Shift key facts for kids
The shift key is a special button on your computer keyboard. It helps you type capital letters, like "ABC," instead of small letters, "abc."
This key is also super useful for typing symbols that share a button with other characters. Think about the number keys or those used for punctuation. When you press the shift key, you get the "upper" symbol on that button. This is the symbol that appears above the other one. The symbol below it usually doesn't need the shift key.
Here are some examples of symbols on an English keyboard that need the shift key:
- The parentheses "(" and ")" are on the same keys as the numbers 9 and 0.
- The question mark "?" is on the same key as the slash "/".
- The exclamation point "!" is on the same key as the number 1.
- The colon ":" is on the same key as the semicolon ";".
How the Shift Key Works
To use the shift key, you need to hold it down while you press another key. Because of this, most keyboards have two shift keys. You'll find one on the left side and one on the right side.
People usually hold down a shift key with one of their little fingers. Then, they use another finger to press the key for the letter or symbol they want. This makes typing faster and easier.
Using Caps Lock Instead
Sometimes, you might need to type many capital letters in a row. Instead of holding down the shift key the whole time, you can use the caps lock key.
The caps lock key lets you type many uppercase letters without having to keep the shift key pressed. Just press it once to turn it on, and press it again to turn it off.
Images for kids
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The shift key on an English Windows keyboard (above the left "Ctrl" key)
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Keyboard of a German mechanical typewriter (early 20th century), with shift keys labelled “Umschalter” (“switch”)
See also
In Spanish: Mayús (tecla) para niños
