The Shift key is a keyboard modifier key that allows users to type a single capital letter and change the top number keys to a symbol. For example, pressing and holding Shift while pressing A generates a capital “A” and pressing Shift and the number 1 creates an exclamation mark on US keyboards.

On U.S. keyboards or QWERTY keyboards, the Shift key is the second-largest key. It is on both the left and right sides of the keyboard. On the left side, the Shift is below the Caps lock key and above the Ctrl key. On the right side, the Shift key is below the Enter or Return key and above the Ctrl key. There is often an upward-pointing arrow (symbol) on the Shift key. The picture is a close-up view and example of the Shift key.

Shift key locations

Below is an overview of a computer keyboard with the Shift keys highlighted in blue.

Unlike the other modifier keys, the Shift key is available on Apple computer keyboards and performs the same function as the PC. The Shift is represented as an up arrow with Apple keyboard shortcuts, similar to that shown in our example picture.

With some TeleType machines, the Shift key was used to get the characters on the top row of a key. There were no uppercase and lowercase characters.

  • Shift key locations.
  • How to use the Shift key.
  • Shift key shortcuts.
  • How many Shift keys are on a keyboard?
  • Why are there two Shift keys on the keyboard?
  • How many other keys can be used with the Shift key?
  • History of the Shift key.
  • Where is the Shift key on the iPhone and iPad?
  • Related information.

How to use the Shift key

To use the Shift key to capitalize letters, press and hold the Shift key, and push the letter you want to capitalize. On U.S. keyboards, hold Shift and press the numbers on the top of the keyboard to type the alternate symbols (e.g., !, @, #, and $) of those keys.

The Shift key is also used with shortcut keys. For example, holding down Shift and pressing the arrow keys highlights text in the direction of the arrow key you press. Below are other examples of shortcuts that use the Shift key.

On most computers (except those running macOS), if the Caps Lock key is enabled and you press Shift and a letter, the letter is lowercase.

Shift key shortcuts

Also, the Shift key can is be used with shortcuts in the Microsoft Windows operating system.

How many Shift keys are on a keyboard?

There are two Shift keys on all computer keyboards today, including PCs, Apple, and Chromebooks (desktops and laptops).

Why are there two Shift keys on the keyboard?

There are two Shift keys on a computer keyboard to help capitalize letters on both sides of the keyboard. For example, to make a capital “z,” press and hold the right Shift, then press Z to make a capital “Z.” Trying to make a capital “z” using only your left hand requires you to move your hand since the pinky cannot press both keys at the same time.

Some keyboards may not have the word “Shift” on them but are still considered a Shift key. For example, there are some laptop keyboards with smaller Shift keys that only have an up arrow.

How many other keys can be used with the Shift key?

The Shift key is a modifier key, which means it could be used in conjunction with any other key on the keyboard, including other modifier keys.

History of the Shift key

The first keyboard to have a Shift key was on the Remington No. 2 typewriter introduced in 1878. It had one Shift key on the left side of the keyboard.

Where is the Shift key on the iPhone and iPad?

The Shift key is located at the bottom-left section of the on-screen keyboard on an iPhone or iPad. When the Shift key is gray, it is not enabled, and letters are typed as lowercase. When the Shift key is white and the up arrow is solid black, letters are typed as uppercase. When you tap the Shift key, the letters change from lowercase to uppercase on the on-screen keyboard. The reason for this is to let the user know the letters will be typed in uppercase.

Early punch-card machines that entered data into a computer using a punch card did not use a Shift key.

Keyboard, Keyboard terms, Modifier key, Shift, Uppercase

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