Keyboard shortcuts

The shortcut keys described in this Help topic refer to the U.S. keyboard layout. Keys on other layouts may not correspond exactly to the keys on a U.S. keyboard.

To print this topic, press TAB to select Show All, press ENTER, and then press CTRL+P.

The Office Assistant and Help window

Display and use the Office Assistant

Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

To perform the following actions, the Microsoft Office Assistant must be turned on and visible. To turn on or show the Office Assistant, press ALT+H to open the Help menu, and then press O. With the Assistant visible, press F1 to display the Assistant balloon.

F1: Display the Assistant balloon (if the Assistant is turned off, F1 opens the Help window)

In the Assistant balloon

ALT+number: Select a Help topic from the list the Assistant displays. ALT+1 is the first topic, ALT+2 is the second, and so on.
ALT+DOWN ARROW: Display more Help topics in the Assistant list
ALT+UP ARROW: Display previous Help topics in the Assistant list
ESC: Close an Assistant message or a tip

In some wizards or dialog boxes

TAB: Move to the Help button in the wizard
SPACEBAR, with the Help button selected: Show the Assistant in a wizard or dialog box. To hide the Assistant, press SPACEBAR again. Note that not all wizards or dialog boxes have Help provided by the Assistant.

Note If you use a screen review utility or other accessibility aid, you'll get the best results with Help if you enter questions in the Answer Wizard tab in the Help window rather than in the Office Assistant balloon or in the Ask a Question box.

Display and use the Help window

Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

To use the Help window, the Microsoft Office Assistant must be turned off. To turn off the Assistant, press F1 to display the Assistant. Press ALT+O to open the Options tab in the Office Assistant dialog box. Press ALT+U to clear the Use the Office Assistant check box, and then press ENTER. Press F1 to display the Help window.

F1: Display the Help window if the Assistant is turned off (if the Assistant is turned on, F1 displays the Assistant balloon).

In the Help window

F6: Switch between the Help topic and the Contents, Answer Wizard, Index pane
TAB: Select the next hidden text or hyperlink, or Show All or Hide All at the top of a topic
SHIFT+TAB: Select the previous hidden text or hyperlink, or the Browser View button at the top of a Microsoft Office Web site article
ENTER: Perform the action for the selected Show All, Hide All, hidden text, or hyperlink
ALT+O: Display the Options menu to access any Help toolbar command
ALT+O, and then press T: Hide or show the pane with the Contents, Answer Wizard, and Index tabs
ALT+O, and then press B: Display the previously viewed topic
ALT+O, and then press F: Display the next topic in a previously displayed sequence of topics
ALT+O, and then press H: Return to the specified home page
ALT+O, and then press S: Stop the Help window from opening a Help topic (useful if you want to stop a Web page from downloading)
ALT+O, and then press I: Open the Internet Options dialog box for Microsoft Internet Explorer, where you can change accessibility settings
ALT+O, and then press R: Refresh the topic (useful if you have linked to a Web page)
ALT+O, and then press P: Print all topics in a book or a selected topic only
ALT+F4: Close the Help window

Use the Contents, Index, and Answer Wizard pane

Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

Press F6 to switch from the Help topic to the Contents, Answer Wizard, Index pane.

CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next tab
ALT+C: Switch to the Contents tab
ALT+A: Switch to the Answer Wizard tab
ALT+I: Switch to the Index tab
ENTER: Open a selected book or Help topic
DOWN ARROW: Select the next book or Help topic
UP ARROW: Select the previous book or Help topic
SHIFT+F10: Display a shortcut menu

Note If you use a screen review utility or other accessibility aid, you'll get the best results with Help if you enter questions in the Answer Wizard tab in the Help window rather than in the Microsoft Office Assistant balloon or in the Ask a Question box.

Use the Help topic pane

Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

F1: Display the Help window if the Assistant is turned off (if the Assistant is turned on, F1 displays the Assistant balloon).

