Esc

Updated: 10/07/2019 by Computer  support 19

Esc may refer to any of the following:

1. Short for Escape, Esc is a key found on the top-left corner of a computer keyboard and allows the user to abort or cancel an operation. For example, if a web page was loading slow on an Internet browser, pressing the Escape key stops the download. The picture what the Esc key looks like on a computer keyboard.

Where is the Escape key on the keyboard?

Below is an overview of a computer keyboard with the Esc key highlighted in blue.

Note

Apple Macbooks with the Touch Bar do not have a physical Esc key.

Why and where is the Esc key used?

An Escape key is used in a program when you want to abort, cancel or change what is currently being displayed on the screen. Below are some difference places the Escape key is commonly used.

• Stop a browser from loading web page if it is taking too long.
• Close a dialog box, popup window, or menu.
• Close or resize a full screen window.
• Used as a shortcut key. For example, Ctrl+Esc in opens the Windows Start menu.
• In games, the Esc key often shows the game menu.
• In vi the Esc key switches modes.