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Access Keys

What are access keys?

Access keys are keyboard shortcuts which allow the user to navigate around a website or a piece of computer software without having to use a mouse or other pointing device.

What are the advantages of using access keys?

Its an alternative to using a mouse, or other pointing device, and can sometimes be quicker than using a mouse.

How do I use access keys?

This depends on the browser you are using (see also cross-browser support below):

• If you use Internet Explorer
  • Press and hold the 'Alt' key
  • Press the required letter
  • Release the keys and press the 'ENTER' key

• If you use Netscape Navigator, Mozilla, or Firefox 1.0
  • Press and hold the 'Alt' key
  • Press the required letter

• If you use Firefox 2.0
  • Press and hold both the 'Shift' and the 'Alt' key
  • Press the required letter

• If you are using a Mac
  • Press and hold the 'Ctrl' key
  • Press the required letter

Learn more

Related Topics: UserDocumentationCategory

Comments & Questions about this Distribution Document Topic

Be careful about depending on AccessKeys - on my Firefox, 'ALT+S' maps to Sage, my RSS reader. If I try to toggle Sage on or off while I'm viewing an unrelated page that has an Access Key for Save (generally 'ALT+S') then the Access Key takes precedence.

-- KentCowgill - 12 Apr 2006

I'm using Firefox on Linux, and my access keys are Shift+Alt as mentioned here. Apparently this makes it impossible to type numeric access keys.

-- MikeTerLouw - 17 Sep 2007