In the Help window

F6: Switch between the Help topic and the Contents, Answer Wizard, Index pane
TAB: Select the next hidden text or hyperlink, or Show All or Hide All at the top of a topic
SHIFT+TAB: Select the previous hidden text or hyperlink, or the Browser View button at the top of a Microsoft Office Web site article
ENTER: Perform the action for the selected Show All, Hide All, hidden text, or hyperlink
ALT+O: Display the Options menu to access any Help toolbar command
ALT+O, and then press T: Hide or show the pane with the Contents, Answer Wizard, and Index tabs
ALT+O, and then press B: Display the previously viewed topic
ALT+O, and then press F: Display the next topic in a previously displayed sequence of topics
ALT+O, and then press H: Return to the specified home page
ALT+O, and then press S: Stop the Help window from opening a Help topic (useful if you want to stop a Web page from downloading)
ALT+O, and then press I: Open the Internet Options dialog box for Microsoft Internet Explorer, where you can change accessibility settings
ALT+O, and then press R: Refresh the topic (useful if you have linked to a Web page)
ALT+O, and then press P: Print all topics in a book or a selected topic only
ALT+F4: Close the Help window

Microsoft Office interface or Microsoft Office Basics

Display and use windows

Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

ALT+TAB: Switch to the next window
ALT+SHIFT+TAB: Switch to the previous window
CTRL+W or CTRL+F4: Close the active window
CTRL+F5: Restore the size of the active window after you've maximized it
F6: Move to a task pane from another pane in the program window (clockwise direction). You may need to press F6 more than once.; Note If pressing F6 doesn't display the task pane you want, try pressing ALT to place focus on the menu bar, and then pressing CTRL+TAB to move to the task pane.
SHIFT+F6: Move to a pane from another pane in the program window (counterclockwise direction)
CTRL+F6: When more than one window is open, switch to the next window
CTRL+SHIFT+F6: Switch to the previous window
CTRL+F7: When a document window is not maximized, performs the Move command (on the Control menu for the window). Use the arrow keys to move the window, and, when finished, press ESC.
CTRL+F8: When a document window is not maximized, performs the Size command (on the Control menu for the window). Use the arrow keys to resize the window, and, when finished, press ESC.
CTRL+F9: Minimize a window to an icon (works only for some Microsoft Office programs)
CTRL+F10: Maximize or restore a selected window
PRINT SCREEN: Copy a picture of the screen to the Clipboard
ALT+PRINT SCREEN: Copy a picture of the selected window to the Clipboard

Access and use smart tags

ALT+SHIFT+F10: Display the menu or message for a smart tag. If more than one smart tag is present, switch to the next smart tag and display its menu or message.
DOWN ARROW: Select the next item in a smart tag menu.
UP ARROW: Select the previous item in a smart tag menu.
ENTER: Perform the action for the selected item in a smart tag menu.
ESC: Close the smart tag menu or message.

Tip

You can ask to be notified by a sound whenever a smart tag appears. To hear audio cues, you must have a sound card. You must also have Microsoft Office Sounds installed on your computer.

If you have access to the World Wide Web, you can download Microsoft Office Sounds from the Microsoft Office Web site. On the Help menu, click Office on the Web and search for "Microsoft Office Sounds." After you've installed the sound files, you need to select the Provide feedback with sound check box on the General tab of the Options dialog box (Tools menu). When you select (or clear) this check box, the setting affects all Office programs that support sound.

Note The hyperlink in this topic goes to the Web. You can switch back to Help at any time.

Access and use task panes

F6: Move to a task pane from another pane in the program window. (You may need to press F6 more than once.); Note If pressing F6 doesn't display the task pane you want, try pressing ALT to place focus on the menu bar, and then pressing CTRL+TAB to move to the task pane. In addition, if you open a dialog box from the Reveal Formatting task pane, the focus may be in your document after you close the dialog box, rather than in the task pane. You can use F6 or CTRL+TAB to return to the task pane.
CTRL+TAB: When a menu or toolbar is active, move to a task pane. (You may need to press CTRL+TAB more than once.)
TAB or SHIFT+TAB: When a task pane is active, select the next or previous option in the task pane.
CTRL+DOWN ARROW: Display the full set of commands on the task pane menu.
DOWN ARROW or UP ARROW: Move among choices in a selected submenu; move among certain options in a group of options.
SPACEBAR or ENTER: Open the selected menu, or perform the action assigned to the selected button.
SHIFT+F10: Open a shortcut menu; open a drop-down menu for the selected gallery item.
HOME or END: When a menu or submenu is visible, select the first or last command on the menu or submenu.
PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN: Scroll up or down in the selected gallery list.
CTRL+HOME or CTRL+END: Move to the top or bottom of the selected gallery list.

Access and use menus and toolbars

F10 or ALT

Select the menu bar, or close an open menu and submenu at the same time.

CTRL+TAB or CTRL+SHIFT+TAB

Select a toolbar after pressing F10 or ALT to select the menu bar. When a toolbar is selected, select the next or previous toolbar or menu bar.

