Ctrl click

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Ctrl click

Ctrl click, also known as control-click, is a computer input technique that involves pressing and holding the Ctrl (Control) key while clicking on an item, typically to access additional options or perform a specific action. This technique is commonly used in both Windows and macOS operating systems.

What does Ctrl click Mean?

Ctrl click, sometimes referred to as control click or Command click on Mac, is a computer keyboard shortcut that involves pressing and holding the Ctrl key (or Command key on Mac) while clicking the mouse button. This combination triggers specific actions or commands depending on the Operating System, application, or context in which it is used.

Ctrl click typically performs a secondary or alternative action or provides additional options for the selected item. It allows users to access hidden menus, open new windows or tabs, select multiple items, and execute specific functions that may not be readily available through standard clicks.

Applications

Ctrl click finds widespread applications across various technologies and software programs:

  • File and Folder Management:
  • Copy/paste files and folders (Ctrl + C/V)

  • Open files or folders in a new window/tab (Ctrl + Click)

  • Text Editing and Word Processing:

  • Select non-contiguous text (Ctrl + Click)

  • Open hyperlinks in a new tab (Ctrl + Click on link)

  • Web Browsing:

  • Open links in new tabs (Ctrl + Click on link)

  • Open context menus for pages or elements (Ctrl + Click on page/element)

  • Operating Systems:

  • Display hidden files and folders (Ctrl + Click on folder path)
  • Perform advanced actions, such as properties, permissions, or task Manager (Ctrl + Click on file/folder/icon)

History

The origin of Ctrl click dates back to the early days of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and the development of the mouse as an input device. Early GUIs like the Apple Lisa and the Xerox Alto introduced the Concept of using keyboard modifiers to enhance mouse functionality.

Initially, the Control key was primarily used for keyboard shortcuts and modifiers, and its combination with mouse clicks was not widely adopted. However, with the growing popularity of GUI applications and the increasing need for advanced user interactions, the Ctrl click shortcut gradually gained prominence.

Over time, different operating systems and software programs standardized the use of Ctrl click for various functions, making it a universal and consistent keyboard shortcut across multiple platforms. Today, Ctrl click has become an essential part of the user experience, providing users with intuitive and efficient ways to interact with technology.