Some commands used in desktop publishing software are common to many types of programs including word processing and graphics software. In the table, below, the specific commands may not exist in all software. Although these are common shortcuts in a lot of desktop publsihing software, some applications may use differing commands for some actions.
| Action | All | PC / Mac | Key |
| New Document | | Ctrl / Cmd | N |
| Open File | | Ctrl / Cmd | O |
| Save File | | Ctrl / Cmd | S |
| Save As | Shift | Ctrl / Cmd | S |
| Print | | Ctrl / Cmd | P |
| Undo | | Ctrl / Cmd | Z |
| Redo | Shift | Ctrl / Cmd | Z |
| Select All | | Ctrl / Cmd | A |
| Select | | Ctrl / Cmd | Click |
| Cut | | Ctrl / Cmd | X |
| Copy | | Ctrl / Cmd | C |
| Paste | | Ctrl / Cmd | V |
| Close Window | | Ctrl / Cmd | W |
| Quit | | Ctrl / Cmd | Q |