TAB or SHIFT+TAB

When a toolbar or menu bar is selected, select the next or previous button or menu.

ENTER

Open the selected menu, or perform the action for the selected button or command.

SHIFT+F10

Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.

ALT+SPACEBAR

Display the window shortcut menu (Control menu).

DOWN ARROW or UP ARROW

When a menu or submenu is open, select the next or previous command.

LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW

Select the menu to the left or right. When a submenu is open, switch between the main menu and the submenu.

HOME or END

Select the first or last command on the menu or submenu.

ESC

Close an open menu. When a submenu is open, close only the submenu.

SHIFT+DOWN ARROW

When a menu is selected, display the list of commands.

CTRL+DOWN ARROW

When a shortened menu is open, display the full set of commands.

ALT+CTRL+= (equal sign)

Add a toolbar button to a menu. When you type this shortcut key and then click a toolbar button, Microsoft Word adds the button to the appropriate menu. For example, click Bullets

on the Formatting toolbar to add the Bullets command to the Format menu.

ALT+CTRL+- (dash key)

Remove a command from a menu. When you type this shortcut key and then select a menu command, the command is removed. You can add the menu command back to the menu if you change your mind.

ALT+CTRL++ (plus key on numeric keypad)

Customize the shortcut key for a menu command. When you type this shortcut key and then select a menu command, the Customize Keyboard dialog box opens so you can add, change, or remove the shortcut key.

Note You can use the keyboard to select any menu command on the menu bar. Press ALT to select the menu bar. Press the letter that is underlined in the menu name that contains the command you want. In the menu that appears, press the letter underlined in the command name that you want.

Resize and move toolbars, menus, and task panes

Press ALT to select the menu bar.
Press CTRL+TAB repeatedly to select the toolbar or task pane you want.
Do one of the following:
Resize a toolbar
1. In the toolbar, press CTRL+SPACE to display the Toolbar Options menu.
2. Select the Size command, and then press ENTER.
3. Use the arrow keys to resize the toolbar. Press CTRL+ the arrow keys to resize one pixel at a time.
Move a toolbar
1. In the toolbar, press CTRL+SPACE to display the Toolbar Options menu.
2. Select the Move command, and then press ENTER.
3. Use the arrow keys to position the toolbar. Press CTRL+ the arrow keys to move one pixel at a time. To undock the toolbar, press DOWN ARROW repeatedly. To dock the toolbar vertically on the left or right side, press LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW respectively when the toolbar is all the way to the left or right side.
Resize a task pane
1. In the task pane, press CTRL+SPACE to display a menu of additional commands.
2. Use the DOWN ARROW key to select the Size command, and then press ENTER.
3. Use the arrow keys to resize the task pane. Use CTRL+ the arrow keys to resize by one pixel at a time.
Move a task pane
1. In the task pane, press CTRL+SPACE to display a menu of additional commands.
2. Use the DOWN ARROW key to select the Move command, and then press ENTER.
3. Use the arrow keys to position the task pane. Use CTRL+ the arrow keys to move one pixel at a time.
When you are finished moving or resizing, press ESC.

Use dialog boxes

TAB: Move to the next option or option group
SHIFT+TAB: Move to the previous option or option group
CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next tab in a dialog box
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: Switch to the previous tab in a dialog box
Arrow keys: Move between options in an open drop-down list, or between options in a group of options
SPACEBAR: Perform the action assigned to the selected button; check or clear the selected check box
First letter of an option in a drop-down list: Open the list if it is closed and move to that option in the list
ALT+ the letter underlined in an option: Select an option; select or clear a check box
ALT+DOWN ARROW: Open a selected drop-down list
ESC: Close a selected drop-down list; cancel a command and close a dialog box
ENTER: Perform the action assigned to a default button in a dialog box

Use edit boxes within dialog boxes

An edit box is a blank in which you type or paste an entry, such as your user name or the path to a folder.

