You are probably familiar with the Ctrl Z keyboard shortcut which allows you to undo the last action performed on your computer . Whether to correct a typing error, restore a deleted file or go back in software, this shortcut is very practical and widely used. But do you know how to do the opposite of a Ctrl Z , that is to say redo an action that you canceled by mistake or by regret?
In this article, we will explain how to use the reverse Ctrl Z keyboard shortcut on Windows , Mac and Linux , as well as the cases where it is not possible to do so.
What is the reverse keyboard shortcut for Ctrl Z?
To do the opposite of CTRL Z, simply use the Ctrl Y !
Indeed, this combination allows you to restore the last action undone by Ctrl Z , whether in Windows , in word processing software like Word or in a photo editor like Photoshop . For example, if you deleted a file by mistake and pressed Ctrl+Z to restore it , you can press Ctrl Y to delete it again.
However, this shortcut is not universal and may vary depending on the application you are using or the operating system you have. For example, on Mac OS , the reverse shortcut for Ctrl Z is Cmd ⌘ + Shift ⇧ + Z , because the Cmd ⌘ often replaces the Ctrl key on Apple keyboards. On Linux, the reverse shortcut for Ctrl Z can be Ctrl + Shift ⇧ + Z or Ctrl + R depending on the desktop environment (GNOME, KDE, etc.) or terminal you are using.
It is therefore important to know the inverse shortcut of Ctrl Z adapted to your situation and your software. To do this, you can consult the list of keyboard shortcuts available in the Help menu or in the toolbar of your application. You can also try different key combinations until you find one that works.
When can you use the reverse shortcut of Ctrl Z?
The reverse Ctrl Z shortcut is useful for redoing an action that you accidentally undone or want to change. For example, if you copied some text and pasted it in the wrong place, you can press Ctrl Z to unpaste it, then Ctrl Y to redo it in the correct place . Or, if you applied a filter to a photo and undid it to see the difference, you can press Ctrl Y to reapply the filter.
However, there are cases where it is not possible to use the reverse shortcut of Ctrl Z . For example :
- If you closed the file or application in which you performed the undone action, you will not be able to revert it by reopening the file or application.
- If you have performed multiple actions after undoing an action, you will not be able to redo it directly with the reverse shortcut of Ctrl Z. You will first need to undo intermediate actions with Ctrl Z until you return to the action you want to restore.
- If you canceled an action that is not taken into account by your application's undo system, such as saving a file or sending an email , you will not be able to reinstate it with the shortcut Ctrl Y .
It is therefore advisable to use the Ctrl Y shortcut carefully and check the result before continuing your work. If you are unsure, you can always use the Save As or Export function to create a copy of your file before changing anything.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the reverse Ctrl Z shortcut:
How to undo multiple actions with Ctrl Z?
You can press Ctrl Z multiple times to undo multiple actions in succession . Each press of Ctrl Z undoes the last action performed. You can also hold down the Ctrl key and press the Z key several times.
How to redo several actions with Ctrl Y?
You can press Ctrl Y several times to redo several successive actions . Each press of Ctrl Y restores the last undone action. You can also hold down the Ctrl key and press the Y key several times.
How do I undo the reverse Ctrl Z shortcut?
If you accidentally pressed the opposite shortcut of Ctrl Z , Ctrl Y , and want to undo the reverted action, you can press Ctrl Z again to undo it. This amounts to going back and forth between undoing and redoing an action.
How to reverse Ctrl Z on a smartphone or tablet?
On a smartphone or tablet , there is no keyboard shortcut for Ctrl Z, because there is no Ctrl key. To undo or redo an action, you need to use the options available in the app you're using, like the Undo or Redo buttons, or touch gestures like swiping left or right.
How to do the reverse of a Ctrl Z on a web browser?
On a web browser , the Ctrl Y shortcut can have different effects depending on the context. If you are filling out a form or writing text in an input box, Ctrl Y can redo the last undone action in the text . If you are browsing web pages, the reverse Ctrl Z shortcut can reopen the last closed tab or return to the last visited page .
