- Ctrl + Z allows you to undo the last action in multiple programs and environments.
- Its origin dates back to the 60s with its implementation in specialized text editors.
- En Linux, this shortcut suspends processes, unlike its function in Windows and macOS.
- It works in word processors, browsers, graphic design and file explorers.
The keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Z is undoubtedly one of the commands most useful and used in computing. Its main function is undo last action, making it an indispensable resource for users of any level. From the text editing to file manipulation and using terminals, this keyboard shortcut has multiple applications.
Although its use is widely known, few really know its origin and evolutionIn this article, we'll explore in detail how it works in different environments, its history, and how to best use it in your daily life.
What is Ctrl + Z and what is it used for?
The shortcut Ctrl + Z It is a command that allows you to revert the last action performed on a computer. Its main function is to quickly and easily undo changes. Management, which prevents errors and makes working in different programs easier.
Works on almost all OS and applications, such as text editors, graphic design, office software and terminals. Its equivalent in macOS is Command + Z, fulfilling the same function.
History and origin of Ctrl + Z
The origin of this shortcut is somewhat uncertain. While the functions of copy and paste (Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V) were created by Larry Tesler, the undo command does not have a single identified inventor.
One of the earliest records of the "Undo" function dates back to 1968, when it was implemented in the system File Retrieval and Editing System (FRESS), a hypertext editor developed in the Brown University.
Later in 1974, the editor Bravo of the Xerox-PARC included the "Undo" option, and in 1976IBM engineers mentioned the usefulness of a command that would allow you to reverse previous actions. From this point on, the functionality became standardized across various applications and operating systems.
How Ctrl + Z works in different programs
In word processors and office programs
In programs like Microsoft Word, Excel y Power point, Ctrl + Z Allows you to undo the last action taken. In most cases, multiple actions can be undone by repeatedly pressing the combination.
En Excel, you can customize the number of undo levels by modifying an entry in the Windows' register, which is useful when working with large amounts of data. If you want more information about errors in excel formulas, you can check this link.
In graphic design and image editing
Editing programs such as Adobe Photoshop allow you to undo the last action using Ctrl + Z. In newer versions, this feature only undoes one action at a time, so to do multiple undo actions, is used Ctrl + Alt + Z.
In web browsers
If you are on a browser like Google Chrome o Mozilla Firefox, the command Ctrl + Z can help you recover deleted text in forms or text fields, but does not apply to general web browsing.
On Linux-based operating systems
In command line environments such as la terminal Linux, Ctrl + Z does not undo the last action, but suspends the current process, sending it to the background. To resume it, you can use the command fg.
Ctrl + Z in File Explorer
Another useful function is in the Windows Explorer, where you can undo actions such as deleting or moving files accidentallyThis is especially useful when handling important documents.
Ctrl + Z in Outlook and email management
En Microsoft Outlook, this command not only undoes actions within emails, but also allows you to reverse the action of move messages to folders, making email management easier.
The shortcut Ctrl + Z It's an indispensable tool in the world of computing. Its ability to undo actions makes it an essential function for productivity, graphic design, and file management. Furthermore, its use in the Linux terminal and file browsing demonstrates its versatility. A thorough understanding of this shortcut and its variants can help you work more efficiently. Management, minimizing errors and optimizing your workflow.
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