This article describes the keyboard shortcuts and function keys in Word for Windows.
Notes:
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To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use Search. Press Ctrl+F, and then type your search words.
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If an action that you use often does not have a shortcut key, you can record a macro to create one. For instructions, go to Create or run a macro or Use a screen reader to create a macro in Word.
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If you are using Microsoft Word Starter, be aware that not all the features listed for Word are supported in Word Starter. For more information about the features available in Word Starter, go to Word features that are not fully supported in Word Starter.
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Get these keyboard shortcuts in a Word document at this link: Word 2016 for Windows keyboard shortcuts.
In this topic
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Frequently used shortcuts
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Ribbon keyboard shortcuts
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Navigate the document
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Preview and print documents
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Select text and graphics
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Edit text and graphics
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Work with web content
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Work with tables
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Review a document
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Work with references, citations, and indexing
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Work with mail merge and fields
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Work with text in other languages
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Work with document views
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Use function key shortcuts
Frequently used shortcuts
This table shows the most frequently used shortcuts in Microsoft Word.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Open a document. |
Ctrl+O |
Create a new document. |
Ctrl+N |
Save the document. |
Ctrl+S |
Close the document. |
Ctrl+W |
Cut the selected content to the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+X |
Copy the selected content to the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+C |
Paste the contents of the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+V |
Select all document content. |
Ctrl+A |
Apply bold formatting to text. |
Ctrl+B |
Apply italic formatting to text. |
Ctrl+I |
Apply underline formatting to text. |
Ctrl+U |
Decrease the font size by 1 point. |
Ctrl+Left bracket ([) |
Increase the font size by 1 point. |
Ctrl+Right bracket (]) |
Center the text. |
Ctrl+E |
Align the text to the left. |
Ctrl+L |
Align the text to the right. |
Ctrl+R |
Cancel a command. |
Esc |
Undo the previous action. |
Ctrl+Z |
Redo the previous action, if possible. |
Ctrl+Y |
Adjust the zoom magnification. |
Alt+W, Q, then use the Tab key in the Zoom dialog box to go to the value you want. |
Split the document window. |
Ctrl+Alt+S |
Remove the document window split. |
Alt+Shift+C or Ctrl+Alt+S |
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Close a task pane
To close a task pane using the keyboard:
-
Press F6 until the task pane is selected.
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Press Ctrl+Spacebar.
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Use the arrow keys to select Close, and then press Enter.
Ribbon keyboard shortcuts
The ribbon groups related options on tabs. For example, on the Home tab, the Font group includes the Font Color option. Press the Alt key to display the ribbon shortcuts, called Key Tips, as letters in small images next to the tabs and options as shown in the image below.
Note: Add-ins and other programs can add new tabs to the ribbon and might provide access keys for those tabs.
You can combine the Key Tips letters with the Alt key to make shortcuts called Access Keys for the ribbon options. For example, press Alt+H to open the Home tab, and Alt+Q to move to the Tell Me or Search field. Press Alt again to see Key Tips for the options for the selected tab.
Depending on the version of Microsoft 365 you are using, the Search text field at the top of the app window might be called Tell Me instead. Both offer a largely similar experience, but some options and search results can vary.
In Office 2013 and Office 2010, most of the old Alt key menu shortcuts still work, too. However, you need to know the full shortcut. For example, press Alt, and then press one of the old menu keys E (Edit), V (View), I (Insert), and so on. A notification pops up saying you’re using an access key from an earlier version of Microsoft 365. If you know the entire key sequence, go ahead and use it. If you don’t know the sequence, press Esc and use Key Tips instead.
Use the Access Keys for ribbon tabs
To go directly to a tab on the ribbon, press one of the following access keys. Additional tabs might appear depending on your selection in the document.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move to the Tell Me or Search field on the Ribbon to search for assistance or Help content. |
Alt+Q, then enter the search term. |
Open the File page to use Backstage view. |
Alt+F |
Open the Home tab to use common formatting commands, paragraph styles, and the Find tool. |
Alt+H |
Open the Insert tab to insert tables, pictures and shapes, headers, or text boxes. |
Alt+N |
Open the Design tab to use themes, colors, and effects, such as page borders. |
Alt+G |
Open the Layout tab to work with page margins, page orientation, indentation, and spacing. |
Alt+P |
Open the References tab to add a table of contents, footnotes, or a table of citations. |
Alt+S |
Open the Mailings tab to manage Mail Merge tasks and to work with envelopes and labels. |
Alt+M |
Open the Review tab to use Spell Check, set proofing languages, and to track and review changes to your document. |
Alt+R |
Open the View tab to choose a document view or mode, such as Read Mode or Outline view. You can also set the zoom magnification and manage multiple document windows. |
Alt+W |
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Work in the ribbon with the keyboard
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Select the active tab on the ribbon and activate the access keys. |
Alt or F10. To move to a different tab, use access keys or the arrow keys. |
Move the focus to commands on the ribbon. |
Tab key or Shift+Tab |
Move between command groupings on the ribbon. |
Ctrl+Left or Right arrow key |
Move among the items on the ribbon. |
Arrow keys |
Show the tooltip for the ribbon element currently in focus. |
Ctrl+Shift+F10 |
Activate the selected button. |
Spacebar or Enter |
Open the list for the selected command. |
Down arrow key |
Open the menu for the selected button. |
Alt+Down arrow key |
When a menu or submenu is open, move to the next command. |
Down arrow key |
Expand or collapse the ribbon. |
Ctrl+F1 |
Open the context menu. |
Shift+F10 Or, on a Windows keyboard, the Windows Menu key (between the right Alt and right Ctrl keys) |
Move to the submenu when a main menu is open or selected. |
Left arrow key |
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Navigate the document
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move the cursor one word to the left. |
Ctrl+Left arrow key |
Move the cursor one word to the right. |
Ctrl+Right arrow key |
Move the cursor up by one paragraph. |
Ctrl+Up arrow key |
Move the cursor down by one paragraph. |
Ctrl+Down arrow key |
Move the cursor to the end of the current line. |
End |
Move the cursor to the beginning the current line. |
Home |
Move the cursor to the top of the screen. |
Ctrl+Alt+Page up |
Move the cursor to the bottom of the screen. |
Ctrl+Alt+Page down |
Move the cursor by scrolling the document view up by one screen. |
Page up |
Move the cursor by scrolling the document view down by one screen. |
Page down |
Move the cursor to the top of the next page. |
Ctrl+Page down |
Move the cursor to the top of the previous page. |
Ctrl+Page up |
Move the cursor to the end of the document. |
Ctrl+End |
Move the cursor to the beginning of the document. |
Ctrl+Home |
Move the cursor to the location of the previous revision. |
Shift+F5 |
Move the cursor to the location of the last revision made before the document was last closed. |
Shift+F5, immediately after opening the document. |
Cycle through floating shapes, such as text boxes or images. |
Ctrl+Alt+5, and then the Tab key repeatedly |
Exit the floating shape navigation and return to the normal navigation. |
Esc |
Display the Navigation task pane, to search within the document content. |
Ctrl+F |
Display the Go To dialog box, to navigate to a specific page, bookmark, footnote, table, comment, graphic, or other location. |
Ctrl+G |
Cycle through the locations of the four previous changes made to the document. |
Ctrl+Alt+Z |
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Navigate the document using the browse options in Word 2007 and 2010
In Word 2007 and 2010, you can browse the document by various types of objects, such as fields, footnotes, headings, and graphics.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Open the list of browse options to define the type of object to browse by. |
Ctrl+Alt+Home |
Move to the previous object of the defined type. |
Ctrl+Page up |
Move to the next object of the defined type. |
Ctrl+Page down |
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Preview and print documents
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Print the document. |
Ctrl+P |
Switch to print preview. |
Ctrl+Alt+I |
Move around the preview page when zoomed in. |
Arrow keys |
Move by one preview page when zoomed out. |
Page up or Page down |
