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In computing, a modifier key is a special key (or combination) on a computer keyboard that temporarily modifies the normal action of another key when pressed together. By themselves, modifier keys usually do nothing; that is, pressing any of the ⇧ Shift, Alt, or Ctrl keys alone does not (generally) trigger any action from the computer.
For example, in most keyboard layouts the Shift key combination ⇧ Shift+A will produce a capital letter "A" instead of the default lower-case letter "a" (unless in Caps Lock or Shift lock mode). A combination of Alt+F4 in Microsoft Windows will close the active window; in this instance, Alt is the modifier key. In contrast, pressing just ⇧ Shift or Alt will probably do nothing unless assigned a specific function in a particular program (for example, activating input aids or the toolbar of the active window in Windows).
User interface expert Jef Raskin coined the term "quasimode" to describe the state a computer enters into when a modifier key is pressed.
computing, a modifierkey is a special key (or combination) on a computer keyboard that temporarily modifies the normal action of another key when pressed...
The Fn key, short form for function, is a modifierkey on many keyboards, especially on laptops, used in a compact layout to combine keys which are normally...
The Command key (sometimes abbreviated as Cmd key), ⌘, formerly also known as the Apple key or open Apple key, is a modifierkey present on Apple keyboards...
Meta key is a modifierkey on certain keyboards. It first appeared on the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL) keyboard in 1970. The Meta key first...
In computing, a Control key Ctrl is a modifierkey which, when pressed in conjunction with another key, performs a special operation (for example, Ctrl+C)...
A dead key is a special kind of modifierkey on a mechanical typewriter, or computer keyboard, that is typically used to attach a specific diacritic to...
function of other pressed keys. Thus, the Alt key is a modifierkey, used in a similar fashion to the Shift key. For example, simply pressing A will type...
AltGr (also Alt Graph) is a modifierkey found on many computer keyboards (rather than a second Alt key found on US keyboards). It is primarily used to...
second-rightmost key on the bottom row. ISO keyboard symbol for "Compose Character" If the Compose key is not also a modifierkey, then key rollover means...
The Option key, ⌥, is a modifierkey present on Apple keyboards. It is located between the Control key and the Command key on a typical Mac keyboard....
using modifier keys such as Shift or Control, the user intentionally holds the modifierkey(s) while pressing and releasing another key. Rapid typists...
themselves, modifierkeys usually do nothing. The most widely used modifierkeys include the Control key, Shift key and the Alt key. The AltGr key is used...
pressing multiple keys at a time, allowing the user to press and release a modifierkey, such as ⇧ Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or the Windows key, and have it remain...
Compound modifier, two or more words that modify a noun Dangling modifier, a word or phrase that modifies a clause in an ambiguous manner Modifierkey, a kind...
key ⇧ Shift is a modifierkey on a keyboard, used to type capital letters and other alternate "upper" characters. There are typically two shift keys,...
Used together with a modifierkey, such as Alt, ⌥ Opt, ^Ctrl or a combination thereof, they may act the same as the Page keys. In most operating systems...
increased to 24 keys in two rows. IBM 5250: early models frequently had a "cmd" modifierkey, by which the numeric row keys emulate function keys; later models...
holds down the modifierkey(s), then quickly presses and releases the regular (non-modifier) key, and finally releases the modifierkey(s). This distinction...
was not used; the arrow keys controlled both movement ↑↓ as well as looking around ←→, with strafing done using modifierkeys (usually Alt + ←→). However...
trigger an event Keyboard buttons (generally) The "command" key on Apple keyboards (a modifierkey with a "⌘" symbol printed on it) Push-button This disambiguation...
In a web browser, an access key or accesskey allows a computer user to immediately jump to a specific web page via the keyboard. They were introduced...
Fn modifierkey is used to combine keys to save room and add non-standard functionality; a common use is merging the row with keys F1- F12 with keys that...
of Emacs, involved predicting what would happen if a user held down a modifierkey (such as Ctrl or Alt) and typed their own name. This game humor originated...
"chiclet" keys and small, offset space key). Depending on the operating system, the space bar used with a modifierkey such as the control key may have...
without modifierkeys. Using customized key layout offered by Spacemacs and Doom Emacs, projects where space bar key is used as the main key for initiating...
page. The concept of a shift key or modifierkey was later extended to Ctrl, Alt, AltGr and Super ("Windows" or "Apple") keys on modern computer keyboards...