What does the Tab key do when pressed?

The Tab key is designed to move the insertion point a specific distance, typically 0.5 inch to the right on most word processing applications. This distinct movement allows users to align text or create structured layouts without the need for multiple spaces, providing a more organized appearance in documents. This function is particularly useful when creating lists or tables where consistent alignment is important. By facilitating the movement of the insertion point to the right, the Tab key ensures that text can be formatted neatly and efficiently, distinguishing it from other keys that serve different spacing roles.

In the context of the other options, the Tab key does not move the cursor to the left, create a new line, or insert a space of 1 inch, as those functions are fulfilled by different keys or commands on a keyboard. This clarifies the specific purpose of the Tab key in text formatting and document preparation.