"Modifier keys" are keys that change the meaning of what you type. You're used to the shift key, it changes lower chase letters into UPPERCASE ones. But computers introduce additional modifier keys. And these keys differ between Windows and Macintosh computers.

Using modifier keys allows you to perform the same actions as bringing down a menu and executing a menu command! This saves you a mouse action. (Sometimes your hands may be near the keyboard and it's just easier to do something by using the keyboard instead of reaching all the way over there to that mouse!)

You can learn what keystrokes activate menu items by looking on the menus themselves. Over thime you may pick up some of these tricks.

Macintosh Modifier Keys

Windows Modifier Keys

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