Move to the first preview page when zoomed out. |
Ctrl+Home |
Move to the last preview page when zoomed out. |
Ctrl+End |
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Select text and graphics
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Select text. |
Shift+Arrow keys |
Select the word to the left. |
Ctrl+Shift+Left arrow key |
Select the word to the right. |
Ctrl+Shift+Right arrow key |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the current line. |
Shift+Home |
Select from the current position to the end of the current line. |
Shift+End |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the current paragraph. |
Ctrl+Shift+Up arrow key |
Select from the current position to the end of the current paragraph. |
Ctrl+Shift+Down arrow key |
Select from the current position to the top of the screen. |
Shift+Page up |
Select from the current position to the bottom of the screen. |
Shift+Page down |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the document. |
Ctrl+Shift+Home |
Select from the current position to the end of the document. |
Ctrl+Shift+End |
Select from the current position to the bottom of the window. |
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Page down |
Select all document content. |
Ctrl+A |
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Extend a selection
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Start extending the selection. |
F8 In the extend selection mode, clicking a location in the document extends the current selection to that location. |
Select the nearest character to the left or right. |
F8, Left or Right arrow key |
Expand the selection. |
F8 repeatedly to expand the selection to the entire word, sentence, paragraph, section, and document. |
Reduce the selection. |
Shift+F8 |
Select a vertical block of text. |
Ctrl+Shift+F8, then press the arrow keys |
Stop extending the selection. |
Esc |
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Edit text and graphics
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Delete one word to the left. |
Ctrl+Backspace |
Delete one word to the right. |
Ctrl+Delete |
Open the Clipboard task pane and enable the Office Clipboard, which allows you to copy and paste content between Microsoft 365 apps. |
Alt+H, F, O |
Cut the selected content to the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+X |
Copy the selected content to the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+C |
Paste the contents of the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+V |
Move the selected content to a specific location. |
F2, move the cursor to the destination, and then press Enter. |
Copy the selected content to a specific location. |
Shift+F2, move the cursor to the destination, and then press Enter. |
Define an AutoText block with the selected content. |
Alt+F3 |
Insert an AutoText block. |
The first few characters of the AutoText block, and then press Enter when the ScreenTip appears. |
Cut the selected content to the Spike. |
Ctrl+F3 |
Paste the contents of the Spike. |
Ctrl+Shift+F3 |
Copy the selected formatting. |
Ctrl+Shift+C |
Paste the selected formatting. |
Ctrl+Shift+V |
Copy the header or footer used in the previous section of the document. |
Alt+Shift+R |
Display the Replace dialog box, to find and replace text, specific formatting, or special items. |
Ctrl+H |
Display the Object dialog box, to insert a file object into the document. |
Alt+N, J, J |
Insert a SmartArt graphic. |
Alt+N, M |
Insert a WordArt graphic. |
Alt+N, W |
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Align and format paragraphs
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Center the paragraph. |
Ctrl+E |
Justify the paragraph. |
Ctrl+J |
Align the paragraph to the left. |
Ctrl+L |
Align the paragraph to the right. |
Ctrl+R |
Indent the paragraph. |
Ctrl+M |
Remove a paragraph indent. |
Ctrl+Shift+M |
Create a hanging indent. |
Ctrl+T |
Remove a hanging indent. |
Ctrl+Shift+T |
Remove paragraph formatting. |
Ctrl+Q |
Apply single spacing to the paragraph. |
Ctrl+1 |
Apply double spacing to the paragraph. |
Ctrl+2 |
Apply 1.5-line spacing to the paragraph. |
Ctrl+5 |
Add or remove space before the paragraph. |
Ctrl+0 (zero) |
Enable AutoFormat. |
Ctrl+Alt+K |
Apply the Normal style. |
Ctrl+Shift+N |
Apply the Heading 1 style. |
Ctrl+Alt+1 |
Apply the Heading 2 style. |
Ctrl+Alt+2 |
Apply the Heading 3 style. |
Ctrl+Alt+3 |
Display the Apply Styles task pane. |
Ctrl+Shift+S |
Display the Styles task pane. |
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S |
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Format characters
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Display the Font dialog box. |
Ctrl+D or Ctrl+Shift+F |
Increase the font size. |
Ctrl+Shift+Right angle bracket (>) |
Decrease the font size. |
Ctrl+Shift+Left angle bracket (<) |
Increase the font size by 1 point. |
Ctrl+Right bracket (]) |
Decrease the font size by 1 point. |
Ctrl+Left bracket ([) |
Switch the text between upper case, lower case, and title case. |
Shift+F3 |
Change the text to all upper case. |
Ctrl+Shift+A |
Hide the selected text. |
Ctrl+Shift+H |
Apply bold formatting. |
Ctrl+B |
Add a bulleted list. |
Ctrl+Shift+L |
Apply underline formatting. |
Ctrl+U |
Apply underline formatting to the words, but not the spaces. |
Ctrl+Shift+W |
Apply double-underline formatting. |
Ctrl+Shift+D |
Apply italic formatting. |
Ctrl+I |
Apply small caps formatting. |
Ctrl+Shift+K |
Apply subscript formatting. |
Ctrl+Equal sign ( = ) |
Apply superscript formatting. |
Ctrl+Shift+Plus sign (+) |
Remove manual character formatting. |
Ctrl+Spacebar |
Change the selected text to the Symbol font. |
Ctrl+Shift+Q |
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Manage text formatting
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Display all nonprinting characters. |
Ctrl+Shift+8 (do not use the numeric keypad) |
Display the Reveal Formatting task pane. |
Shift+F1 |
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Insert special characters
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a line break. |
Shift+Enter |
Insert a page break. |
Ctrl+Enter |
Insert a column break. |
Ctrl+Shift+Enter |
Insert an em dash (—). |
Ctrl+Alt+Minus sign (on the numeric keypad) |
Insert an en dash (–). |
Ctrl+Minus sign (on the numeric keypad) |
Insert an optional hyphen. |
Ctrl+Hyphen (-) |
Insert a nonbreaking hyphen. |
Ctrl+Shift+Hyphen (-) |
Insert a nonbreaking space. |
Ctrl+Shift+Spacebar |
Insert a copyright symbol (©). |
Ctrl+Alt+C |
Insert a registered trademark symbol (®). |
Ctrl+Alt+R |
Insert a trademark symbol (™). |
Ctrl+Alt+T |
Insert an ellipsis (…) |
Ctrl+Alt+Period (.) |
Insert the Unicode character for the specified Unicode (hexadecimal) character code. For example, to insert the euro currency symbol (), type 20AC, and then hold down Alt and press X. Tip: To find out the Unicode character code for a selected character, press Alt+X. |
The character code, then press Alt+X |
Insert the ANSI character for the specified ANSI (decimal) character code. For example, to insert the euro currency symbol, hold down Alt and press 0128 on the numeric keypad. |
Alt+the character code (on the numeric keypad) |
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Work with web content
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a hyperlink. |
Ctrl+K |
Go back one page. |
Alt+Left arrow key |
Go forward one page. |
Alt+Right arrow key |
Refresh the page. |
F9 |
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Work with tables
Move around in a table
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move to the next cell in the row and select its content. |
Tab key |
Move to the previous cell in the row and select its content. |
Shift+Tab |
Move to the first cell in the row. |
Alt+Home |
Move to the last cell in the row. |
Alt+End |
Move to the first cell in the column. |
Alt+Page up |
Move to the last cell in the column. |
Alt+Page down |
Move to the previous row. |
Up arrow key |
Move to the next row. |
Down arrow key |
Move one row up. |
Alt+Shift+Up arrow key |
Move one row down. |
Alt+Shift+Down arrow key |
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Select table content
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Select the content in the next cell. |
Tab key |
Select the content in the previous cell. |
Shift+Tab |
Extend a selection to adjacent cells. |
Shift+Arrow keys |
Select a column. |
Select the top or bottom cell of the column, and then press Shift+Up or Down arrow key |
Select a row. |
Select the first or last cell in the row, and then press Shift+Alt+End or Home. |
Select the whole table. |
Alt+5 on the numeric keypad, with Num Lock switched off |
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Insert paragraphs and tab characters in a table
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a new paragraph in a cell. |
Enter |
Insert a tab character in a cell. |
Ctrl+Tab |
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Review a document
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a comment. |
Ctrl+Alt+M |
Turn change tracking on or off. |
Ctrl+Shift+E |
Close the Reviewing Pane. |
Alt+Shift+C |
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Work with references, citations, and indexing
Use the following shortcuts to add references to your document, such as a table of contents, footnotes, and citations.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Mark a table of contents entry. |
Alt+Shift+O |
Mark a table of authorities entry (citation). |
Alt+Shift+I |
Choose citation options. |
Alt+Shift+F12, Spacebar |
Mark an index entry. |
Alt+Shift+X |
Insert a footnote. |
Ctrl+Alt+F |
Insert an endnote. |
Ctrl+Alt+D |
Go to the next footnote. |
Alt+Shift+Right angle bracket (>) |
Go to the previous footnote. |
Alt+Shift+Left angle bracket (<) |
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Work with mail merge and fields
To use the following keyboard shortcuts, the Mailings ribbon tab must be selected. To select the Mailings tab, press Alt+M.
