On foggy days, reaching for the mouse every thirty seconds drains more than time. This guide helps you master a few core shortcuts and built-in accessibility aids to reduce hand strain and save energy.
Pair this with the Core 5 Browser Shortcuts to build a solid foundation.
Quick Path ⚡
- Pick 3 draining actions: Identify your most frequent, fatiguing mouse-clicks.
- Learn only those 3 shortcuts: Use the list below to find the keyboard equivalent for your OS.
- Enable OS Aids: Turn on Sticky Keys and other built-in keyboard helpers.
- Practice for 2 minutes daily: Use a blank document to build muscle memory.
Phase 1 — Choose Your 3 Moves (5 min · Easy)
- List recurring actions that hurt or fatigue your hands (e.g., selecting text, copying/pasting, switching apps).
- Map each to one shortcut from the Prompt Kit below. Keep the list tiny and focused.
Phase 2 — Enable Built-In Aids (8 min · Easy)
Windows
- Open Accessibility: Win + U. Turn on Sticky Keys and Filter Keys as needed.
- Toggle Mouse Keys if pointer control without a mouse helps.
macOS
- Open Accessibility Shortcuts: ⌥⌘F5 (or triple-press Touch ID).
- Enable Sticky Keys and Slow Keys from Accessibility › Keyboard.
- Turn on Mouse Keys under Accessibility › Pointer Control if helpful.
Phase 3 — Practice Deliberately (2 min/day)
- Open a scratch document daily and run this drill: select → copy → switch app → paste.
- Say the shortcut aloud while pressing to build automaticity.
The Prompt Kit 🧰
Windows Starter Pack
- Select text:
Shift + Arrow(char/line).Ctrl + Shift + ←/→(word).Shift + Home/End(line). - Copy & paste:
Ctrl + C / X / V. Plain text in many apps:Ctrl + Shift + V. - Switch apps:
Alt + Tab.
macOS Starter Pack
- Select text:
Shift + Arrow(char/line).⌥ + Shift + ←/→(word).⌘ + Shift + ←/→(line). - Copy & paste:
⌘ + C / X / V. Paste and Match Style:⌥ + ⌘ + Shift + V. - Switch apps:
⌘ + Tab.
Privacy & Redaction Reminder
This workflow is device-local and does not use AI, so no privacy concerns apply.
Offline Backup (No-AI / Printable)
Printable Cheat Card
Windows
- Select by word:
Ctrl + Shift + ←/→ - To line start/end:
Shift + Home/End - Switch apps:
Alt + Tab - Copy/Cut/Paste:
Ctrl + C / X / V
macOS
- Select by word:
⌥ + Shift + ←/→ - To line start/end:
⌘ + Shift + ←/→ - Switch apps:
⌘ + Tab - Copy/Cut/Paste:
⌘ + C / X / V
Troubleshooting
- I keep forgetting and grab the mouse.
- Fix: Post a sticky note with your 3 chosen shortcuts on your monitor.
- Sticky/Slow/Filter Keys feel weird.
- Fix: Toggle them off, then on. Adjust the settings to match your typing rhythm.
- A shortcut doesn’t work in a specific app.
- Fix: Some apps override system shortcuts. Test it in a plain text editor to confirm the shortcut itself works.
Friction Fix 🔧
- Fast toggles: Pin Accessibility to your menu bar (macOS) or remember Win + U (Windows) so aids are two keystrokes away.
Need the Core 5?
Grab the Core 5 spotlight for a printable cheat card and practice drills: Core 5 Browser Shortcuts.
Next Action ▶️
Start a 2-minute drill: open a blank doc, practice select → copy → switch → paste using shortcuts only.
Accessibility and Care ♿
- This guide is designed for keyboard-only navigation.
- Using these shortcuts can reduce fine-motor strain and hand fatigue.