By Marlo Anderson – The Tech Ranch
Every time you reach for the mouse to click the address bar, you lose a second or two. Press Ctrl + L instead. The address is highlighted and ready, so you can type a website or a search and press Enter.
The Shortcut
- Ctrl + L: jump to the address bar (Windows and Chromebook)
- ⌘ + L: the same thing on a Mac
- Alt + D or F6 work too on Windows
- Works in Chrome, Edge, Firefox and most other browsers
Type a Site or a Search
The address bar doubles as a search box, so you can type a full web address or just what you’re looking for, like “weather mandan,” and press Enter.
Bonus Tip: Let Chrome Add www. and .com
Type just the name of a site, like thetechranch, then press Ctrl + Enter. Chrome adds the www. and .com for you and opens the site. On a Mac, press Control + Return.
More Keyboard Shortcuts, Explained
This is part of my Keyboard Shortcuts Explained series: quick, plain-English tips that make everyday computer work faster. Watch the whole series on YouTube and subscribe to The Tech Ranch so you don’t miss the next one.
Got a shortcut you can’t live without? Tell me in the YouTube comments and it might show up in a future video.
