Many keyboard shortcuts in Windows that help us simplify tasks and achieve a greater degree of efficiency when we use the computer. One that may be more useful in certain circumstances is this: CTRL + L, which allows us to execute the action of "Search for and replace".
This is an especially practical function when we are working with text documents, such as through Microsoft Word. Or also when we handle a large amount of data in an Excel sheet. In those cases, this key combination will be of great help to us.
Let's see how to use this shortcut (shortcut) in different programs. With few exceptions, the key combination is always the same and its function is similar. In some specific programs, this may be a little different. For example, In Google Docs the shortcut to activate the find and replace function is Ctrl + H. This is, however, an exception, since in all the others the correct key combination is Ctrl + L.
The way the shortcut works is basically as follows: We simultaneously press the Ctrl+ L keys, after which a small window appears on the screen in which we can search for any word or phrase (and then replace it with any other text). In the box there are two spaces to write, as shown in the image below, corresponding to the function in Word:
- Search: Here we write the word we want to search for in the text.
- Replace with: Here the new word is introduced with which we are going to replace the previous word.
If the searched word appears more than once in the text of the document, the application itself will search for all the matches and will also replace them with the text that we have entered.
There are a series of options at the bottom of the box that allow us to replace the searched words one by one or all at once. Also, pressing the "More" button, we will find more possibilities and search modes. It is precisely these options that make this tool so complete.
As you can see, it is a function that, if used well, It can save a lot of time when correcting and modifying texts. But Ctrl + L is not the only keyboard shortcut that will make our lives easier. In fact, there are many others that are worth knowing and using regularly.
Uses of the Ctrl + L shortcut in other programs
This is the way to use the Ctrl + L (find and replace) function in the programs we usually use. As you will see, sometimes its use can vary a little:
- In the navigator (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera) by pressing Ctrl + L we select the URL from the address bar.
- En Excel and calculation programs similar is used to open the Create Table dialog.
- En Power point This shortcut is used to align a selected object or text with the left side of the slide.
- In Audacity with this shortcut Highlighted sections of an audio track are muted.
Some Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts with the CTRL key
Let's then review some of the best Windows 11 shortcuts in which the Ctrl key is also involved. The possibilities that these key combinations offer us are the same as those offered by the previous version of the operating system, but expanded and improved:
- Ctrl + A: To select all the text on the page.
- Ctrl + C: Used to copy the selected text to the clipboard (we can also use Ctrl + Insert).
- Ctrl+V: To paste the copied text in the place where we have the cursor (Shift + Insert also works).
- Ctrl + E: It is the shortcut that helps us select all the files and folders.
- Ctrl + F: East shortcut It gives us access to the search bar.
- Ctrl + N: With this combination we can open a new file explorer window.
- Ctrl + W: Used to close the active window.
- Ctrl + X: To cut the selected text.
- Ctrl + mouse wheel: We can use it to change the size of the displayed elements.
- Ctrl + Shift + M: With this combination we restore all minimized windows to full screen.
- Ctrl + Shift + Left or Right: is used to move the cursor one word to the left or right of the text.
- Ctrl + Shift + Home or End: Used to move the cursor to the top or bottom of the text.
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: It is used to create a new virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Tab: We use it to open the view of the current virtual desktops.
- Windows Key + Ctrl + Left: To navigate to the virtual desktop on the left.
- Windows Key + Ctrl + Right: To navigate to the virtual desktop on the right.
- Windows Key + Ctrl + F4: Used to close the active virtual desktop.