Alt Key Full Form
What is the full form of Alt Key?
In a computer keyboard, “Alternate” is the full form used for the Alt key. The alt key on a computer keyboard is preferred to change or alter the function of other pressed keys. Thus, Alt key functions as a modifier key which is used in a similar way to the shift key. It is important to distinguish the Alt key from the Altmode key, which is used with various TeleType and ASCII (short for American Standard Code for Information Interchange) terminals. The alt-mode key behaves differently from the Alt key. Alt key, (short for alternate) is found on both sides of the spacebar key on IBM (short for International Business Machines Corporation)- compatible computer keyboards. This modifier key has no function in itself but when it is pressed with a letter or digit key, it executes a wide range of different commands on the computer.
What is The Alt Key?
“Alt” denotes an abbreviation for the word “alternate.” When this key is concurrently pressed with another key, the operating system ignores the primary purpose of the other key and instead lets the user access a different command.
The Alt key is situated in the bottom row, directly to the left of the space bar, on all keyboards. In order to allow ten-finger typing, English-language keyboards also contain a second Alt key (one on each side of the space bar).
Even though they have similar names, the two Alt keys let us do different things. Some keys can be assigned up to three symbols or actions in languages like German, which tend to utilise more letters and symbols than in other languages. One can reach the third assignment of keys when using the Control key in conjunction with the right Alt key, which is to the right of the space bar and known as the Alt Gr (alternate graphic) key on European keyboards. Thus, it is clear that in terms of their functions, the Alt Gr key and the Alt key are quite different.
How Does The Alt Key Work?
The Alt key itself has no assigned functions. Only when used in combination with other keys, it will execute a range of commands in the operating system and help easily switch between open programs. Exceptions include special applications or computer games.
Alt is used in a key combination to perform certain actions, to access the choices in the file menu or Ribbon, For example, using the combination of ctrl+ Alt+ Del (Control+ Alt+Delete key).
The combination means to press and hold all three ctrl+ Alt+ Del keys at the same time. This action opens the Windows task manager window or the lock menu to access the Task Manager.
Important Keyboard Shortcuts With The Alt Key
To execute commands with the Alt key, it needs to be pressed simultaneously with another key or several other keys at the same time. Whether and which programmes are running, as well as whether the user wants to use Windows operating system commands, determine what happens next.
Windows Operating System Commands
The Alt key provides quick access to multiple commands in the Windows operating system. The following are the most common key combinations:
Key combination | Command |
[Ctrl]+[Alt] | The alternative to [Alt Gr]; especially handy when you don't have the Alt Gr key on your keyboard |
[Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Del] | Open dialogue with various options (change user, shutdown etc.) |
[Alt]+[Shift] | Change input language and switch between installed language packs |
[Windows]+[Alt]+[Enter] | Open Media Center (only available up to Windows 8 ) |
[Windows]+[Alt]+[1]/[2]/etc. | Open the jump list of a program in the taskbar |
[Alt]+[Space] | Open system menu of an active window |
[Alt]+[Print] | Copy screenshot of an active window onto clipboard |
Key combination | Command |
[Alt]+[H] | Open "Home" tab |
[Alt]+[R] | Open the "Review" tab |
[Alt]+[N] | Open the "Insert" tab |
[Alt]+[S] | Open the "References" tab |
[Alt]+[P] | Open the "Layout" tab |
[Alt]+[F] | Open the "File" page to use backstage view |
[Alt]+[G] | Open the "Design" tab |
[Alt]+[Q] | Open the "Tell me" or "Search" field |
Key combination | Command |
[Alt]+[Esc] | Switch between open windows without thumbnails |
[Alt]+[Tab] | Switch between open windows from left to right in a thumbnail |
[Alt]+[Tab]+[Shift] | Switch between open windows from right to left in a thumbnail |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The alt key is an abbreviation for the alternate key. This gives alternate input and different operation commands when pressed in conjugation with the other keys.
On most windows keyboards, the alt key is located on either side of the space bar.
The alt key has no use for itself. But when used in combination with other keys, it can execute various functions. It is used for tasks like printing special characters, For application-specific operations, or keyboard-specific features, when we press the Alt key then depending on the application, the Alt key may serve a different purpose.
The two alt keys on the keyboard allow a user to execute different functions. In German, which tends to use more letters and symbols than other languages, some keys can be assigned up to three symbols or actions. By combining the ctrl key with the right Alt key, which on European keyboards is labelled as the Alt Gr key and is located to the right of the space bar, one can access the third key assignment.
There are 2 Alt keys in a computer keyboard. This is a modifier key that provides quick access to various commands in the Windows operating system.