There’s nothing more frustrating than typing along and making a mistake that completely undoes all your progress. The worst part? You don’t remember the last time you saved your work. Or even worse, your document is on autosave, so the last saved version is post-mistake.

Enter the undo function. You can easily go back to where you were before the mistake was made. Undo can really save the day.

Did you know undo has an easy keyboard command, Ctrl+Z? By simply hitting Ctrl+Z, you can go back, undo, and pick up where you want to be.

What is Ctrl+Z?

Ctrl+Z is a common computer keyboard shortcut that works across many programs and applications. “Ctrl + Z” is the undo function, reverting back to the previous state before your last action. It works in browsers, Microsoft Office, Adobe programs, and file explorer.

How Does it Work?

Ctrl+Z is essentially the undo or revert keyboard shortcut that fixes a mistake. It also lets you test formatting or other changes and go back if you don’t like the results.

You can even press Ctrl+Z multiple times to undo multiple actions. This can be limited by your last save or by the program’s activity storage.

Where Does it Work?

Ctrl+Z is almost universal. It works in browsers, Microsoft Office, Adobe products, file explorer, and more. Note that it only works in the program you are using — you can’t undo an action performed in another program.

Ctrl+Z works differently depending on the program. Accidentally moved a file to another folder in Explorer? Ctrl+Z puts it back where it belongs. Have text selected and type over something you didn’t mean to in a Word document? Ctrl+Z undoes that. Messed up a formula in Excel when entering data? Fix it right away with Ctrl+Z.

Ctrl+Z is multi-use in Outlook. It works in text editing to undo typing mistakes, and it also will move an email back into a folder if you accidentally drag it somewhere else.

What Are the Best Practices for Using Ctrl+Z?

• Combine Ctrl+Z with the redo function, Ctrl+Y or Ctrl+Shift+Z. This is especially useful if you decide you prefer the changes after undoing the edit. It’s also helpful if you go back a step too far. Using the redo function lets you test changes without starting over.
• Use Ctrl+Z immediately after an accident. For example, if you accidentally hit Ctrl+A (select all) instead of Shift A when typing and type over everything you previously typed, you can fix that immediately with Ctrl+Z.
• Learn how Ctrl+Z works in the programs you use most. It may have some useful features you haven’t thought about. It also may have limitations that you need to know about.

Conclusion

While we all make mistakes, we can rest easier knowing that there is a simple step we can take to fix them in our work. Ctrl+Z helps us be more efficient and better at our roles. If only Ctrl+Z worked on that pint of ice cream.