Perform a mail merge
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Preview the mail merge. |
Alt+Shift+K |
Merge a document. |
Alt+Shift+N |
Print the merged document. |
Alt+Shift+M |
Edit a mail-merge data document. |
Alt+Shift+E |
Insert a merge field. |
Alt+Shift+F |
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Work with fields
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a DATE field. |
Alt+Shift+D |
Insert a LISTNUM field. |
Ctrl+Alt+L |
Insert a PAGE field. |
Alt+Shift+P |
Insert a TIME field. |
Alt+Shift+T |
Insert an empty field. |
Ctrl+F9 |
Update the linked information in a Word source document. |
Ctrl+Shift+F7 |
Update the selected fields. |
F9 |
Unlink a field. |
Ctrl+Shift+F9 |
Switch between a selected field code and its result. |
Shift+F9 |
Switch between all field codes and their results. |
Alt+F9 |
Run GOTOBUTTON or MACROBUTTON from a field displaying field results. |
Alt+Shift+F9 |
Go to the next field. |
F11 |
Go to the previous field. |
Shift+F11 |
Lock a field. |
Ctrl+F11 |
Unlock a field. |
Ctrl+Shift+F11 |
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Work with text in other languages
Set the proofing language
Every document has a default language, typically the same default language as your computer’s operating system. If your document also contains words or phrases in a different language, it’s a good idea to set the proofing language for those words. This not only makes it possible to check spelling and grammar for those phrases, but it also enables assistive technologies like screen readers to handle them appropriately.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Display the Language dialog box to set the proofing language. |
Alt+R, U, L |
Set default languages. |
Alt+R, L |
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Insert international characters
To type a lowercase character by using a key combination that includes the Shift key, hold down the Ctrl+Shift+symbol keys simultaneously, and then release them before you type the letter.
Note: If you type extensively in another language, you might prefer to switch to a different keyboard instead.
To insert this |
Press |
---|---|
à, è, ì, ò, ù, |
Ctrl+Grave accent (`), the letter |
á, é, í, ó, ú, ý |
Ctrl+Single quotation mark (‘), the letter |
â, ê, î, ô, û |
Ctrl+Shift+Caret (^), the letter |
ã, ñ, õ |
Ctrl+Shift+Tilde (~), the letter |
ä, ë, ï, ö, ü, ÿ, |
Ctrl+Shift+Colon (:), the letter |
å, Å |
Ctrl+Shift+At sign (@), a or A |
æ, Æ |
Ctrl+Shift+Ampersand (&), a or A |
œ, Œ |
Ctrl+Shift+Ampersand (&), o or O |
ç, Ç |
Ctrl+Comma (,), c or C |
ð, Ð |
Ctrl+Single quotation mark (‘), d or D |
ø, Ø |
Ctrl+Forward slash (/), o or O |
¿ |
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Question mark (?) |
¡ |
Ctrl+Alt+Shift+Exclamation point (!) |
ß |
Ctrl+Shift+Ampersand (&), s |
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Use Input Method Editors for East Asian languages
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Switch to the Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) for a 101-key keyboard, if available. |
Alt+Tilde (~) |
Switch to the Korean Input Method Editor (IME) for a 101-key keyboard, if available. |
Right Alt |
Switch to the Chinese Input Method Editor (IME) for a 101-key keyboard, if available. |
Ctrl+Spacebar |
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Work with document views
Word offers several different views of a document. Each view makes it easier to do certain tasks. For example, Read Mode enables you view the document as a horizontal sequence of pages, which you can quickly browse using the Left and Right arrow keys.
Switch the document view
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Switch to the Read Mode view. In Word 2007 and 2010, this is called Full Screen Reading view. |
Alt+W, F |
Switch to the Print Layout view. |
Ctrl+Alt+P |
Switch to the Outline view. |
Ctrl+Alt+O |
Switch to the Draft view. |
Ctrl+Alt+N |
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Outline a document
These shortcuts only apply when the document is in the Outline view.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Promote a paragraph. |
Alt+Shift+Left arrow key |
Demote a paragraph. |
Alt+Shift+Right arrow key |
Demote the paragraph to body text. |
Ctrl+Shift+N |
Move the selected paragraphs up. |
Alt+Shift+Up arrow key |
Move the selected paragraphs down. |
Alt+Shift+Down arrow key |
Expand the text under a heading. |
Alt+Shift+Plus sign (+) |
Collapse the text under a heading. |
Alt+Shift+Minus sign (-) |
Expand or collapse all text or headings. |
Alt+Shift+A |
Hide or display the character formatting. |
Forward slash (/) (on the numeric keypad) |
Switch between showing the first line of body text and showing all body text. |
Alt+Shift+L |
Show all headings with the Heading 1 style. |
Alt+Shift+1 |
Show all headings with the specified heading level. |
Alt+Shift+Heading level number |
Insert a tab character. |
Ctrl+Tab |
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Move through the document in Read Mode
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move to the beginning of the document. |
Home |
Move to the end of the document. |
End |
Go to a specific page. |
Type the page number, then press Enter |
Exit Read Mode. |
Esc |
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Use function key shortcuts
Key |
Description |
---|---|
F1 |
|
F2 |
|
F3 |
|
F4 |
|
F5 |
|
F6 |
|
F7 |
|
F8 |
|
F9 |
|
F10 |
|
F11 |
|
F12 |
|
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See also
Word help center
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Word
Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Word
Screen reader support for Word
This article describes the keyboard shortcuts and function keys in Word for Mac.
Notes:
-
The settings in some versions of the Mac operating system (OS) and some utility applications might conflict with keyboard shortcuts and function key operations in Microsoft 365 for Mac. For information about changing the key assignment for a keyboard shortcut, see Mac Help for your version of macOS, your utility application, or refer to Shortcut conflicts.
-
If you don’t find a keyboard shortcut here that meets your needs, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut. For instructions, go to Create a custom keyboard shortcut for Office for Mac.
-
Many of the shortcuts that use the Ctrl key on a Windows keyboard also work with the Control key in Word for Mac. However, not all do.
-
To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use Search. Press Command+F, and then type your search words.
For the best experience using your keyboard with the ribbon, enable your keyboard to access all controls.
-
To open the System Preferences, press +Spacebar, type system preferences, and press Return.
-
To go to Keyboard Settings, type keyboard and press Return.
-
In the Shortcuts tab, press Control+F7 to change the Full Keyboard Access setting from Text boxes and lists only to All Controls.
In this topic
-
Frequently used shortcuts
-
Shortcut conflicts
-
Navigate the document
-
Select text and graphics
-
Edit text and graphics
-
Work with tables
-
Drawing
-
Work with fields
-
Outline a document
-
Review a document
-
Use footnotes and endnotes
-
Work with right-to-left languages
-
Use function key shortcuts
Frequently used shortcuts
This table lists frequently used shortcuts in Word for Mac.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Undo the previous action. |
+Z or F1 |
Redo the previous action, if possible. |
+Y |
Cut the selected content to the Clipboard. |
+X or F2 |
Copy the selected content to the Clipboard. |
+C or F3 |
Paste the contents of the Clipboard. |
+V or F4 |
Display the shortcut menu for the selected item. * |
Shift+F10 |
Display the Go To dialog box. |
+Option+G or F5 |
Display the Spelling and Grammar dialog box. |
+Option+L or F7 |
Enable extended selection mode. |
F8 |
Switch to the next window. |
+Grave accent ( ` ) |
Switch to the previous window. |
+Shift+Grave accent (`) |
Display the Save As dialog box. |
+Shift+S |
Find text (move focus to the Search in Document box). |
+F |
Display the Find and Replace pane. |
Control+H |
Display the Print dialog box. |
+P |
Close the current document. |
+F4 |
Expand or minimize the ribbon. |
+Option+R |
Find the next spelling or grammatical error. The Check spelling as you type feature must be enabled. |
Option+F7 |
Open the Dictionary. |
In Word 2011, Option+Shift+F7 |
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Shortcut conflicts
Some Word for Mac keyboard shortcuts conflict with default macOS keyboard shortcuts. This topic flags such shortcuts with an asterisk ( * ). To use these shortcuts, you may have to change your Mac keyboard settings to change the shortcut for the key.
