Alternatively known as Control+F, ^f, and C-f, Ctrl+F is a keyboard shortcut often used to open a find box to locate a specific character, word, or phrase in a document or web page.

How to use the Ctrl+F keyboard shortcut

To use this keyboard shortcut, press and hold either Ctrl key, and while continuing to hold, press F.

On Apple computers, the keyboard shortcut for find Command+F.

  • How to use the Ctrl+F keyboard shortcut.
  • Ctrl+F in an Internet browser.
  • Ctrl+F in Excel and other spreadsheet programs.
  • Ctrl+F in Outlook.
  • Ctrl+F in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Ctrl+F in Word and other word processors.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Ctrl+F in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+F opens the find box that lets you search for characters, text, and phrases on the current page. This shortcut is extremely helpful when trying to find specific text in a long document or article.

  • Firefox shortcuts
  • Google Chrome shortcuts
  • Internet Explorer shortcuts

Ctrl+F in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+F opens the find box that lets you search for characters, text, and phrases within a spreadsheet. In Excel specifically, this shortcut opens the Find and Replace window to replace found text with other text.

  • Full list of Excel shortcuts.
  • Google Sheets shortcuts.

Ctrl+F in Outlook

In Microsoft Outlook, pressing Ctrl+F forwards an e-mail.

If you want to directly open the Replace option, use the Ctrl+H shortcut.

  • Full list of Outlook shortcuts.

Ctrl+F in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+F opens the find window.

  • Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+F in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word, and other word processors and text editors, Ctrl+F opens a find box that lets you search for characters, text, and phrases in the current document. In Word specifically, Ctrl+F opens a search box in the Navigation task pane.

  • Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.

Below are links to related keyboard shortcuts and individual key pages.

  • Alt+F
  • Ctrl

Ctrl, F, Find, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, Search

  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.
  • Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know.
  • Keyboard help and support.