shift key

The Shift key is either of two modifier keys on the QWERTY computer keyboard, located on the edges of the row below the home row, used to type an alternate 'upper' character, when there are upper and lower characters shown on a key. The Shift key will also capitalise the letter keys.

Examples

Here are some examples of use of the shift key to achieve the desired character forming. A roman alphabet is assumed, with some keyboard layouts differing from those described. Note there are many minor variants of these keystrokes.

Alternate upper characters

Use the left shift key to make a question mark. Hold down the left shift key with the little finger of the left hand. Some find the most comfortable keystroke to do this is to use the ring finger of the right hand to press the / key to get a question mark. Use the right shift key to make an exclamation mark. Hold down the right shift key with the little finger of the right hand. Again, exact keystrokes can vary, but one way is to use the little finger of the left hand, press the 1 key and you will get an exclamation mark.

Capitalisation

Use the left shift key to produce the character 'L'. Hold down the left shift key with the little finger of the left hand. Then, with the ring finger of the right hand, press the 'L' key and you will get a capital 'L'. Use the right shift key to produce the character 'A'. Hold down the right shift key with the little finger of the right hand. Then, with the little finger of the left hand, press the 'A' key and you will get an capital 'A'. Alternatively, use the left shift key to hit shift, and the ring finger of your left hand to depress 'A'.

Shift Key

Examples

Alternate upper characters

Capitalisation

See also