Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
Mastering keyboard shortcuts can greatly enhance your productivity when navigating your desktop or laptop. Switching between tabs on your web browser is one task where keyboard shortcuts can be particularly useful. Instead of relying on the mouse, these shortcuts enable you to swiftly move between tabs, saving you time and reducing the risk of accidentally closing a tab. Learn how to efficiently navigate your tabs with keyboard commands and execute additional functions like closing tabs or reopening recently closed ones.
Most keyboard commands for browsers are universal, with minor differences between Windows, Chrome, and Mac devices. Here are the essential browser shortcuts you need to know to efficiently manage your tabs.
How to switch between tabs on a keyboard
Effortlessly navigate your browser tabs using simple keyboard shortcuts. After familiarizing yourself with the following shortcuts, switching tabs will become second nature. You can even jump directly to a specific tab using your keyboard, which is incredibly helpful when dealing with multiple open tabs.
Control (Ctrl) + Tab
Switch between tabs from left to right with this standard shortcut. Compatible across various browsers, systems, and devices, this shortcut is easy to remember and use.
Control (Ctrl) + Shift + Tab
Similar to the previous shortcut, this command moves tabs from right to left. It works seamlessly across browsers, systems, and devices.
Control (Ctrl) + Number Key (1-9)
Select a specific tab by combining Ctrl with numbers 1 through 9. Ideal for quickly accessing known tabs, with the limitation of only working for the first eight number tabs.
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How to navigate other browser tab shortcuts
Enhance your tab navigation with additional commands that complement primary shortcuts. Whether you need to perform actions after switching tabs or require browser-specific shortcuts, these options can streamline your browsing experience.
Control (Ctrl) + T: Opens a new tab in a browser.
Control (Ctrl) + Shift + T: Reopens the last closed tab in a browser.
Control (Ctrl) + N: Opens a new browser window.
Control (Ctrl) + W: Closes the current tab in a browser.
Control (Ctrl) + Shift + N: Opens a new Incognito window in Windows/Chrome.
How to use browser-specific shortcuts
While most commands work across browsers, specific shortcuts are handy for Firefox or Safari users. Familiarize yourself with these browser-specific shortcuts for added convenience.
Command (⌘) + T: Opens a new tab in Safari on a Mac.
Command (⌘) + Shift + N: Opens an Incognito window in Safari on a Mac.
Control (Ctrl) + Shift + P: Opens a Private browsing window in Firefox.
