Rolling and Scrolling

Scrolling and Positioning the Insertion Point

Scrolling is moving the document through the viewing area of the document window in order to see parts of the text out of view and to position the insertion point to enter or edit text.

For both keyboards and mice (touchpad), there are several distinct techniques for scrolling and positioning. And although many rely nearly exclusively on their mouse, the keyboard is often faster, more efficient, and leaves both hands on the keyboard.

The keyboard is unique in comparison to a mouse in that scrolling and positioning are simultaneous. Wherever you go using the keyboard, the insertion point/cursor is right there with you, ready to go. Mouse scrolling requires another mouse click to relocate the insertion point.

Furthermore, scrolling and positioning using the keyboard is faster than using the mouse. For example, jumping to the beginning or end of a document with the keyboard (Ctrl-Home/Ctrl-End, respectively) is a fait accomplis when a mouse is just getting started.

Keyboard Commands

The keyboard cursor movement keys in the following table work in virtually every nook and cranny of every software program ever written.

These commands should be in every user's repertoire because they are fast, efficient, and, used properly, they can cut down on the risk of repetitive strain injury

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Keystroke	Result
Left Arrow	Cursor left, one character
Right Arrow	Cursor right, one character
Ctrl-Left Arrow	Cursor left, one word
Ctrl-Right Arrow	Cursor right, one word
End	Cursor to end of line
Home	Cursor to beginning of line
PageUp	Cursor up one screenful
PageDown	Cursor down one screenful
Ctrl-End	Cursor to end of document
Ctrl-Home	Cursor to beginning of document
Ctrl-Up	Arrow Cursor up one paragraph
Ctrl-Down	Arrow Cursor down one paragraph

Mouse Techniques

There are three distinct techniques for scrolling using the mouse and scroll bars.

• Drag the scroll box
• Click in the scroll bar
• Click on the scroll arrows

Don't waste time and energy by using the techniques inappropriately.

Technique 1: Drag the scroll box

Dragging the scroll box works best for scrolling long distances in a document. This is why MS-Word displays page numbers as you scroll this way. Dragging the scroll bar is too coarse an adjustment for medium and short distance scrolling.

• Dragging the scroll box downward moves text upward in proportion to the distance and speed with which you drag the scroll box.
• Dragging the scroll box upward moves text downward in proportion to the distance and speed with which you drag the scroll box.

Technique 2: Click in the scroll bar

Clicking empty space in the scroll bar works well for mid-range moves - scrolling one screenful at a time.

This technique is the most natural way to scroll while reading through a document or Web page. It is analogous to turning pages in a book.

Scrolling this way actually moves one line less than a screenful. This helps you find your new place and confirms that you haven't missed anything.

• Left-click the scroll bar below the scroll box to move text up an entire screen at a time
• Left-click the scroll bar above the scroll box to move text down an entire screen at a time

Technique 3: Click the scroll arrows

Clicking the scroll arrows is "low gear" scrolling and is designed for making fine adjustments in position. For example, use it to bring fully into view a graphic or table which is partially off-screen.

Clicking the scroll arrows is not an efficient technique for scrolling long distances.

Clicking the scroll arrows is especially poorly suited for advancing text as it is being read. Its frequent and jerky scrolling movement is a sure recipe for eye strain as eye muscles adjust constantly.

• Click the bottom scroll arrow to move text up one line at a time
• Click the top scroll arrow to move text down one line at a time