Change system preferences for keyboard shortcuts
-
From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
-
Select Keyboard.
-
Select the Shortcuts tab.
-
Select Mission Control.
-
Clear the check box for the keyboard shortcut conflicting with the Word for Mac shortcut that you want to use.
Navigate the document
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move the cursor one word to the left. |
Option+Left arrow key |
Move the cursor one word to the right. |
Option+Right arrow key |
Move the cursor up by one paragraph. |
+Up arrow key |
Move the cursor down by one paragraph. |
+Down arrow key |
Move the cursor to the beginning of the current line. |
+Left arrow Home |
Move the cursor to the end of the current line. |
+Right arrow key End |
Move the cursor to the top of the previous page. |
+Page up On a MacBook, press +Fn+Up arrow key |
Move the cursor to the top of the next page. |
+Page down On a MacBook, press +Fn+Down arrow key |
Move the cursor to the beginning of the document. |
+Home On a MacBook, press +Fn+Left arrow key |
Move the cursor to the end of the document. |
+End On a MacBook, press +Fn+Right arrow key |
Move the cursor to the previous insertion point. |
Shift+F5 |
Move the cursor by scrolling the document view up by one screen. |
Page up |
Move the cursor by scrolling the document view down by one screen. |
Page down |
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Select text and graphics
Tip: If you know the key combination to move the cursor, you can generally select the text by using the same key combination while holding down Shift. For example, +Right arrow moves the cursor to the next word, and +Shift+Right arrow selects the text from the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Select multiple items that are not next to each other. |
Select the first item that you want, hold down , and then mouse click the additional items. |
Select text. |
Shift+Arrow keys |
Select the word to the left. |
Shift+Option+Left arrow key |
Select the word to the right. |
Shift+Option+Right arrow key |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the current line. |
+Shift+Left arrow key Shift+Home |
Select from the current position to the end of the current line. |
+Shift+Right arrow key Shift+End |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the current paragraph. |
+Shift+Up arrow key |
Select from the current position to the end of the current paragraph. |
+Shift+Down arrow key |
Select from the current position to the top of the screen. |
Shift+Page up |
Select from the current position to the bottom of the screen. |
Shift+Page down |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the document. |
+Shift+Home |
Select from the current position to the end of the document. |
+Shift+End |
Select from the current position to the bottom of the window. |
+Shift+Option+Page down |
Select all document content. |
+A |
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Extend a selection
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Start extending the selection. * |
F8 In the extend selection mode, clicking a location in the document extends the current selection to that location. |
Select the nearest character to the left. |
F8, Left arrow key |
Select the nearest character to the right. |
F8, Right arrow key |
Expand the selection. |
F8 repeatedly to expand the selection to the entire word, sentence, paragraph, section, and document. |
Reduce the selection. * |
Shift+F8 |
Select a vertical block of text. |
+Shift+F8, then press the arrow keys |
Stop extending the selection. |
Esc |
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Edit text and graphics
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Cut the selected content to the Clipboard. |
+X F2 |
Copy the selected content to the Clipboard. |
+C F3 |
Paste the contents of the Clipboard. |
+V F4 |
Display the Paste Special dialog box. |
+Control+V |
Cut the selected content to the Spike. |
+F3 |
Paste the contents of the Spike. |
+Shift+F3 |
Copy the selected formatting. |
+Shift+C |
Paste the copied formatting. |
+Shift+V |
Create an AutoText entry. |
Option+F3 |
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Align and format paragraphs
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Center the paragraph. |
+E |
Justify the paragraph. |
+J |
Align the paragraph to the left. |
+L |
Align the paragraph to the right. |
+R |
Indent the paragraph. |
Control+Shift+M |
Remove a paragraph indent. |
+Shift+M |
Create a hanging indent. |
+T |
Remove a hanging indent. |
+Shift+T |
Apply single-spacing to the paragraph. |
+1 |
Apply double-spacing to the paragraph. |
+2 |
Apply 1.5-line spacing to the paragraph. |
+5 |
Enable AutoFormat. |
+Option+K |
Apply the Normal style. |
+Shift+N |
Apply the Heading 1 style. |
+Option+1 |
Apply the Heading 2 style. |
+Option+2 |
Apply the Heading 3 style. |
+Option+3 |
Apply the List style. |
+Shift+L, when the cursor is at the beginning of a line |
Insert a nonbreaking space. |
Option+Spacebar |
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Format characters
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Increase the font size. |
+Shift+Right angle bracket (>) |
Decrease the font size. |
+Shift+Left angle bracket (<) |
Increase the font size by 1 point. |
+Right bracket (]) |
Decrease the font size by 1 point. |
+Left bracket ([) |
Display the Font dialog box. |
+D |
Switch the text between upper case, lower case, and title case. |
Shift+F3 |
Change the text to all upper case. |
+Shift+A |
Apply bold formatting. |
+B |
Add a bulleted list. |
+Shift+L |
Apply underline formatting. |
+U |
Apply underline formatting to the words, but not the spaces. |
+Shift+W |
Apply double-underline formatting. |
+Shift+D |
Apply italics formatting. |
+I |
Apply small caps formatting. |
+Shift+K |
Apply strike-through formatting. |
+Shift+X |
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Insert special characters
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert an empty field. |
+F9 |
Insert a line break. |
Shift+Return |
Insert a page break. |
+Return |
Insert a column break. |
+Shift+Return |
Insert a nonbreaking hyphen. |
+Shift+Hyphen (-) |
Insert a registered trademark symbol (®). |
Option+R |
Insert a trademark symbol (™). |
Option+2 |
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Work with tables
Move around in a table
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move to the next cell and select its content. |
Tab key |
Move to the previous cell and select its content. |
Shift+Tab |
Move to the next row. |
Down arrow key |
Move to the previous row. |
Up arrow key |
Move to the first cell in the row. |
Control+Home |
Move to the last cell in the row. |
Control+End |
Move to the first cell in the column. |
Control+Page up |
Move to the last cell in the column. |
Control+Page down |
Add a new row to the bottom of the table. |
Tab key, at the end of the last row |
Insert a row. |
+Control+I |
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Select table content
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Select the content in the next cell. |
Tab key |
Select the content in the previous cell. |
Shift+Tab |
Extend a selection to adjacent cells. |
Shift+Arrow keys |
Select a row. |
Select the first or last cell in the row, and then press Shift+Alt+End or Home. |
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Resize table columns with the ruler
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Retain the column sizes to the right and change the table width. |
Drag the column boundary in the ruler |
Move a single column line and retain the table width. |
Shift+Drag the column boundary in the ruler |
Equally resize all columns to the right and retain the table width. |
+Shift+Drag the column boundary in the ruler |
Proportionally resize all columns to the right and retain the table width. |
+Drag the column boundary in the ruler |
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Resize table columns directly in a table
Tip: To finely adjust the column width and display the column’s measurements in the ruler when you resize the column, turn off the snap-to functionality by pressing Option with the shortcut keys.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move a single column line and retain the table width. |
Drag the column boundary |
Retain column sizes to the right and change the table width. |
Shift+Drag the column boundary |
Equally resize all columns to the right and retain the table width. |
+Shift+Drag the column boundary |
Proportionally resize all columns to the right and retain the table width. |
+Drag the column boundary |
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Insert paragraphs and tab characters in a table
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a new paragraph in a cell. |
Return |
Insert a Tab character in a cell. |
Option+Tab |
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Drawing
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Toggle drawing mode. |
+Control+Z |
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Work with fields
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a DATE field. |
Control+Shift+D |
Insert a LISTNUM field. |
+Option+Shift+L |
Insert a PAGE field. |
Control+Shift+P |
Insert a TIME field. |
Control+Shift+T |
Insert an empty field. |
+F9 |
Update the selected fields. * |
F9 |
Switch between a field code and its result. * |
Shift+F9 |
Switch between all field codes and their results. |
Option+F9 |
Run GOTOBUTTON or MACROBUTTON from a field displaying field results. |
Option+Shift+F9 |
Lock a field. |
+F11 |
Unlock a field. |
+Shift+F11 |
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Outline a document
These shortcuts only apply when the document is in the Outline view.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Promote a paragraph. |
Control+Shift+Left arrow key |
Demote a paragraph. |
Control+Shift+Right arrow key |
Demote the paragraph to body text. |
+Shift+N |
Move the selected paragraphs up. * |
Control+Shift+Up arrow key |
Move the selected paragraphs down. * |
Control+Shift+Down arrow key |
Expand the text under a heading. |
Control+Shift+Plus sign (+) |
Collapse text under a heading. * |
Control+Shift+Minus sign (-) |
Expand all body text and headings, or collapse all body text. |
Control+Shift+A |
Switch between showing the first line of body text and showing all body text. |
Control+Shift+L |
Show all headings with the specified heading level. |
Control+Shift+Heading level number |
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Review a document
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a comment. |
+Option+A |
Turn change tracking on or off. |
+Shift+E |
Move to the beginning of a comment. |
Home |
Move to the end of a comment. |
End (The End key is not available on all keyboards.) |
Move to the beginning of the list of comments. |
+Home, in the Reviewing Pane. |
Move to the end of the list of comments. |
+End, in the Reviewing Pane. |
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Use footnotes and endnotes
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Insert a footnote. |
+Option+F |
Insert an endnote. |
+Option+E |
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Work with right-to-left languages
Word supports right-to-left functionality for languages that work in a right-to-left or a combined right-to-left, left-to-right environment for writing, editing, and displaying text. In this context, right-to-left languages refers to any writing system that is written from right to left and includes languages that require contextual shaping, such as Arabic, and languages that do not.
