Alternatively called Control+Z and C-z, ^z, Ctrl+Z is a keyboard shortcut often used to undo the previous action.

How to use the Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut

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

Most programs that support the Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut allow you to use it multiple times. For example, you could press and hold Ctrl, and then press Z three times to undo the last three changes (if they exist).

The keyboard shortcut that is the opposite of Ctrl+Z is Ctrl+Y (redo).

On Apple computers, the shortcut to undo is Command+Z.

  • How to use the Ctrl+Z keyboard shortcut.
  • Ctrl+Z in an Internet browser.
  • Ctrl+Z in Excel and other spreadsheet programs.
  • Ctrl+Z in Microsoft PowerPoint.
  • Ctrl+Z in Word and other word processors.
  • Using Ctrl+Z with the copy con command.
  • Ctrl+Z in a command line environment.
  • Related keyboard shortcuts and keys.
  • Related information.
  • Computer keyboard shortcuts.

Ctrl+Z in an Internet browser

In all major Internet browsers (e.g., Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera), pressing Ctrl+Z will undo any change made in a browser form or text field.

  • Firefox shortcuts
  • Google Chrome shortcuts
  • Internet Explorer shortcuts

Ctrl+Z in Excel and other spreadsheet programs

In Microsoft Excel and other spreadsheet programs, pressing Ctrl+Z will undo any change made in a spreadsheet.

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

Ctrl+Z in Microsoft PowerPoint

In Microsoft PowerPoint, Ctrl+Z will undo any edit made to a presentation.

  • Full list of PowerPoint shortcuts.

Ctrl+Z in Word and other word processors

In Microsoft Word and other word processors, pressing Ctrl+Z will undo any change made in a document.

  • Full list of Microsoft Word shortcuts.

Using Ctrl+Z with the copy con command

When using the MS-DOS copy con command, pressing Ctrl+Z finalizes the creation of a file and then saves it.

Ctrl+Z in a command line environment

While in a command line such as Linux, and Unix, Ctrl+Z is used to send a TSTP signal to request it to stop temporarily.

  • Linux signals

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

  • Alt+Z
  • Ctrl

Ctrl, Keyboard shortcut, Keyboard terms, Undo, Z

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