HOME: Move to the beginning of the entry
END: Move to the end of the entry
LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW: Move one character to the left or right
CTRL+LEFT ARROW: Move one word to the left
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW: Move one word to the right
SHIFT+LEFT ARROW: Select or unselect one character to the left
SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW: Select or unselect one character to the right
CTRL+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW: Select or unselect one word to the left
CTRL+SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW: Select or unselect one word to the right
SHIFT+HOME: Select from the insertion point to the beginning of the entry
SHIFT+END: Select from the insertion point to the end of the entry

Use the Open, Save As, and Insert Picture dialog boxes

CTRL+F12: Display the Open dialog box
F12: Display the Save As dialog box
ALT+1: Go to the previous folder ()
ALT+2: Open the folder up one level from the open folder (Up One Level button )
ALT+3: Close the dialog box and open your World Wide Web search page (Search the Web button )
ALT+4: Delete the selected folder or file (Delete button )
ALT+5: Create a new subfolder in the open folder (Create New Folder button )
ALT+6: Switch between List, Details, Properties, and Preview views (Click the arrow next to Views )
ALT+7 or ALT+L: Show the Tools menu (Tools button)
F5: Update the files visible in the Open or Save As dialog box (File menu)

Quick reference

Common tasks done in a Microsoft Word document

CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR: Create a nonbreaking space
CTRL+HYPHEN: Create a nonbreaking hyphen
CTRL+B: Make letters bold
CTRL+I: Make letters italic
CTRL+U: Make letters underline
CTRL+SHIFT+<: Decrease font size
CTRL+SHIFT+>: Increase font size
CTRL+SPACEBAR: Remove paragraph or character formatting
CTRL+C: Copy the selected text or object
CTRL+X: Cut the selected text or object
CTRL+V: Paste text or an object
CTRL+Z: Undo the last action
CTRL+Y: Redo the last action

Language bar

Speech and handwriting recognition

Left ALT+SHIFT: Switch between languages or keyboard layouts
+V: Switch microphone on or off
+T: Switch between Voice Command mode and Dictation mode
+C: Open the Correction dialog box
+H: Turn handwriting on or off
ALT+~: Turn Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) on 101 keyboard on or off
Right ALT: Turn Korean IME on 101 keyboard on or off
CTRL+SPACEBAR: Turn Chinese IME on 101 keyboard on or off

Notes

You can set the key combination for switching between languages or keyboard layouts in the Advanced Key Setting dialog box. To open the Advanced Key Setting dialog box, right-click the Language bar, and then click Settings. Under Preferences, click Key Settings.
The Windows logo key () is available on the bottom row of keys on most keyboards.

E-mail

Sending e-mail messages

Use the following keys (if you are e-mailing a document or a message) when the e-mail header is active. To activate the e-mail header, press SHIFT+TAB.

ALT+S: Send the active document or message
CTRL+SHIFT+B: Open the Address Book
ALT+K, CTRL+K: When the insertion point is in the message header, check the names on the To, Cc, and Bcc lines against the Address Book.
ALT+. (period): Open the Address Book in the To field
ALT+C: When the insertion point is in the message header, open the Address Book in the Cc field
ALT+B: If the Bcc field is visible, open the Address Book in the Bcc field. To display the Bcc field, open the Address Book for any field and insert or type a name in the Bcc box.
ALT+J: Go to the Subject field
ALT+P: Open the Microsoft Outlook Message Options dialog box
CTRL+SHIFT+G: Create a message flag
TAB: When the insertion point is in the message header, select the next box in the e-mail header. When the last box in the e-mail header is active, TAB selects the body of the document or message.
SHIFT+TAB: Select the previous field or button in the e-mail header
CTRL+TAB: When the insertion point is in the message header, select the Send button. You can then use the arrow keys to move to the other buttons. To perform the action for the selected button or command, press ENTER.

Working with documents and Web pages

Create, view, and save documents

CTRL+N: Create a new document of the same type as the current or most recent document
CTRL+O: Open a document
CTRL+W: Close a document
ALT+CTRL+S: Split the document window
ALT+SHIFT+C: Remove the document window split
CTRL+S: Save a document

Find, replace, and browse through text

CTRL+F: Find text, formatting, and special items
ALT+CTRL+Y: Repeat find (after closing Find and Replace window)
CTRL+H: Replace text, specific formatting, and special items
CTRL+G: Go to a page, bookmark, footnote, table, comment, graphic, or other location
ALT+CTRL+Z: Go back to a page, bookmark, footnote, table, comment, graphic, or other location
ALT+CTRL+HOME: Browse through a document

Undo and redo actions

ESC: Cancel an action
CTRL+Z: Undo an action
CTRL+Y: Redo or repeat an action

Switch to another view

ALT+CTRL+P: Switch to print layout view
ALT+CTRL+O: Switch to outline view
ALT+CTRL+N: Switch to normal view
CTRL+\: Move between a master document and its subdocuments

