Word count: 1,500 words. Reading time: 6 minutes.
Android tablets are convenient devices that can be used for various purposes, such as browsing the web, watching videos, playing games, reading books, and more. However, did you know that you can also use a keyboard with your Android tablet to make your tasks easier and faster? Whether you have a physical keyboard that connects to your tablet via Bluetooth or USB, or you use the on-screen keyboard that comes with your tablet, you can use some keyboard shortcuts and tips to improve your productivity and efficiency. Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts and tips for Android tablets:
Keyboard shortcuts for general tasks
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that perform certain actions without using the touch screen. They can save you time and effort, especially when you need to switch between apps, type text, or navigate the web. Here are some of the keyboard shortcuts for general tasks on Android tablets:
- Shift + Backspace: Delete the character to the right of the cursor. This is useful when you want to correct a typo or delete a word without moving the cursor.
- Ctrl + X: Cut the selected text or image and copy it to the clipboard. This is useful when you want to move something from one place to another.
- Ctrl + C: Copy the selected text or image to the clipboard. This is useful when you want to duplicate something or use it in another app.
- Ctrl + V: Paste the text or image from the clipboard to the current location. This is useful when you want to insert something that you have copied or cut before.
- Shift + Shift: Activate caps lock. Press shift again to exit. This is useful when you want to type in uppercase letters without holding the shift key.
- Alt + Spacebar: Insert a special character. This is useful when you want to type symbols, accents, or emojis that are not on the regular keyboard.
- Alt + Del: Delete an entire line. This is useful when you want to clear a sentence or a paragraph without selecting it first.
- Alt + Trackball-Left: Move the cursor to the beginning of the line. This is useful when you want to edit the text from the start of the line.
- Alt + Trackball-Right: Move the cursor to the end of the line. This is useful when you want to edit the text from the end of the line.
- Alt + Trackball-Up: Move the cursor to the top of the page. This is useful when you want to go back to the beginning of the document or the web page.
- Alt + Trackball-Down: Move the cursor to the bottom of the page. This is useful when you want to go to the end of the document or the web page.
- Shift + Trackball-Left/Right: Highlight text for cutting or copying. This is useful when you want to select a word, a sentence, or a paragraph without using the touch screen.
- Menu + X: Cut the selected text or image. This is the same as Ctrl + X, but it uses the menu key instead of the Ctrl key.
- Menu + C: Copy the selected text or image. This is the same as Ctrl + C, but it uses the menu key instead of the Ctrl key.
- Menu + V: Paste the text or image from the clipboard. This is the same as Ctrl + V, but it uses the menu key instead of the Ctrl key.
- Menu + A: Select all the text or images in the current field. This is useful when you want to copy or delete everything in a text box or a document.
- Hold Alt + Tab: Show the recent apps window and cycle in forward order. This is useful when you want to switch between the apps that you have opened recently.
- Hold Alt + Shift + Tab: Show the recent apps window and cycle in reverse order. This is useful when you want to switch between the apps that you have opened recently in the opposite direction.
Keyboard shortcuts for browsing the web
If you use your Android tablet to browse the web, you can use some keyboard shortcuts to make your browsing experience more convenient and efficient. Here are some of the keyboard shortcuts for browsing the web on Android tablets:
- Menu + I: Zoom in. This is useful when you want to see the details of a web page or an image more clearly.
- Menu + O: Zoom out. This is useful when you want to see the whole web page or an image more easily.
- Menu + J: Go back a page. This is useful when you want to return to the previous web page that you have visited.
- Menu + K: Go forward a page. This is useful when you want to go to the next web page that you have visited after going back.
- Menu + R: Refresh the current page. This is useful when you want to reload the web page to see the latest updates or changes.
- Menu + F: Find on page. This is useful when you want to search for a specific word or phrase on the web page.
- Menu + B: Open bookmarks. This is useful when you want to access the web pages that you have saved for later viewing.
- Menu + S: Open the social network sharing menu. This is useful when you want to share the web page that you are viewing with your friends or followers on social media platforms.
- Menu + H: View browsing history. This is useful when you want to see the web pages that you have visited before.
- Menu + S: Open browser settings. This is useful when you want to change the preferences or options of your web browser.
Tips for using the keyboard with your Android tablet
Besides using the keyboard shortcuts, you can also use some tips to make your keyboard usage more effective and enjoyable. Here are some of the tips for using the keyboard with your Android tablet:
- Use a keyboard app: If you don’t have a physical keyboard, you can use a keyboard app that provides you with a virtual keyboard on your tablet screen. There are many keyboard apps available on the Google Play Store, such as Gboard, SwiftKey, and Fleksy. These apps offer various features, such as auto-correction, word prediction, gesture typing, voice typing, emoji, and themes. You can choose the keyboard app that suits your needs and preferences, and customize it to your liking.
- Use a keyboard case: If you have a physical keyboard, you can use a keyboard case that attaches to your tablet and provides you with a keyboard and a stand. This way, you can use your tablet like a laptop, and type comfortably and conveniently. There are many keyboard cases available on the market, such as Logitech, Zagg, and Fintie. You can choose the keyboard case that fits your tablet model and size, and matches your style and budget.
- Use keyboard shortcuts for apps: Some apps have their own keyboard shortcuts that you can use to perform specific actions within the app. For example, Gmail has keyboard shortcuts for forwarding, replying, archiving, and composing emails. You can find the keyboard shortcuts for the apps that you use by checking their help or settings menus, or by searching online. You can also create your own keyboard shortcuts for apps by using the Quick Launch feature in the Settings app. This way, you can launch your favorite apps with a simple key press.
Conclusion
Using a keyboard with your Android tablet can make your tablet usage more productive and efficient, as well as more fun and enjoyable. You can use some keyboard shortcuts and tips to perform various tasks, such as typing, browsing, and switching apps, without using the touch screen. You can also use a keyboard app or a keyboard case to enhance your keyboard experience. By using a keyboard with your Android tablet, you can unlock the full potential of your tablet and make it more versatile and powerful.
