Modifiernäppäin

Modifiernäppäin is a Swedish term referring to keys on a computer keyboard that, when pressed in combination with other keys, modify their usual function. These keys do not typically produce a character or command on their own but alter the behavior of the keys they are pressed with.

The most common modifier keys are Shift, Control (Ctrl), and Alt. The Shift key is used to type uppercase letters and to access the secondary symbols printed on some keys. The Control key is often used in keyboard shortcuts for commands like copying (Ctrl+C) or pasting (Ctrl+V). The Alt key, also known as the Option key on some operating systems, is also frequently used in shortcuts and can be used to access special characters or menu commands.

On Apple Macintosh keyboards, the Command key (⌘) serves a similar purpose to the Control key on other systems, frequently used for shortcuts like Command+C for copy. Additionally, the Function (Fn) key is found on many laptop keyboards and, when pressed, allows the F1 through F12 keys to perform secondary functions such as adjusting screen brightness or volume. Understanding the role of modifier keys is essential for efficient computer use and navigating software applications effectively. They are a fundamental aspect of keyboard interaction.