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Modifier key

In computing, a modifier key is a special key on a computer keyboard that modifies the normal action of another key when the two are pressed in combination.

For example, + in Microsoft Windows will automatically close the program in an active window. In contrast, pressing just will probably do nothing unless assigned a specific function in a particular program. By themselves, modifier keys usually do nothing.

The most common modifier keys are:

, of course, is the oldest in terms of keyboards in general as it originates from typewriters and is usually used to make uppercase letters when typing.

Apple Macintosh computers also have the special key with the Apple Computer logo and a proprietary symbol that looks like a four-leaf clover (Unicode code point U+2318, or ⌘). is also replaced with the

Sun Microsystems keyboards have two keys, which look like a square rotated 45 degrees (like a diamond shape).

Amiga computers has two keys with the Amiga logo on them. They are mostly used in the same way as is on the PC.

See also: Bucky bit