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TheInsert keyInsert (often abbreviatedIns) is a key commonly found oncomputer keyboards.
It is primarily used to switch between the two text-enteringmodes on apersonal computer (PC) orword processor:[1]
The insert/overtype mode toggling is not global for the computer or even for a single application but rather local to the text input window in which the Insert key was pressed.
On earlytext-based computing environments andterminals, when the cursor is in overtype mode, it was represented as a block that surrounded the entire letter to be overstruck; when in insert mode, the cursor consisted of thevertical bar that is highly common among modern applications, or a blinking underline under the position where a new character would be inserted.
On modern keyboards, the Insert key is only present on the control block between the typewriter keys and the numeric keypad. Originally an insert key was provided in the typewriter key block[citation needed] beside adelete key; both have been removed in favor of a double-sized 'backspace key'. The key was often maligned as unnecessary and more likely to be accidentally than intentionally activated.[2]
Whenkeymapping using Octal code, the desired key may be set by sending\e\161 to perform the "insert" function.[citation needed]
Circa 1972, IBM Model B keyboards were equipped with an "INS MODE" key above the cursor arrow keys, next to "DEL".[3] The Model B keyboards were used with3270-series terminals that processed screen data locally before sending to the host.
HP 2640 series terminals, introduced in 1974, possessed an "Insert Char" mode-toggle button with a status light. It was positioned above the numeric keypad group, along with Delete Char, Insert Line, and Delete Line non-modal buttons.[4][5][6]
TheIBM 5100 portable (1975) showed Insert and Delete above the top-row cursor keys.[7] TheIBM 5150 PC (1981) featured Ins and Del on the0 and. keys of itsModel F keyboard.[8]
Commodore included an INST|DEL key on itsPET[9][10] andC64 micro-computers from 1977 onwards.[11]
Digital Equipment Corporation'sVT220 terminal (1985) introduced an "INSERT HERE" key in the editing key group. It would send theescape sequence "CSI 2 ~" to the host.[12] In return, a host application could send "CSI 4 h" or "CSI 4 l" to switch Insert/Replace Mode (IRM) on the terminal.[13]
XTerm, a terminal emulator for theX Window System, sends "CSI 2 ~" in DEC mode, "CSI 2 z" inSun mode, "ESC Q" inHP mode, and "CSI L" inSCO mode.[14]
Modernword processing applications operate in insert mode by default, but can still be switched to overtype mode by pressing the Insert key. Some applications indicate overtype mode with a letter-width cursor box, as opposed to the standard narrow cursor; however, others use the narrow cursor for both modes, and indicate overtype with an "OVR" indicator in the status bar.[citation needed]
The Insert key, when pressed along withControl orShift keys, can also be used tocopy or paste inMicrosoft Windows. This behavior comes from theCommon User Access standard.[citation needed]
Screen readers use the insert key for hotkeys for reading text, speaking formatting information, or opening the screen reader's configuration menu or window.[citation needed]
The edit group (upper right portion of the keyboard) contains four keys that allow you to edit text or data on the screen. ... The [Insert Char] key allows you to insert characters into a line without overwriting existing characters. When you press the [Insert Char] key the indicator above the key lights. This indicates that you are in the insert character mode. When you want to return to the normal (overwrite) mode of character entry, press the key again. [p. 3-5] ... You can insert characters with wraparound by typing [Ctrl] [Insert Char]. This will cause the [Insert Char] indicator to blink. While in this mode characters that overflow a line due to insertion are moved to the next line. [p. 4-2]
| Esc | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | F9 | F10 | F11 | F12 | PrtScn/ SysRq | Scroll Lock | Pause/ Break | |||||||||
 | Insert | Home | PgUp | Num Lock | ∕ | ∗ | − | |||||||||||||||||
| Delete | End | PgDn | 7 | 8 | 9 | + | ||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ↑ | 1 | 2 | 3 | Enter | ||||||||||||||||||||
| ← | ↓ | → | 0 Ins | . Del | ||||||||||||||||||||
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