If you’re looking to ace your words per minute (WPM) typing test, understanding keyboard shortcuts can give you the edge you need.
Whether you’re preparing for an online typing test or aiming to become a more efficient typist overall, shortcuts are a game-changer. Learning and mastering these key combinations not only boosts your typing speed but also significantly improves your accuracy by minimizing unnecessary keystrokes.
Here are the top keyboard shortcuts every aspiring typist should know to excel in typing tests and everyday word processing tasks.
Why Master Keyboard Shortcuts?
Before we jump into the shortcuts, it’s essential to understand their importance when training for typing tests.
- Speeds Up Typing: Keyboard shortcuts reduce the time spent switching between the mouse and keyboard, allowing for faster completion of tasks.
- Improves Focus: When you don’t have to break your concentration to find formatting options or commands, your flow remains uninterrupted.
- Minimizes Mistakes: Precise shortcuts mean fewer opportunities for errors, which is crucial during WPM tests.
By incorporating these shortcuts into your typing practice, you’ll develop faster reflexes and efficiency, making it easier to achieve high scores in your typing tests.
Essential Keyboard Shortcuts to Know
1. Navigation Shortcuts
Efficient navigation between words, lines, and text bodies is critical. These shortcuts help you move around your document quickly without wasting time on the mouse.
- Ctrl + Arrow Keys (Windows) / Option + Arrow Keys (Mac)
Moves the cursor one word at a time instead of a single character. Great for copyediting and jumping through text.
- Home / End
Jumps to the beginning or the end of a line, handy when editing large segments.
- Ctrl + Home / Ctrl + End (Windows)
Jumps to the very start or end of the document, useful for reviewing lengthy drafts.
2. Text Selection and Formatting Shortcuts
Selecting and formatting text with shortcuts prevents you from losing time navigating the toolbar and drastically improves your formatting speed.
- Shift + Arrow Keys
Select text one character or line at a time. Combine with Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) to select entire words or paragraphs.
- Ctrl + B / Command + B
Bold selected text. Instant emphasis.
- Ctrl + U / Command + U
Underlines text quickly, ensuring you don’t waste time looking for formatting options.
- Ctrl + I / Command + I
Italicizes text for stylistic changes.
3. Copy, Cut, and Paste Shortcuts
These foundational shortcuts are essential for any typist. Mastering them ensures you’re ready to edit text quickly and effortlessly during a typing session.
- Ctrl + C / Command + C
Copies selected text.
- Ctrl + X / Command + X
Cuts selected text.
- Ctrl + V / Command + V
Pastes text to your desired location.
- Ctrl + Shift + V / Command + Shift + V
Pastes without formatting—a lifesaver for clean documents.
4. Undo and Redo Commands
Mistakes happen, especially during timed tests, but these shortcuts allow you to recover without breaking your stride.
- Ctrl + Z / Command + Z
Undo your last action—perfect for accidentally deleted or overwritten words.
- Ctrl + Y / Command + Shift + Z
Redo actions quickly without needing to repeat typing.
5. Advanced Editing Shortcuts for Pro Typists
Once you’ve mastered the basics, these shortcuts elevate your skills with efficient text editing techniques.
- Ctrl + A / Command + A
Selects all text in the document. A quick way to format or delete large sections.
- Ctrl + Backspace / Option + Backspace
Deletes the entire word to the left of the cursor. Great for quick text corrections.
- Ctrl + Delete / Option + Delete (Mac)
Deletes the entire word to the right of the cursor. Saves time compared to deleting individual characters.
How to Use These Shortcuts in Typing Tests
Step 1: Practice Regularly
Familiarity is key. Assign yourself short exercises every day to practice these shortcuts in different scenarios, such as formatting emails, editing documents, or running mock typing tests.
Step 2: Combine Techniques
Don’t just memorize individual shortcuts—start combining them. For example, select an entire paragraph with Ctrl + A, italicize it with Ctrl + I, and then paste it into another document with Ctrl + V.
Step 3: Take Online Typing Tests
Platforms offering typing tests, such as Typing Club or Key Hero, allow you to apply shortcuts in real-world conditions. This helps reinforce muscle memory for when it matters most.
Step 4: Analyze Your Typing Stats
Evaluate your speed, accuracy, and error rate in your typing tests. Take note of which shortcuts helped you complete tasks faster and use that knowledge to refine your workflow.
Bonus Tips to Dominate WPM Tests
- Ergonomic Setup: Ensure your keyboard and hands are positioned comfortably to prevent strain and improve typing efficiency.
- Focus on Accuracy First: Speed counts, but errors can cost you points in typing tests. Prioritize typing correctly over typing quickly.
- Learn Touch Typing: Combining touch typing with shortcuts is the ultimate way to maximize results. Typing without needing to look at the keyboard opens up opportunities for greater focus on the shortcuts and text.
Elevate Your Typing Game
Mastering keyboard shortcuts is more than a hack for WPM tests—it’s an invaluable skill for improving typing speed, accuracy, and productivity across the board. By committing these shortcuts to memory and using them effectively, you’ll turn every typing test into a breeze.
