A computer keyboard has letters, numbers and particularly functional keys. These are intended to be combined with other keys on the keyboard to make your work on a computer easier by giving you access to various special characters and commands. The Alt key is one of them. In this article, we provide you with relevant information about this key, including its functionality and its place on the keyboard.
What features does the Alt key offer?
"Alt" is the abbreviation of the English word " alternate which means to alternate in French. This briefly explains its function. Indeed, this key does not have a precise role specific to it, but allows you to access an alternative command. To take advantage of its functionality, you must combine it with other keys.
To use it, you must press the Alt key and one or more other keys simultaneously. For example, you can use it to access commands in the Windows operating system, or to execute commands in application programs such as Word.
The Alt key for commands in the Windows operating system
Here are the most common combinations of the Alt key with other keys in this feature:
- Alt + Shift: change your keyboard language;
- Alt + space: access the system menu of the active window;
- Alt + print: copy the screenshot of the active window to the clipboard;
- Ctrl+Alt: alternative to the AltGr key if it does not work or is absent on the English keyboard;
- Ctrl + Alt + Del: change user, to shut down or restart the PC, etc. ;
- Windows + Alt + Enter: Open Media Center, this function is only available up to Windows 8.
- Windows + Alt + 1 / 2 / etc. : Access the list of a program in the taskbar.
With the combination of the Alt key with other keys, you can also switch between open programs with ease.
- Alt + Esc: Switch from one open window to another (without thumbnail view);
- Alt+Tab: Switch between multiple open windows from left to right (in a thumbnail view);
- Alt + Tab + Shift: Switch between multiple open windows from right to left (in a thumbnail view).
The Alt key in executing commands in application programs
Combining the Alt key with other keys in applications already installed on your operating system such as Word is also very practical.
- Alt+M: Show search field;
- Alt+Ctrl+i: Access the “print” window;
- Alt+Ctrl+S: Split or unsplit Word document window;
- Alt + 1 / 2 / etc. : Change of format (to obtain emojis and special characters) in the section 1 / 2 / etc.
Combined with other keys, the Alt key also provides access to the various tabs of your document.
On an Azerty keyboard, here is the list of key combinations to do and the tabs you could open with:
- Alt+L: Welcome ;
- Alt+F: File ;
- Alt+R: Revision ;
- Alt+S: Insertion ;
- Alt+J: Drawing ;
- Alt+P: Layout ;
- Alt+N: Display ;
- Alt+Q: Search for suitable tools;
- Alt+G:
Where is the Alt key on the keyboard?
The Alt key is located to the left of the spacebar, i.e. on the bottom row of the keyboard. English keyboards have two Alt keys on either side.