Before you can use these keyboard shortcuts, you need to ensure keyboard shortcuts are enabled for the language you are using:
-
Go to Apple > System Preferences > Keyboard.
-
On the Input Sources tab, select the language for which you want to enable shortcuts.
-
On the right side of the tab, select the check box for Enable keyboard shortcuts.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Switch the writing direction to right-to-left. |
Control++ Left arrow key |
Switch the writing direction to left-to-right. |
Control++ Right arrow key |
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Use function key shortcuts
Word for Mac uses the function keys for common commands, including Copy and Paste. For quick access to these shortcuts, you can change your Apple system preferences so you don’t have to press the Fn key every time you use a function key shortcut.
Note: Changing system function key preferences affects how the function keys work on your Mac, not just in Word. After changing this setting, you can still perform the special features printed on a function key. Just press the Fn key. For example, to use the F12 key to change your volume, press Fn+F12.
If a function key doesn’t work as you expect it to, press the Fn key in addition to the function key. If you don’t want to press the Fn key each time, you can change your Apple system preferences. For instructions, go to Change function key preferences.
The following table provides the function key shortcuts for Word for Mac.
Key |
Description |
---|---|
F1 |
|
F2 |
|
F3 |
|
F4 |
|
F5 |
|
F6 |
|
F7 |
|
F8 |
|
F9 |
|
F10 |
|
F11 |
|
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Change function key preferences
-
In the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
-
Select Keyboard.
-
On the Keyboard tab, select the check box for Use all F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys.
See also
Word help center
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Word
Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Word
Screen reader support for Word
This article describes the keyboard shortcuts in Word for the web.
Notes:
-
If you use Narrator with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, you have to turn off scan mode in order to edit documents, spreadsheets, or presentations with Microsoft 365 for the web. For more information, refer to Turn off virtual or browse mode in screen readers in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
-
To quickly find a shortcut in this article, you can use Search. Press Ctrl+F and then type your search words.
-
When you use Word for the web, we recommend that you use Microsoft Edge as your web browser. Because Word for the web runs in your web browser, the keyboard shortcuts are different from those in the desktop program. For example, you’ll use Ctrl+F6 instead of F6 for jumping in and out of the commands. Also, common shortcuts like F1 (Help) and Ctrl+O (Open) apply to the web browser – not Word for the web.
In this topic
-
Frequently used shortcuts
-
Ribbon keyboard shortcuts
-
Navigate the document
-
Edit and format the document
-
Work with comments
Frequently used shortcuts
This table lists the most frequently used shortcuts in Word for the web.
Tip: To quickly create a new document in Word for the web, open your browser, type Word.new in the address bar, and then press Enter.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
In the Reading view, open a PDF-based view tagged to work with screen readers. |
Press the Tab key until you reach the Accessibility Mode button, and then press Enter |
Find text in the Reading view. |
Ctrl+F or F3 |
Find text in the Editing view. |
Ctrl+F or Ctrl+G |
Find and replace text in the Editing view. |
Ctrl+H |
Hide the task pane, if one is open. |
Esc |
Switch to the Zoom control. |
Alt+Period, W, then Q or Alt+Windows logo key, W, then Q |
Print the document. |
Ctrl+P |
Move to the next landmark region. |
Ctrl+F6 |
Go to the Tell Me or Search text field. |
Alt+Q |
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Ribbon keyboard shortcuts
Word for the web offers shortcuts called access keys to navigate the ribbon. If you’ve used access keys to save time on Word for desktop computers, you’ll find access keys very similar in Word for the web.
On a Windows computer, access keys all start with Alt+Period (.) or Alt+Windows logo key, then add a letter for the ribbon tab. For example, to go to the Review tab, press Alt+Period, R or Alt+Windows logo key, R.
If you’re using Word for the web on a Mac computer, press Control+Period (.) to start.
-
To get to the ribbon, press Alt+Period or Alt+Windows logo key. You can alternatively press Ctrl+F6 until you reach the Home tab.
-
To move between tabs on the ribbon, press the Tab key.
-
To hide the ribbon so you have more room to work, press Ctrl+F3. Repeat to display the ribbon again.
Go to the access keys for the ribbon
To go directly to a tab on the ribbon, press one of the following access keys:
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Open the Tell Me or Search text field on the ribbon to type a search term. |
Alt+Period, Q or Alt+Windows logo key, Q |
Open the File tab to use the Backstage view. |
Alt+Period, F or Alt+Windows logo key, F |
Open the Home tab to format text and use the Find tool. |
Alt+Period, H or Alt+Windows logo key, H |
Open the Insert tab to insert a picture, link, comment, header or footer, or a page number. You can also access the Symbol gallery. |
Alt+Period, N or Alt+Windows logo key, N |
Open the Page Layout tab to set page margins, orientation, and size, and paragraph spacing. |
Alt+Period, A or Alt+Windows logo key, A |
Open the References tab to insert a table of contents, footnotes, or endnotes. |
Alt+Period, S or Alt+Windows logo key, S |
Open the Review tab to check spelling, add comments, or track and review changes to your document. |
Alt+Period, R or Alt+Windows logo key, R |
Open the View tab to choose a view, open the Navigation pane, edit the Header & Footer, and to Zoom the document view. |
Alt+Period, W or Alt+Windows logo key, W |
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Use Search
To find an option or perform an action quickly, use the Search text field. To learn more about the Search feature, go to Find what you need with Microsoft Search.
Note: Depending on the version of Microsoft 365 you are using, the Search text field at the top of the app window might be called Tell Me instead. Both offer a largely similar experience, but some options and search results can vary.
-
Select the item or place in your document, presentation, or spreadsheet where you want to perform an action.
-
To go to the Search text field, press Alt+Q.
-
Type the search words for the action that you want to perform. For example, if you want to add a bulleted list, type bullets.
-
Press the Down arrow key to browse through the search results.
-
Once you’ve found the result that you want, press Enter to select it and to perform the action.
Work in the ribbon tabs and menus
The following shortcuts can save time when you work with the ribbon tabs and ribbon menus.
