What are the F1 to F12 keys on the keyboard used for: a complete guide

If you look at the top strip of your keyboard right now, you'll see a thin, discreet, but incredibly useful row: the F1 to F12 keysAlthough they sometimes go unnoticed, They can save you time and effort. in everyday tasks, from browsing the web to editing documents with ease.

These "f"s are Function keys and their behavior varies depending on the context: operating system, browser, or application. On macOS, they are usually associated with controls like brightness or volume, and to use their "classic" function, you have to hold down the Fn key or the globe key. On Windows and in many programs, however, They act as direct shortcuts and key combinations that multiply your productivity.

What are function keys and why do they matter?

They were born in the sixties and seventies, when many computers ran on the basis of commands of text. The function keys allowed predefined instructions to be executed with a single press, avoiding typing complete commands and accelerating work on terminals.

IBM established the current standard in the 1980s: first with 10 keys (Model F) and later with 12 (Model M), located at the top. That layout has remained to this day because it is still practical. Although we now live with menus, windows, and mice, the F keys continue to be Powerful shortcuts in Windows, macOS, and Linuxespecially in office applications, browsers, editors and countless other utilities.

On Macs, these keys control special functions by default (brightness, volume, or keyboard backlight icons). To make them act as "shortcuts" within appsYou must press them along with Fn or the globe key. In that context, They make full sense in programs like Word or Excelwhere there are very fine and productive shortcuts.

How they behave on Windows, macOS, and in the browser

In Windows, these keys typically open help, activate search engines, focus the address bar, or refresh views. In modern browsers, They are used to search, reload, toggle full screen, or open developer toolsOn macOS they control brightness, audio or keyboard backlighting, and when combined with Fn they regain their classic role in apps.

There are also great value combinations in Microsoft OfficeCheck spelling, toggle the ribbon, go to the "Go To" box, print preview, or insert and update fields. Some keys don't seem to do anything in the system at first glance, but in specific programs they are invaluable: F7, F8, F9 or F12 They shine in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook with truly practical shortcuts.

F1

When you're stuck, this is your best friend: in Windows and most applications, it opens the help for the active program. Additionally, in apps like Excel or Word, Ctrl + F1 hides or shows the ribbon, and Shift + F1 displays the "Show Formatting" panel. It is the distress and command key in the interface.

On macOS, F1 (with the lightbulb or sun icon) reduces screen brightness. And in certain Word for Mac scenarios, when used as a shortcut with Fn, it undoes the last action. In web browsers, its function is similar: Open the application's help or support., as happens in Chrome.

F2

On Apple keyboards, F2 increases the brightness by default; remember that to use its "classic" function within applications, you'll need to press it with Fn. In general, it's a key closely associated with "changing what you're viewing or editing" without wasting time. Everything flows with fewer clicks and more keyboard.

F3

This key opens the search function in Windows, File Explorer, and browsers like Chrome or Firefox. If you're writing in Word, Shift + F3 toggles between uppercase, lowercase, or capital letters, perfect for standardizing titles or sentences. Finding and adjusting text formatting becomes immediate.

On macOS, F3 toggles Mission Control, a panoramic view of all windows and desktops. Additionally, in Word for Mac, F3 is used as a shortcut to copy the selection to the... clipboardOverall, this key combines discovery (search) and window control depending on the environment.

F4

In Windows, F4 focuses the Explorer address bar, and in many browsers it does the same for the URL bar. If you combine it with Alt, it instantly closes the active application (Alt + F4), one of the most well-known combinations. In Word, F4 repeats the last action performed. ideal for speeding up repetitive tasks.

On Macs, F4 toggles Launchpad, the view with all apps for opening them instantly. In Word for Mac, F4 is used as a shortcut to paste from the clipboard. This key, therefore, is closely linked to navigation gestures, closing and repeating actions.

F5

The most famous for the impatient: F5 refreshes the browser page or updates the contents of a folder in Windows. Ctrl+F5 also forces a reload by clearing the cache, useful when a website isn't showing any changes. In PowerPoint, F5 starts the presentation from the first slide. Reload, clear cache, and present—all with a single keystroke..

In Microsoft Office, it also appears in "Find and Replace," and in Word, it opens the "Go To" dialog box, perfect for jumping to specific pages, tables, or sections. On macOS, F5 reduces keyboard backlighting, a handy feature in portable. It's a chameleon-like key with very established uses..