Outline view

In outline view, press

ALT+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW: Promote a paragraph
ALT+SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW: Demote a paragraph
CTRL+SHIFT+N: Demote to body text
ALT+SHIFT+UP ARROW: Move selected paragraphs up
ALT+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW: Move selected paragraphs down
ALT+SHIFT+PLUS SIGN: Expand text under a heading
ALT+SHIFT+MINUS SIGN: Collapse text under a heading
ALT+SHIFT+A: Expand or collapse all text or headings
The slash (/) key on the numeric keypad: Hide or display character formatting
ALT+SHIFT+L: Show the first line of body text or all body text
ALT+SHIFT+1: Show all headings with the Heading 1 style
ALT+SHIFT+n: Show all headings up to Heading n
CTRL+TAB: Insert a tab character

Printing and previewing documents

CTRL+P: Print a document
ALT+CTRL+I: Switch in or out of print preview
Arrow keys: Move around the preview page when zoomed in
PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN: Move by one preview page when zoomed out
CTRL+HOME: Move to the first preview page when zoomed out
CTRL+END: Move to the last preview page when zoomed out

Reviewing documents

ALT+CTRL+M: Insert a comment
CTRL+SHIFT+E: Turn track changes on or off
ALT+SHIFT+C: Close the Reviewing Pane if it is open

References, footnotes, and endnotes

ALT+SHIFT+O: Mark a table of contents entry
ALT+SHIFT+I: Mark a table of authorities entry (citation)
ALT+SHIFT+X: Mark an index entry
ALT+CTRL+F: Insert a footnote
ALT+CTRL+D: Insert an endnote

Working with Web pages

CTRL+K: Insert a hyperlink
ALT+LEFT ARROW: Go back one page
ALT+RIGHT ARROW: Go forward one page
F9: Refresh

Note To use keys to go back or forward one page or to refresh a page, the Web toolbar must be showing. If the Web toolbar is not showing, press ALT+V, press T, use the arrow keys to select Web, and then press ENTER.

Editing and moving text and graphics

Delete text and graphics

BACKSPACE: Delete one character to the left
CTRL+BACKSPACE: Delete one word to the left
DELETE: Delete one character to the right
CTRL+DELETE: Delete one word to the right
CTRL+X: Cut selected text to the Clipboard
CTRL+Z: Undo the last action
CTRL+F3: Cut to the Spike

Copy and move text and graphics

CTRL+C: Copy text or graphics
CTRL+C, CTRL+C: Display the Office Clipboard
F2 (then move the insertion point and press ENTER): Move text or graphics
ALT+F3: Create AutoText
CTRL+V: Paste the Clipboard contents
CTRL+SHIFT+F3: Paste the Spike contents
ALT+SHIFT+R: Copy the header or footer used in the previous section of the document

Insert special characters

CTRL+F9: A field
ENTER (after typing the first few characters of the AutoText entry name and when the ScreenTip appears): An AutoText entry
SHIFT+ENTER: A line break
CTRL+ENTER: A page break
CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER: A column break
CTRL+HYPHEN: An optional hyphen
CTRL+SHIFT+HYPHEN: A nonbreaking hyphen
CTRL+SHIFT+SPACEBAR: A nonbreaking space
ALT+CTRL+C: The copyright symbol
ALT+CTRL+R: The registered trademark symbol
ALT+CTRL+T: The trademark symbol
ALT+CTRL+period: An ellipsis

Select text and graphics

Select text by holding down SHIFT and pressing the key that moves the insertion point.

Select multiple areas that aren't next to each other

After making your first selection, hold down CTRL, and then select any other items you want.

Extend a selection

F8: Turn extend mode on
F8, and then press LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW: Select the nearest character
F8 (press once to select a word, twice to select a sentence, and so forth): Increase the size of a selection
SHIFT+F8: Reduce the size of a selection
ESC: Turn extend mode off
SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW: One character to the right
SHIFT+LEFT ARROW: One character to the left
CTRL+SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW: To the end of a word
CTRL+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW: To the beginning of a word
SHIFT+END: To the end of a line
SHIFT+HOME: To the beginning of a line
SHIFT+DOWN ARROW: One line down
SHIFT+UP ARROW: One line up
CTRL+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW: To the end of a paragraph
CTRL+SHIFT+UP ARROW: To the beginning of a paragraph
SHIFT+PAGE DOWN: One screen down
SHIFT+PAGE UP: One screen up
CTRL+SHIFT+HOME: To the beginning of a document
CTRL+SHIFT+END: To the end of a document
ALT+CTRL+SHIFT+PAGE DOWN: To the end of a window
CTRL+A: To include the entire document
CTRL+SHIFT+F8, and then use the arrow keys; press ESC to cancel selection mode: To a vertical block of text
F8+arrow keys; press ESC to cancel selection mode: To a specific location in a document

