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The Shift key is a modifier key found on most computer keyboards. Its primary function is to change the case of letters when pressed in conjunction with a letter key. Holding down Shift while typing a letter will produce an uppercase version of that letter. Conversely, if the Caps Lock key is active, pressing Shift with a letter key will produce a lowercase letter.

Beyond changing letter case, the Shift key is also used to access the secondary symbols or characters printed on the top of many keys. For example, on a standard US keyboard layout, pressing Shift with the number 1 key produces an exclamation mark, and pressing Shift with the comma key produces a less-than symbol. This allows for a greater range of characters to be input without requiring additional keys.

The Shift key also plays a role in various keyboard shortcuts and special functions. It can be used in combination with other keys for actions such as selecting multiple items in a list, extending text selections, or accessing alternative functions within software applications. For instance, holding Shift while clicking and dragging the mouse can select a block of text, and in some applications, Shift + Tab will move the focus to the previous input field rather than the next. Its versatility makes it one of the most frequently used modifier keys on a keyboard.