Key Strokes - Accounting Software Secrets
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Key Strokes

Key Strokes

Keystrokes

Keystrokes improve data entry significantly because there is no need to remove your hands from the keyboard, reach for the mouse, figure out where the cursor is, move it to where you need to go, and click (potentially several times).  There are two ways to do this; the first is as data entry is completed, the second is to perform a specific task such as opening a form or memorizing a transaction.

By starting to type the name or item as you are completing a data entry task, the software will try to help by using “QuickFill” to match information already on the list.  If it is not found, you will have the option to set it up.  By starting to type, this is usually much more efficient than using the scroll down list.  The main trick to this feature is to be consistent when setting up list items.  For example if the list says Smith, Bob and the user types Bob Smith, QuickFill cannot help to find it.

The keystrokes in QuickBooks are left over from the old QuickBooks for DOS days.  Although it may take a little while to get used to them, keeping your hands on the keyboard will reduce the time and effort it takes to enter information.  For the complete listing, see the User’s Guide that is provided with the software.  Here are a few to get started.

 

Keyboard Shortcuts:

Where you need to be

What it does

What you press together

In any date field

 

Changes the date to the beginning of the month

 

Ctrl > M
Trick: The first letter of the word Month

In any date field

 

Changes the date to the end of the month

 

Ctrl > H
Trick: The last letter of the word Month

In any date field

 

Changes the date to the beginning of the year

 

Ctrl > Y
Trick: The first letter of the word Year

In any date field

 

Changes the date to the end of the year

 

Ctrl > R
Trick: The last letter of the word Year

In any date field

 

Changes the date to today

 

Ctrl > T

Anywhere

 

Opens the invoice form

 

Ctrl > I

Anywhere

 

Opens the check form

 

Ctrl > W

Anywhere

 

Opens the Chart of Accounts list

 

Ctrl > A

On any list

 

Creates a new entry for the list

 

Ctrl > Nr

On any list

 

Edits the entry that is currently highlighted

 

Ctrl > E

On any form

 

Move forward to the next field

 

Tab

On any form

 

Move back to the previous field

 

Shift > Tab

When several windows are open in QuickBooks

 

To close the windows one at a time

 

Esc

 

 


 

More information on this topic

Features of QuickBooks

Navigation Alternatives