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Select the active tab on the ribbon, and activate the access keys. |
Alt+Period or Alt+Windows logo key. To move to a different tab, use an access key or the Tab key. |
When a Ribbon tab is selected, move the focus to the tab commands. |
Enter, then Tab key or Shift+Tab |
Activate a selected button. |
Spacebar or Enter |
Open the list for a selected command. |
Spacebar or Enter |
Open the menu for a selected button. |
Alt+Down arrow key |
When a menu or submenu is open, move to the next command. |
Down arrow key |
Collapse or expand the ribbon. |
Ctrl+F3 |
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Navigate the document
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Move the cursor right by one word. |
Ctrl+Right arrow key |
Move the cursor left by one word. |
Ctrl+Left arrow key |
Move the cursor up by one paragraph. |
Ctrl+Up arrow key |
Move the cursor down by one paragraph. |
Ctrl+Down arrow key |
Move the cursor to the beginning of the current line. |
Home |
Move the cursor to the end of the current line. |
End |
Move the cursor to the beginning of the document. |
Ctrl+Home |
Move the cursor to the end of the document. |
Ctrl+End |
Select text. |
Shift+Arrow keys |
Select the word to the right. |
Shift+Ctrl+Right arrow key |
Select the word to the left. |
Shift+Ctrl+Left arrow key |
Select the paragraph above. |
Shift+Ctrl+Up arrow key |
Select the paragraph below. |
Shift+Ctrl+Down arrow key |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the line. |
Shift+Home |
Select from the current position to the end of the line. |
Shift+End |
Select from the current position to the beginning of the document. |
Shift+Ctrl+Home |
Select from the current position to the end of the document. |
Shift+Ctrl+End |
Select all document content. |
Ctrl+A |
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Edit and format the document
To do this |
Press |
---|---|
Cut the selected content to the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+X |
Copy the selected content to the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+C |
Paste the content from the Clipboard. |
Ctrl+V |
Undo the previous action. |
Ctrl+Z |
Redo the previous action. |
Ctrl+Y |
Shrink the font size. |
Ctrl+Left bracket ([) |
Grow the font size. |
Ctrl+Right bracket (]) |
Apply bold formatting to the selected text. |
Ctrl+B |
Apply italic formatting to the selected text. |
Ctrl+I |
Underline the selected text. |
Ctrl+U |
Align the paragraph to the left. |
Ctrl+L |
Align the paragraph to the right. |
Ctrl+R |
Center the paragraph. |
Ctrl+E |
Justify the paragraph. |
Ctrl+J |
Create a bulleted list. |
Ctrl+Period (.) |
Create a numbered list. |
Ctrl+Slash (/) |
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See also
Word help center
Basic tasks using a screen reader with Word
Use a screen reader to explore and navigate Word
Screen reader support for Word
Microsoft Office Word (MS Word) is world’s most used word processing program. It has many features that help users create, edit and publish their word documents efficiently. MS Word shortcut keys or combinations help the users manage, edit and create long word documents easily.
In this post we present the list of all Microsoft Office Word shortcuts or key combinations. Using these, you can create, edit or manage your MS Word documents easily. You can also download all MS Word shortcut keys in PDF file. Link is provided at the end of the post.
SEE ALSO: How to Password Protect your MS Office Documents?
A-Z List of All Microsoft Office Word Shortcut Keys Combinations
We have divided this post into sections depending upon the type of shortcuts. Like the shortcuts including Ctrl + A-Z, Ctrl + Shift + A-Z or Ctrl + Alt + A-Z etc. So, let’s start with the first section.
1. All MS Word Shortcuts with CTRL + ‘A-Z’
Ctrl + A | Select all text in Word Document |
Ctrl + B | Bold the selected Text |
Ctrl + C | Copy the selected text |
Ctrl + D | Open font formatting window |
Ctrl + E | Center text |
Ctrl + F | Find a word or phrase |
Ctrl + G | Go to specific page or bookmark |
Ctrl + H | Find and Replace a word or phrase |
Ctrl + I | Italicize the text |
Ctrl + J | Justify the text |
Ctrl + K | Opens “Insert Hyperlink” window |
Ctrl + L | Left align text |
Ctrl + M | Indent a paragraph from the left |
Ctrl + N | Open a new MS Word Document |
Ctrl + O | Open an existing MS Word Document |
Ctrl + P | Print the document |
Ctrl + Q | Remove paragraph formatting |
Ctrl + R | Right align text |
Ctrl + S | Save MS Word document |
Ctrl + T | Create a hanging indent |
Ctrl + U | Underline selected text |
Ctrl + V | Paste copied text |
Ctrl + W | Close Word Document |
Ctrl + X | Cut selected text |
Ctrl + Y | Redo an action previously undone or repeat an action |
Ctrl + Z | Undo a previous action |
SEE ALSO: How to Remove Line Breaks from Text using MS Word?
2. MS Word Shortcuts or Shortcut Key Combinations with CTRL + SHIFT + ‘A-Z’
Ctrl + Shift + C | Copy formats |
Ctrl + Shift + D | Double underline text |
Ctrl + Shift + E | Track changes |
Ctrl + Shift + F | Change the font |
Ctrl + Shift + H | Apply hidden text formatting |
Ctrl + Shift + K | Format letters as small capitals |
Ctrl + Shift + L | Apply the list style |
Ctrl + Shift + M | Remove the paragraph indent from the left |
Ctrl + Shift + N | Apply the normal style |
Ctrl + Shift + P | Change the font size |
Ctrl + Shift + Q | Change the selection to Symbolic font |
Ctrl + Shift + S | Apply a style |
Ctrl + Shift + T | Reduce a hanging indent |
Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste formats |
Ctrl + Shift + W | Underline words but not spaces |
Ctrl + Shift + > | Increase font size |
Ctrl + Shift + < | Decrease font size |
SEE ALSO: List of all MS Excel Shortcuts (PDF download)
3. Microsoft Word Shortcuts or Key Combinations with CTRL + ALT + ‘A-Z’
Ctrl + Alt + I | MS word shortcuts to switch in or out of print preview |
Ctrl + Alt + M | Insert a comment |
Ctrl + Alt + R | Insert Registered trademark symbol |
Ctrl + Alt + S | Insert copyright symbol |
Ctrl + Alt + T | Insert trademark symbol |
4. All Microsoft Office Word Shortcut Keys with CTRL + ‘Special Keys’
Ctrl + [ | Decrease size of selected text |
Ctrl + ] | Increase size of selected text |
Ctrl + 1 | Single space lines |
Ctrl + 2 | Double space lines |
Ctrl + 5 | 1.5 space lines |
Ctrl + 0 | Add/Remove one line space preceding a paragraph |
Ctrl + Left Arrow | Move one word to the left |
Ctrl + Right Arrow | Move one word to the right |
Ctrl + Up Arrow | Move one paragraph up |
Ctrl + Down Arrow | Move one paragraph down |
Ctrl + Page Up | Go to the top of previous page |
Ctrl + Page Down | Go to the top of next page |
Ctrl + END | Go to the end of the document |
Ctrl + Home | Go to the beginning of the document |
Ctrl + Enter | Page break |
Ctrl + Delete | Delete one word to the right |
Ctrl + Backspace | Delete one word to the left |
Ctrl + TAB | Insert a “TAB” character |
SEE ALSO: How to Convert or Save Documents as PDF in MS Office?
Download All MS Word Shortcut Keys in PDF Format
Click the link below to download MS Word shortcut keys in PDF file.
List of All MS Word Shortcut Key Combinations with PDF Download
Learning all Microsoft Office Word key combinations is not easy. But by practicing them daily, you can learn all MS Word shortcuts or key combinations easily. These key combinations will make your life easier with Microsoft Office Word.
Hope you liked this article. In case you are looking for more shortcuts, you can try MS Excel shortcuts and Windows shortcuts as well.
Hi there, we are the editorial staff at WINDOSPC (former HELLPC). We are a team of funny and technical people. Feel free to get in touch with us via Contact-Us page.
Which MS Word shortcut keys do you use? Well, most people use only a handful shortcut combinations like Control+C, Control+V, Control+A, Control+B etc. Have ever thought why do you use these keys? It is because shortcut keys work faster than doing the same thing with mouse. When you are typing in MS Word, pressing shortcuts is easier because you don’t have to leave your keyboard and get hold of mouse.