Tip

If you know the key combination to move the insertion point, you can generally select the text by using the same key combination while holding down SHIFT. For example, CTRL+RIGHT ARROW moves the insertion point to the next word, and CTRL+SHIFT+RIGHT ARROW selects the text from the insertion point to the beginning of the next word.

Select text and graphics in a table

TAB: Select the next cell's contents
SHIFT+TAB: Select the preceding cell's contents
Hold down SHIFT and press an arrow key repeatedly: Extend a selection to adjacent cells
Click in the column's top or bottom cell. Hold down SHIFT and press the UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW key repeatedly: Select a column
CTRL+SHIFT+F8, and then use the arrow keys; press ESC to cancel selection mode: Extend a selection (or block)
SHIFT+F8: Reduce the selection size
ALT+5 on the numeric keypad (with NUM LOCK off): Select an entire table

Move the insertion point

LEFT ARROW: One character to the left
RIGHT ARROW: One character to the right
CTRL+LEFT ARROW: One word to the left
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW: One word to the right
CTRL+UP ARROW: One paragraph up
CTRL+DOWN ARROW: One paragraph down
SHIFT+TAB: One cell to the left (in a table)
TAB: One cell to the right (in a table)
UP ARROW: Up one line
DOWN ARROW: Down one line
END: To the end of a line
HOME: To the beginning of a line
ALT+CTRL+PAGE UP: To the top of the window
ALT+CTRL+PAGE DOWN: To the end of the window
PAGE UP: Up one screen (scrolling)
PAGE DOWN: Down one screen (scrolling)
CTRL+PAGE DOWN: To the top of the next page
CTRL+PAGE UP: To the top of the previous page
CTRL+END: To the end of a document
CTRL+HOME: To the beginning of a document
SHIFT+F5: To a previous revision
SHIFT+F5: To the location of the insertion point when the document was last closed

Move around in a table

TAB: Next cell in a row
SHIFT+TAB: Previous cell in a row
ALT+HOME: First cell in a row
ALT+END: Last cell in a row
ALT+PAGE UP: First cell in a column
ALT+PAGE DOWN: Last cell in a column
UP ARROW: Previous row
DOWN ARROW: Next row

Insert paragraphs and tab characters in a table

ENTER: New paragraphs in a cell
CTRL+TAB: Tab characters in a cell

Character and paragraph formatting

Copy formatting

CTRL+SHIFT+C: Copy formatting from text
CTRL+SHIFT+V: Apply copied formatting to text

Change or resize the font

CTRL+SHIFT+F: Change the font
CTRL+SHIFT+P: Change the font size
CTRL+SHIFT+>: Increase the font size
CTRL+SHIFT+<: Decrease the font size
CTRL+]: Increase the font size by 1 point
CTRL+[: Decrease the font size by 1 point

Apply character formats

CTRL+D: Change the formatting of characters (Font command, Format menu)
SHIFT+F3: Change the case of letters
CTRL+SHIFT+A: Format letters as all capitals
CTRL+B: Apply bold formatting
CTRL+U: Apply an underline
CTRL+SHIFT+W: Underline words but not spaces
CTRL+SHIFT+D: Double-underline text
CTRL+SHIFT+H: Apply hidden text formatting
CTRL+I: Apply italic formatting
CTRL+SHIFT+K: Format letters as small capitals
CTRL+EQUAL SIGN: Apply subscript formatting (automatic spacing)
CTRL+SHIFT+PLUS SIGN: Apply superscript formatting (automatic spacing)
CTRL+SPACEBAR: Remove manual character formatting
CTRL+SHIFT+Q: Change the selection to the Symbol font

View and copy text formats

CTRL+SHIFT+* (asterisk): Display nonprinting characters
SHIFT+F1 (then click the text whose formatting you want to review): Review text formatting
CTRL+SHIFT+C: Copy formats
CTRL+SHIFT+V: Paste formats

