modifier key

In computing, a modifier key is a special key on a computer keyboard that modifies the normal action of another key when the two are pressed in combination. For example, + in Microsoft Windows will automatically close the program in an active window. In contrast, pressing just will probably do nothing unless assigned a specific function in a particular program. By themselves, modifier keys usually do nothing.

Common modifier keys

The most common modifier keys, as used by PCs, are:

– Shift key
– Control key
– Alt key (Alternative key)
– Alt Gr key

, of course, is the oldest in terms of keyboards in general as it originates from typewriters and is usually used to make uppercase letters when typing.

Accented characters

Some foreign language keyboards have special keys to produce accented modifications of the standard letter keys. In fact, the standard British keyboard layout includes an accent key on the top-left corner to produce , although this is a two step procedure, press the accent key and release, then the letter key. The Alt Gr modifier produces the sequence, or in conjunction with the Shift key, . Some foreign language keyboards simply include the accented characters on their own keys. Some keyboards also have a Compose key for typing accented and other special characters. By pressing , and then two other keys, something similiar to a combination of the glyphs of the two previous keys will appear on the screen.

Other modifier keys

Apple Macintosh computers also have the special key (Command key) with the Apple Computer logo and the place of interest sign (Unicode code point U+2318, or ⌘). is also replaced with the

Modifier Key

Common modifier keys

Accented characters

Other modifier keys

See also