Shift key

1. A keyboard key that allows a user to type a single capital letter. For example, pressing and holding the shift key while pressing the letter a key would generate a capital A. In the picture to the right, is an example of what this key may look like. The shift key is commonly located on both the left and right-hand of the keyboard, below the caps lock key and Enter or return key, and is often the second largest key on US keyboards.

Unlike the other modifier keys the Shift key is also found on Apple computer keyboards and performs the same function as the PC computers. With Apple keyboard shortcuts the shift is represented as an up arrow, similar to what shown in our example picture.

In addition to changing the case of the text the shift key is also used as a shortcut key to perform various different shortcuts. For example, holding down the shift key and pressing your arrow keys will highlight text in the direction of the arrow key you press.


2. Microsoft command line command that changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program. Additional information about this command found on our shift command page.