Take Control of the Control Key when Reading and Editing Text

The Control Key is a powerful thing.  It is used in many key commands (examples include Control + B to bold text, Control + Z to undo your last action, etc).  But it can also be used in a totally different way.  And it can be used whether or not you are using a screen reader or screen magnifier, so if you’re reading this message, you can use the following tech tip.

 

Did you know that you can add the Control Key to keys you use every day to change how they work?  What’s great about these is that when using a screen reader, they expand your options regarding how you want to read text on a webpage or how your move around a document you are editing.  You’re not limited to just using arrow keys on their own (which takes much longer and can be very frustrating).  And those not using assistive technology can also benefit from using them in Word, Outlook, or other editing programs. 

 

Building on that information, adding the Shift Key to any of the shortcuts above will select the text (JAWS users, press Insert + Shift + Down Arrow to read selected text.  NVDA users, press Insert +Shift + Up Arrow or Caps Lock + Shift + Up Arrow)

 

One more trick involving adding the Control Key (and this one is my favorite).  Did you know you can delete a whole word at a time just by adding the Control Key to the Backspace or Delete Key?

 

I have to admit that I use these key command so often that I don’t even think about it anymore, it’s automatic.  I am sure if you make a point of trying to use them once or twice a day, they’ll become part of your habit too!