This also means that the more shortcuts you use, the faster you can work. As I often publish article containing MS Word tips, I thought it was important to publish a list of MS Word shortcuts as well. You can learn these shortcuts to enhance your work productivity.
Be the keyboard warrior while working on MS Word documents! Learn the shortcut keys and see yourself working much faster:
Shortcut Keys | Description |
CTRL + 0 (zero) | Adds or removes 6pts of spacing before a paragraph |
CTRL + A | Selects all contents of the page |
CTRL + B | Makes highlighted selection Bold |
CTRL + C | Copy the selected text |
CTRL + E | Aligns the line or selected text to the center of the screen |
CTRL + F | Open find box |
CTRL + H | Opens Find and Replace box |
CTRL + I | Italic highlighted selection |
CTRL + J | Aligns the selected text or line to justify the screen |
CTRL + K | Insert link |
CTRL + L | Aligns the line or selected text to the left of the screen |
CTRL + M | Indent the paragraph |
CTRL + P | Open the print window |
CTRL + R | Aligns the line or selected text to the right of the screen |
CTRL + T | Create a hanging indent |
CTRL + U | Underline highlighted selection |
CTRL + V | Paste |
CTRL + X | Cut selected text |
CTRL + Y | Redo the last action performed (for example, you can use it to quickly insert rows in a table) |
CTRL + Z | Undo last action |
CTRL + SHIFT + L | Quickly create a bullet point |
CTRL + SHIFT + F | Change the font |
CTRL + SHIFT + > | Increases selected font +1pts up to 12pt and then increases font +2pts |
CTRL + ] | Increases selected font +1pts |
CTRL + SHIFT + < | Decreases selected font -1pts if 12pt or lower, if above 12 decreases font by +2pt |
CTRL + [ | Decreases selected font -1pts |
CTRL + / + c | Inserts a cent sign (¢) |
CTRL + ‘ + <char> | Inserts a character with an accent (grave) mark, where <char> is the character you want. For example, if you wanted an accented è you would use CTRL + ‘ + e as your shortcut key. To reverse the accent mark use the opposite accent mark, often on the tilde key (~) |
CTRL + SHIFT + * | View or hide non printing characters |
CTRL + <left arrow> | Moves one word to the left |
CTRL + <right arrow> | Moves one word to the right |
CTRL + <up arrow> | Moves to the beginning of the line or paragraph |
CTRL + <down arrow> | Moves to the end of the paragraph |
CTRL + Del | Deletes word to right of cursor |
CTRL + Backspace | Deletes word to left of cursor |
CTRL + End | Moves the cursor to the end of the document |
CTRL + Home | Moves the cursor to the beginning of the document |
CTRL + Spacebar | Reset highlighted text to the default font |
CTRL + 1 | Single-space lines |
CTRL + 2 | Double-space lines |
CTRL + 5 | 1.5-line spacing |
CTRL + ALT + 1 | Changes text to heading 1 |
CTRL + ALT + 2 | Changes text to heading 2 |
CTRL + ALT + 3 | Changes text to heading 3 |
ALT + CTRL + F2 | Open new document |
CTRL + F1 | Open the Task Pane |
CTRL + F2 | Display the print preview |
CTRL + F3 | Deposit copied data into Spike |
CTRL + SHIFT + > | Increases the highlighted text size by one |
CTRL + SHIFT + < | Decreases the highlighted text size by one |
CTRL + SHIFT + F6 | Opens to another open Microsoft Word document |
CTRL + SHIFT + F12 | Prints the document |
F1 | Open Help |
F4 | Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+) |
F5 | Open the find, replace, and go to window in Microsoft Word |
F7 | Spellcheck and grammar check selected text or document |
F12 | Save as |
SHIFT + F3 | Change the text in Microsoft Word from uppercase to lowercase or a capital letter at the beginning of every word |
SHIFT + F5 | Back to Last Editing Point |
SHIFT + F7 | Runs a Thesaurus check on the word highlighted |
SHIFT + F12 | Save |
SHIFT + Enter | Create a soft break instead of a new paragraph |
SHIFT + Insert | Paste |
SHIFT + ALT + D |
Insert the current date |
SHIFT + ALT + T |
Insert the current time |
ALT + Mouse Drag | Used for selecting arbitrary rectangular area. |
How many of these shortcuts were you already using? Did you find any new shortcuts of your interest? Please let me know which are your favorites. Also, feel free to ask if you have a question. I will be happy to try and help you. Thank you for using TechWelkin.
If you create or edit Word documents often, take some time to learn a few MS Word keyboard shortcuts. Below, we’ll run through some of the best ones. As a bonus, many of these shortcuts work in other Microsoft Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint.
This shortcut tutorial is mainly for Windows users, but we’ve included some keyboard shortcuts for macOS. If you use keyboard shortcuts on your macOS computer, you’ll notice that many of those keyboard shortcuts will also work on iPhones and iPads paired with external keyboards.
Android users who use an external keyboard will find that many of these key combinations will work, and most of these shortcuts also work on Word for the Web.
Bonus Tip: Hovering your mouse over a tool on the menu bar will display a dropdown with info on the keyboard shortcut for that option.
1-26. Learn the Alphabet: Ctrl/Command + A to Z
First, let’s run through the alphabet of Ctrl/Command + shortcuts. Windows users should use the Ctrl key. Apple users running Word for Mac or iOS should use the Command key.
- Ctrl + A: Select all.
- Ctrl + B: Bold.
- Ctrl + C: Copy to clipboard.
- Ctrl + D: Change character formatting. We use this to access effect options like Strikethrough, Double strikethrough, Superscript, and Subscript. It’s also useful for changing lowercase text to uppercase or small caps. You can also use it to change the font, font style, and size of the selected text.
- Ctrl + E: Align center.
- Ctrl + F: Find. Ctrl + G: Go to. Ctrl + H: Replace. These three keyboard shortcuts go together and are especially useful when you’re working with long documents. The Find keyboard shortcut might launch the Navigation pane instead of the dialog box shown below. The dialog box has multiple options the navigation pane lacks. You can always use the Ctrl + G or Ctrl + H keyboard shortcuts to launch the Find and Replace dialog box. Each function (find/replace/go to) is a separate tab in the box.
- Ctrl + I: Italics.
- Ctrl + J: Justify.
- Ctrl + K: Insert hyperlink. This one’s not just for links to web pages and email addresses. You can link to another place within the same document or another document entirely. You can even use it to create a new blank file and link to it, and Word will let you opt to edit the new document later or right away.
- Ctrl + L: Left align.
- Ctrl + M: Indent paragraph.
- Ctrl + N: New document.
- Ctrl + O: Open document.
- Ctrl + P: Print.
- Ctrl + Q: Remove paragraph formatting. Imagine you’ve formatted a paragraph using any of the tools below. No matter how long ago you applied the formatting, if you position the cursor within that paragraph and press Ctrl + Q, the paragraph formatting will be removed.
- Ctrl + R: Right justify.
- Ctrl + S: Save.
- Ctrl + T: Create hanging indent (tab).
- Ctrl + U: Underline.
- Ctrl + V: Paste.
- Ctrl + W: Close document.
- Ctrl + X: Cut.
- Ctrl + Y: Redo previously undone action.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo an action.
If you memorize those 26 shortcut keys, you’ll find using Microsoft Word becomes much easier and faster. To become an expert user, though, check out these other, lesser-known Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts.
27. Ctrl/Command + [ (Left Bracket) and Ctrl/Command + ] (Right Bracket): Increase & Decrease Font Size
These two key combinations are quick ways to decrease or increase the font size by one point. Ctrl + [ decreases the font size of the selected text, and Ctrl + ] increases the size.
28. Ctrl/Command + Enter to Insert a Page Break
Quickly add a page break by pressing Ctrl + Enter.
28. Use Alt for Ribbon Keyboard Shortcuts
This set of shortcuts is only for Windows users. Pressing the Alt key by itself will display Key Tips, which are shortcuts to different tools on the Ribbon. Pressing Alt will show you shortcuts to the different tabs on the Ribbon. Then you can combine Alt with the Ribbon tab shortcut to navigate to a specific tab on the Ribbon.
Press the Esc key any time to leave selection mode, and use the Ctrl + Spacebar shortcut to close a task pane.
