What the Shift key does
Shift types capital letters and the upper symbol on a key while held. It also extends selections with arrow keys, reverses Tab, and modifies shortcuts (Ctrl+Shift+T reopens a tab). Pressing Shift five times opens the Sticky Keys prompt on Windows.
On a Mac
Same behaviour. Shift+Command+3 takes a screenshot and Shift+Option gives a third layer of symbols with Option.
On a laptop
Identical. On compact laptops the right Shift may be narrow.
Shortcuts that use the Shift key
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Shift+letter | Capital letter |
| Shift+arrow | Extend selection |
| Shift+Tab | Previous field |
| Ctrl+Shift+T | Reopen closed tab |
| Shift+Delete | Permanently delete (Windows) |
| Shift ×5 | Sticky Keys prompt (Windows) |
If the Shift key is missing or not working
If Shift seems inverted, Caps Lock is on. If Shift behaves as if held down, Sticky Keys may be on (press Shift five times to open its dialog and turn it off). Test both Shift keys below.
Test it here: click the tester, press the key, and it should light up green. A red key is stuck; a key that never lights up is dead or intercepted by the system. The full keyboard tester has the press log and more detail.
Click the tester, then press any key. Browser shortcuts are blocked while it has focus.
—
- key
- —
- code
- —
- keyCode
- —
none
Max at once: 0 (rollover)
None detected. A key held for more than 2 seconds is flagged.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get capitals without Shift? +
Caps Lock is on. Press it once.
What is the Shift key symbol? +
⇧, an upwards white arrow, Unicode U+21E7.
Why does a dialog appear when I press Shift repeatedly? +
Windows offers Sticky Keys after five presses. Choose No, or disable the shortcut in Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.