What Does the Enter Key Do?
Enter starts a new line when you are writing, and it says "go!" when you are searching, sending or choosing something.
Reach for Enter with your right pinky, then hop right back to the ; key.
Where is the Enter key?
The highlighted key is the Enter key on a typical Windows laptop keyboard, with a number pad on the right. Keyboards vary a little by brand.
What the Enter key does
- In a document: Enter ends a paragraph and moves the cursor to a new line.
- In a search box or form: Enter sends what you typed, like clicking the Search or Submit button.
- In chat apps: Enter usually sends the message. Use Shift + Enter to add a new line without sending.
- On a selected button or link: Enter presses it.
Full-size keyboards have two Enter keys: the big one next to the letters and a second one on the number pad. They do the same thing.
Windows, Mac and Chromebook
Windows
Labeled Enter (sometimes with a ↵ arrow).
Mac
Mac keyboards call it return. It does the same job. The name comes from typewriters, where you "returned" the carriage to start a new line.
Chromebook
Labeled Enter. Alt + Enter in the address bar opens the page in a new tab.
Which finger presses it?
Use your right pinky. Slide it right from the ; key past the ' key, tap Enter, and come back home.
Fun fact
Typewriters had a lever you pushed to move the paper back to the left and down one line. Electric typewriters turned that lever into a Return key, and computers kept it.
Keep learning
- Practice the reach in Lesson 4: Add A and ;.
- More keys: Backspace, Space bar, Shift key, Tab key.
- See every keyboard key explained.
- Names of all the symbols: Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
Quick drill: find the Enter key
Press the key on your keyboard, or click or tap it below, when Rocky asks. Wrong key? We will tell you what it was.
Enter key FAQ
Is Return the same as Enter?
Yes, for typing they do the same job. Mac keyboards call the key return.
How do I make a new line without sending a chat message?
Press Shift + Enter in most chat apps and email programs.
Which finger presses Enter?
The right pinky, reaching to the right from the home row.