Essential iPad Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficient Text Editing
Written on
Understanding iPad Keyboard Shortcuts
As you immerse yourself in your writing tasks, familiarity with your device becomes increasingly beneficial. As a writer, editor, and writing coach, I rely heavily on my 2018 iPad Pro for drafting and revising various documents, including articles, emails, and full manuscripts. Since my work is centered around text, the evolution of iPadOS has introduced numerous keyboard shortcuts that significantly streamline my tasks. Below, I've compiled a list of my most frequently used keyboard shortcuts that can boost your productivity, particularly in text manipulation.
Note: All shortcuts necessitate a Bluetooth keyboard or the iPad’s Magic Keyboard.
OS Level Keyboard Shortcuts
With the release of iPadOS 15, Apple has significantly enhanced keyboard shortcuts on the iPad, allowing users to navigate the operating system more swiftly—especially when using the iPad on a stand with a keyboard. Here are some key shortcuts that facilitate smoother navigation:
- Command + Spacebar: This shortcut launches Spotlight, enabling you to search your entire device. If you're familiar with a Mac, you’ll appreciate this feature for quickly locating files or apps not displayed on your home screen. It also supports quick calculations and currency conversions.
- Command + H: This simple shortcut takes you back to the home screen, no matter where you are within the iPadOS.
- Press and Hold Command within an App: This action reveals a list of available shortcuts specific to the current application, allowing you to tap and execute them with ease.
Globe Key Combos
When using the Bluetooth Magic Keyboard, the FN key functions as the globe key, which can be configured in the settings:
Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard > Modifier Keys
- Globe + C: This activates the Control Center. Unfortunately, there’s no dedicated button for adjusting screen brightness on the Magic Keyboard, making this shortcut especially helpful for quick access.
- Globe + S: This shortcut activates Siri. For those who prefer not to use "Hey Siri," this allows you to engage Siri discreetly, perfect for setting reminders or running shortcuts without interrupting your workflow.
- Globe + Arrow Key: Quickly switch between apps that are currently open. This is particularly useful when you need to reference information or copy and paste between applications.
- Long Press Globe: Similar to the Command key, a long press on the Globe key displays a list of keyboard shortcuts relevant to iPadOS functionalities.
Text Editing Keyboard Shortcuts
While I primarily use these shortcuts on my iPad, they are also applicable on a Mac and may function on Windows with the Ctrl key instead of Command.
Maneuvering the Cursor
Many users rely solely on arrow keys to move the cursor, but you can enhance your speed by incorporating the Option or Command keys:
- Option + Arrow Key: Moves the cursor one word in the desired direction, allowing for faster navigation when editing.
- Command + Arrow Key: This command shifts the cursor to the beginning or end of the current line.
Basic Transformations
- Command + B: Bold text.
- Command + I: Italicize text.
- Command + U: Underline text.
- Command + C: Copy selected text.
- Command + V: Paste copied text.
- Command + X: Cut selected text.
Selecting Text
Efficient text selection is crucial for editing. Here are some shortcuts to quickly and accurately select text:
- Shift + Arrow Key: Move the cursor one character at a time while selecting text.
- Command + A: Select all text in the document.
- Option + Shift + Arrow Key: Selects entire words.
- Command + Shift + Arrow Key: Selects the entire line, making it easier to handle larger text selections.
Familiarizing yourself with these shortcuts will greatly enhance your editing speed and efficiency. I recommend practicing them to integrate them into your writing routine seamlessly.
If you’ve reached this point, here’s a pro tip for Medium users: After selecting text, press the ` key (the one with the ~ symbol next to 1) to format it in a code-like style, useful for highlighting specific content.
If you found this information helpful, consider exploring the following resources:
- Magic Keyboard for the iPad: A Writer’s Review - Is it truly life-changing?
- The Magic Ingredient in my iPad Pro Setup - It’s not just about the keyboard case.
- My Writing Workflow on an iPad - Discover how I utilize Siri during my writing sessions.
- The Writer’s Computer: iPad - Why the iPad Pro is the ultimate tool for writers.
This first video covers incredibly useful iPad keyboard shortcuts, including those found in iPadOS 18, providing you with visual guidance to enhance your productivity.
The second video demonstrates iPad keyboard shortcuts that can boost your productivity by a staggering 1000X, offering practical tips for writers and editors alike.
If you appreciate this content, consider supporting me with a cup of tea (or three)!