Set line spacing

CTRL+1: Single-space lines
CTRL+2: Double-space lines
CTRL+5: Set 1.5-line spacing
CTRL+0 (zero): Add or remove one line space preceding a paragraph

Align paragraphs

CTRL+E: Center a paragraph
CTRL+J: Justify a paragraph
CTRL+L: Left align a paragraph
CTRL+R: Right align a paragraph
CTRL+M: Indent a paragraph from the left
CTRL+SHIFT+M: Remove a paragraph indent from the left
CTRL+T: Create a hanging indent
CTRL+SHIFT+T: Reduce a hanging indent
CTRL+Q: Remove paragraph formatting

Apply paragraph styles

CTRL+SHIFT+S: Apply a style
ALT+CTRL+K: Start AutoFormat
CTRL+SHIFT+N: Apply the Normal style
ALT+CTRL+1: Apply the Heading 1 style
ALT+CTRL+2: Apply the Heading 2 style
ALT+CTRL+3: Apply the Heading 3 style
CTRL+SHIFT+L: Apply the List style

Drawing objects and other objects

Inserting and selecting drawing objects

Insert an AutoShape by using the keyboard

Use the keyboard to show the Drawing toolbar if it is not showing.
Press ALT+U to choose AutoShape on the Drawing toolbar.
Use the arrow keys to move through the categories of AutoShapes and select the AutoShape you want.
Press CTRL+ENTER.

Note To edit the AutoShape, select the AutoShape, and then use the keyboard to choose AutoShape on the Format menu. Select the options you want on the available tabs.

Insert a text box by using the keyboard

Use the keyboard to select Text Box on the Insert menu, and then press CTRL+ENTER.
Type the text you want in the text box.
When you are finished typing and want to switch back to editing text in your document, press SHIFT+F10, choose Exit Edit Text on the shortcut menu, and then press ESC.

Note To format the text box (add a fill color or change the size, for example) select the text box, choose Text Box on the Format menu, and then select the options you want on the available tabs.

Insert a WordArt drawing object by using the keyboard

Use the keyboard to choose WordArt (Insert menu, Picture submenu).
Use the arrow keys to select the WordArt style you want, and then press ENTER.
Type the text you want, and then use the TAB key to select other options in the dialog box.
Press ENTER to insert the WordArt drawing object.

Note To edit the WordArt drawing object, select the object, choose WordArt on the Format menu, and then select the options you want on the available tabs.

Select a drawing object by using the keyboard

If the insertion point is within text in your document, do the following:

Press F10 to make the menu bar active.
Press CTRL+TAB until the Drawing toolbar is active.
Press the RIGHT ARROW key to choose Select Objects .
Press CTRL+ENTER to select the first drawing object.
Press the TAB key to cycle forward (or SHIFT+TAB to cycle backward) through the objects until sizing handles appear on the object you want to select.

If the insertion point is within text in a drawing object, do the following:

Press SHIFT+F10, and then use the keyboard to choose Exit Edit Text on the shortcut menu.
Press the TAB key to cycle forward (or SHIFT+TAB to cycle backward) through the objects until sizing handles appear on the object you want to select.

Note To switch from selecting objects back to editing text in your document, press ESC.

Editing drawing objects

Rotate a drawing object by using the keyboard

Select the drawing object you want to rotate.
Use the keyboard to choose the command for the type of object you selected — for example, on the Format menu, choose AutoShape or Text Box — and then select the Size tab.
Under Size and rotate, use the TAB key to select Rotation, and then type the amount of rotation you want.

Change the position of a drawing object on a page by using the keyboard

Select the drawing object you want to change.
Use the keyboard to choose the command for the type of object you selected — for example, on the Format menu, choose AutoShape or Text Box — and then select the Layout tab.
Select the options you want.
To select additional options, select Advanced.

Tip

You can nudge the selected object up, down, left, or right by holding down CTRL and pressing arrow keys.

Change the size of a drawing object by using the keyboard

Select the drawing object you want to change.
Use the keyboard to choose the command for the type of object you selected — for example, on the Format menu, choose AutoShape or Text Box — and then select the Size tab.
Select the options you want.

Copy the attributes of a drawing object by using the keyboard

Select the drawing object with the attributes you want to copy.
If you select an AutoShape with attached text, you copy the look and style of the text as well as the attributes of the AutoShape.
Press CTRL+SHIFT+C to copy the object attributes.
Press the TAB key or SHIFT+TAB to select the object you want to copy the attributes to.
Press CTRL+SHIFT+V.