For example, press Alt to display the Key Tips for the tabs on the Ribbon. Then, combine Alt with the shortcut for a specific tab. Pressing Alt + N will take you to the Insert tab. From there, you’ll see the Key Tips for the options on the Insert tab. Simply type the letter(s) for the tool or option you want.
Here’s another example. You can adjust the zoom magnification on your document without ever moving your hands away from the keyboard. Once you learn it, you’ll use it all the time. Press the Alt key. Then press W and then Q. Then use the Tab key to navigate around the Zoom dialog box to select the value you’re looking for. Press Enter to select the OK button.
29. Navigate the Document with Ctrl Key Shortcuts
You’re probably already using the End, Home, Page up, and Page down keys to move around your document. End will move the cursor to the end of the line it’s on. Home moves the cursor to the beginning of that line. Page up and Page down scroll the document up or down. Use key combinations with Ctrl to fine tune document navigation.
- Ctrl + End moves the cursor to the end of the document. Command + End on a Mac and Command + Fn + Right arrow on a MacBook.
- Ctrl + Home moves the cursor to the beginning of the document. Command + Home on a Mac and Command + Fn + Left arrow on a MacBook.
- Ctrl + Page up will move the cursor to the top of the previous page. Command + Page up on a Mac and Command + Fn + Up arrow on a MacBook.
- Ctrl + Page down will move the cursor to the top of the next page. Command + Page down on a Mac and Command + Fn + Down arrow on a MacBook.
- Ctrl + Left arrow key will move the cursor one word to the left. Option + Left arrow on Macs.
- Ctrl + Right arrow key will move the cursor one word to the right. Option + Right arrow on Macs.
- Ctrl + Up arrow moves the cursor up one paragraph. Command + Up arrow on Macs.
- Ctrl + Down arrow moves the cursor down one paragraph. Command + Down arrow on Macs.
30. Use Ctrl to Select Graphics and Text
The Ctrl key is also handy for selecting text and graphics. Use it in combination with Shift and the arrow keys to make selections.
- Ctrl + Shift + Left arrow key will select the word to the left of the cursor. Shift + Option + Left arrow key on a Mac.
- Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow key will select the word to the right of the cursor. Shift + Option + Right arrow key on a Mac.
- Ctrl + Shift + Up arrow key will select from where the cursor is positioned to the beginning of that paragraph. Command + Shift + Up arrow on a Mac.
- Ctrl + Shift + Down arrow key will select from where the cursor is positioned to the end of that paragraph. Command + Shift + Down arrow on a Mac.
Updated: 12/31/2022 by
Below is a listing of the more commonly used shortcut keys in Microsoft Word. See the computer shortcuts page if you are looking for a list of shortcut keys used in other programs. Please be aware that some shortcuts may not work in all versions of Microsoft Word.
Note
If the device you are using does not have function keys (F1-F12) on its keyboard, like a Chromebook, certain shortcuts are unavailable to you.
Note
Some Microsoft Word shortcut keys below may not work in Word 365, and most shortcut keys do not work in Word on a mobile device.
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Ctrl+0 | Toggle 6pts of spacing above the paragraph. |
Ctrl+A | Select all contents of the page. |
Ctrl+B | Bold highlighted selection. |
Ctrl+C | Copy selected text. |
Ctrl+D | Open the font preferences window. |
Ctrl+E | Align the line or selected text to the center of the screen. |
Ctrl+F | Open find box. |
Ctrl+I | Italic highlighted selection. |
Ctrl+J | Align the selected text or line to justify the screen. |
Ctrl+K | Insert a hyperlink. |
Ctrl+L | Align the line or selected text to the left of the screen. |
Ctrl+M | Indent the paragraph. |
Ctrl+N | Open new, blank document window. |
Ctrl+O | Open the dialog box or page for selecting a file to open. |
Ctrl+P | Open the print window. |
Ctrl+R | Align the line or selected text to the right of the screen. |
Ctrl+S | Save the open document. Like Shift+F12. |
Alt+F, A | Save the document under a different file name. |
Alt+X | Show the Unicode code of a highlighted character. |
Ctrl+T | Create a hanging indent. |
Ctrl+U | Underline the selected text. |
Ctrl+V | Paste. |
Ctrl+W | Close the currently open document. |
Ctrl+X | Cut selected text. |
Ctrl+Y | Redo the last action performed. |
Ctrl+Z | Undo last action. |
Ctrl+Shift+A | Sets the selected text to all capital letters. |
Ctrl+Shift+D | Adds double underline to the selected text. |
Ctrl+Shift+E | Enable or disable revision tracking. |
Ctrl+Shift+F | Open Font window to change the font. |
Ctrl+Shift+L | Quickly create a bullet point. |
Ctrl+Shift+> | Increase selected font +1pts up to 12pt and then increase font +2pts. |
Ctrl+] | Increase selected font +1pts. |
Ctrl+Shift+< | Decrease selected font -1pts if 12pt or lower; if above 12, decreases font by +2pt. |
Ctrl+[ | Decrease selected font -1pts. |
Ctrl+/+C | Insert a cent sign (¢). |
Ctrl+'+<char> | Insert a character with an accent (acute) mark, where <char> is the character you want. For example, if you wanted an accented é you would use Ctrl+’+e as your shortcut key. To reverse the accent mark, use the opposite accent mark, often found on the tilde key. |
Ctrl+Shift+* | View or hide non printing characters. |
Ctrl+Left arrow | Move one word to the left. |
Ctrl+Right arrow | Move one word to the right. |
Ctrl+Up arrow | Move to the beginning of the line or paragraph. |
Ctrl+Down arrow | Move to the end of the paragraph. |
Ctrl+Del | Delete word to right of cursor. |
Ctrl+Backspace | Delete word to left of cursor. |
Ctrl+End | Move the cursor to the end of the document. |
Ctrl+Home | Move the cursor to the beginning of the document. |
Ctrl+Spacebar | Reset highlighted text to the default font. |
Ctrl+Enter | Insert a page break. |
Ctrl+1 | Single-space lines. |
Ctrl+2 | Double-space lines. |
Ctrl+5 | 1.5-line spacing. |
Ctrl+= | Set selected text as subscript. |
Ctrl+Pg Up | Move one page up in the document. |
Ctrl+Pg Dn | Move one page down in the document. |
Ctrl+Shift+= | Set selected text as superscript. |
Ctrl+Alt+T | Insert trademark (TM) symbol. |
Ctrl+Alt+1 | Changes text to heading 1. |
Ctrl+Alt+2 | Changes text to heading 2. |
Ctrl+Alt+3 | Changes text to heading 3. |
Ctrl+Alt+F2 | Open new document. |
Ctrl+F1 | Open the Task Pane. |
Ctrl+F2 | Display the print preview. |
Ctrl+Shift+> | Increase the font size of selected text by one point. |
Ctrl+Shift+< | Decrease the font size of selected text by one point. |
Ctrl+Shift+F6 | Switch to another open Microsoft Word document. |
Ctrl+Shift+F12 | Print the document. |
F1 | Open help. |
F4 | Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+). |
F5 | Open the Find, Replace, and Go To window in Microsoft Word. |
F7 | Spellcheck and grammar check selected text or document. |
F12 | Save As. |
Shift+F3 | Change the text in Microsoft Word from uppercase to lowercase or a capital letter at the beginning of every word. |
Shift+F7 | Run a Thesaurus check on the selected word. |
Shift+F12 | Save the open document. Like Ctrl+S. |
Shift+Enter | Create a soft break instead of a new paragraph. |
Shift+Insert | Paste. |
Shift+Alt+D | Insert the current date. |
Shift+Alt+T | Insert the current time. |
You can also utilize the mouse to perform many common actions. The following section contains examples of mouse shortcuts.
Mouse shortcuts | Description |
---|---|
Click, hold, and drag | Selects text from where you click and hold to the point you drag and let go. |
Double-click | If double-clicking a word, selects the complete word. |
Double-click | Double-clicking the left, center, or right of a blank line makes the alignment of the text left, center, or right aligned. |
Double-click | Double-clicking anywhere after text on a line sets a tab stop. |
Triple-click | Selects the line or paragraph of the text where the mouse is triple-clicked. |
Ctrl+Mouse wheel | Zooms in and out of document. |