The enter key (or the return key) in most cases causes a form or dialog box to operate its default function, which is typically to finish an "entry" and begin the obviously desired process.

Return/Enter buttons on a keyboard.

The return key is often also referred to as (and even marked as) the enter key and it usually performs the same function as the enter key, but in some applications (mainly page layout, word processing and in typewriting) it's the one that operates like the carriage return key from which it originates. It typically has an arrow pointing down and left, which is the symbol for carriage return.

The enter key is typically located on the lower right of the numeric keyboard, and the return key (often marked as the enter key) on the right edge of the keyboard, under backspace.

Usually the default button on a form is highlighted, giving a subtle visual clue that the user has the option of clicking the button or simply pressing Enter.

Inverted

In Visual Studio, the AcceptButton property of a form indicates which (unique) button is the default which will be applied when the user types Enter.

In word processing, pressing the enter key ends a paragraph. Usually, the enter key is pressed twice when beginning a new paragraph, leaving a blank line between the two paragraphs. Some word processors provide the option of displaying that blank line, but this is usually not done in short documents.

On a Macintosh keyboard, the Enter and Return key are two different keys.

See also

• Carriage return

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