Mail merge and fields

Performing a mail merge

ALT+SHIFT+K: Preview a mail merge
ALT+SHIFT+N: Merge a document
ALT+SHIFT+M: Print the merged document
ALT+SHIFT+E: Edit a mail-merge data document
ALT+SHIFT+F: Insert a merge field

Working with fields

ALT+SHIFT+D: Insert a DATE field
ALT+CTRL+L: Insert a LISTNUM field
ALT+SHIFT+P: Insert a PAGE field
ALT+SHIFT+T: Insert a TIME field
CTRL+F9: Insert an empty field
CTRL+SHIFT+F7: Update linked information in a Microsoft Word source document
F9: Update selected fields
CTRL+SHIFT+F9: Unlink a field
SHIFT+F9: Switch between a selected field code and its result
ALT+F9: Switch between all field codes and their results
ALT+SHIFT+F9: Run GOTOBUTTON or MACROBUTTON from the field that displays the field results
F11: Go to the next field
SHIFT+F11: Go to the previous field
CTRL+F11: Lock a field
CTRL+SHIFT+F11: Unlock a field

Key combinations

Function keys

F1: Get Help or the Office Assistant
F2: Move text or graphics
F3: Insert an AutoText entry (after Microsoft Word displays the entry)
F4: Repeat the last action
F5: Choose the Go To command (Edit menu)
F6: Go to the next pane or frame
F7: Choose the Spelling command (Tools menu)
F8: Extend a selection
F9: Update selected fields
F10: Activate the menu bar
F11: Go to the next field
F12: Choose the Save As command (File menu)

SHIFT+Function key

SHIFT+F1: Start context-sensitive Help or reveal formatting
SHIFT+F2: Copy text
SHIFT+F3: Change the case of letters
SHIFT+F4: Repeat a Find or Go To action
SHIFT+F5: Move to the last change
SHIFT+F6: Go to the previous pane or frame
SHIFT+F7: Choose the Thesaurus command (Tools menu, Language submenu)
SHIFT+F8: Shrink a selection
SHIFT+F9: Switch between a field code and its result
SHIFT+F10: Display a shortcut menu
SHIFT+F11: Go to the previous field
SHIFT+F12: Choose the Save command (File menu)

CTRL+Function key

CTRL+F2: Choose the Print Preview command (File menu)
CTRL+F3: Cut to the Spike
CTRL+F4: Close the window
CTRL+F5: Restore the document window size
CTRL+F6: Go to the next window
CTRL+F7: Choose the Move command (Control menu, or Window shortcut menu)
CTRL+F8: Choose the Size command (Control menu, or Window shortcut menu)
CTRL+F9: Insert an empty field
CTRL+F10: Maximize the document window
CTRL+F11: Lock a field
CTRL+F12: Choose the Open command (File menu)

CTRL+SHIFT+Function key

CTRL+SHIFT+F3: Insert the contents of the Spike
CTRL+SHIFT+F5: Edit a bookmark
CTRL+SHIFT+F6: Go to the previous window
CTRL+SHIFT+F7: Update linked information in a Microsoft Word source document
CTRL+SHIFT+F8: Extend a selection or block (then press an arrow key)
CTRL+SHIFT+F9: Unlink a field
CTRL+SHIFT+F10: Activate the ruler
CTRL+SHIFT+F11: Unlock a field
CTRL+SHIFT+F12: Choose the Print command (File menu)

ALT+Function key

ALT+F1: Go to the next field
ALT+F3: Create an AutoText entry
ALT+F4: Quit Microsoft Word
ALT+F5: Restore the program window size
ALT+F7: Find the next misspelling or grammatical error. The Check spelling as you type check box must be selected (Tools menu, Options dialog box, Spelling & Grammar tab).
ALT+F8: Run a macro
ALT+F9: Switch between all field codes and their results
ALT+F10: Maximize the program window
ALT+F11: Display Microsoft Visual Basic code

ALT+SHIFT+Function key

ALT+SHIFT+F1: Go to the previous field
ALT+SHIFT+F2: Choose the Save command (File menu)
ALT+SHIFT+F9: Run GOTOBUTTON or MACROBUTTON from the field that displays the field results
ALT+SHIFT+F11: Display Microsoft Visual Studio code

CTRL+ALT+Function key

CTRL+ALT+F1: Display Microsoft System Information
CTRL+ALT+F2: Open command (File menu)