F6

In web browsers and Windows Explorer, F6 moves the focus to the address bar and cycles through key areas of the interface, making it easier to navigate without a mouse. In Word, you can turn pages when working in split-screen mode, and Ctrl+Shift+F6 lets you switch between open documents. Keyboard navigation and switching between documents on one key.

On macOS, F6 increases the brightness of the keys. And in Word for Mac, the associated shortcut lets you move between the document, task pane, status bar, and menu bar, helping you navigate the entire environment smoothly. Full control of the interface without leaving the keyboard.

F7

Spelling and grammar check? On Windows, Alt + F7 launches the spell checker; on Mac, simply press F7 (using Fn to activate the shortcut). Additionally, Shift + F7 opens the thesaurus, a fantastic tool for improving your writing. Spelling and vocabulary at the touch of a key.

On Macs, F7 can also be used to go back to the previous song in iTunes/Apple Music. And Firefox has a "cursor mode" or "keyboard navigation" that's activated with F7, ideal for scrolling through a page without using the mouse. Text, music, and alternative navigation, all brought together..

F8

For decades, F8 in Windows was the gateway to the «safe mode» during the BootA legendary feature among advanced users. In Excel, F8 activates extended selection mode to mark ranges without dragging. System diagnostics and precise cell selection They shake hands here.

On macOS, F8 can pause or resume playback in iTunes/Apple Music. And in Word for Mac, F8 has another advantage: it progressively expands the selection (from word to phrase, from phrase to paragraph, etc.), a very useful editing trick. More control over what you choose and listen to.

F9

This key is associated with synchronization and fields. In Outlook, F9 sends and receives emails instantly; in Word, it updates document fields (dates, indexes, references); and in Excel, it recalculates formulas. Ctrl+F9 also inserts empty fields in Word (Windows), while on Mac, it updates the selected fields. Emails up to date and documents always consistent.

On Macs, F9 can also be used to skip to the next song in iTunes/Apple Music. While some systems don't assign it a visible function on the desktop, it's particularly useful in office applications and music. Useful where it counts: productivity and reproduction.

F10

F10 activates the menu bar in many Windows applications, allowing you to navigate using the keyboard. Shift + F10 opens the context menu (equivalent to right-clicking), and Ctrl + F10 maximizes the Word window. Additionally, F10 in Windows can be used to switch tabs and access shortcuts in some interfaces. Full access to menus and options without touching the mouse.

On macOS, F10 mutes or unmutes system audio. And, if you use it with Fn for shortcuts, its usefulness doubles as it integrates with app shortcuts. In short, menu and sound management with a single key.

F11

The queen of focus: F11 toggles full-screen mode in Windows and web browsers. It's perfect for reading, watching videos, or working without distractions; pressing it again returns you to normal view. In Excel, Shift + F11 instantly creates a new spreadsheet. Productivity and concentration on full screen.

On a Mac, F11 lowers the audio volume, and in Word, its shortcut function lets you jump to the next field in the document. Thus, this key combines an immersive experience with quick editing actions.

F12

In Word, F12 directly opens "Save As"; Shift + F12 saves the document, Ctrl + F12 opens a file, and Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints it. These are classic and incredibly effective shortcuts for everyday office tasks. Save, open, and print without touching the menus.

In web browsers, F12 opens the console or developer tools, where you can inspect code, debug, and measure performance. On macOS, F12 raises the system volume by default. Web development and audio control, two sides of the same coin.

Quick tips to get the most out of them

Remember that on macOS you must hold down Fn (or the globe key) to activate the "classic" function of these keys if your computer has them mapped to brightness, volume, or keyboard backlighting. On Windows and in most apps, try combinations with Ctrl, Alt and Shift: They multiply what you can do with each F.

If you notice that certain "f" keys aren't doing anything in the system, try them within your usual programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, browsers): many functions are designed for specific apps, and sometimes it's worth checking the special keysIn particular, F7, F8, F9 and F12 shine in office applications, while F5, F6, F11 and F12 shine in the browser. Context is key to truly getting the most out of them..

From spell checking and forcing a clean web page reload to renaming files, starting a presentation, or switching between documents, these keys remain relevant. If you incorporate two or three shortcuts into your routine, you'll notice the difference instantly. Fewer clicks, more fluidity, and a more agile workflow.

All of the above demonstrates that, although modern interfaces encourage us to use the mouse, the F1 to F12 keys remain a valuable resource. With shortcuts like Alt + F4 to close, Ctrl + F5 to clear the cache and reload, Shift + F10 for the context menu, or Word combinations like Ctrl/Shift + F12, your daily workflow will be much more efficient. We encourage you to try them: you'll notice the difference right away..