Shift

shift

event.keyCode

16

event.key

Shift

event.code

ShiftLeft

Unicode

⇧

Code Examples

Copy and paste these examples to detect the Shift key in your JavaScript code

Recommended modern approach

// Modern approach (recommended)
document.addEventListener('keydown', (e) => {
  if (e.key === 'Shift') {
    console.log('Shift key pressed!');
    // Your code here
  }
});

Common Use Cases

How the Shift key is typically used in web applications

Text Selection

Select text while navigating with arrow keys

Reverse Tab

Move focus backward with Shift+Tab

Range Selection

Select ranges of items in lists

Related Keys

Other keys commonly used together or in similar contexts

Control

Modifier key

Alt

Modifier key

Tab

Reverse navigation