortcuts or tricks that help you browse the internet? Why not share them with your fellow readers in the comments below?