Microsoft Word & WordPad: Cool Keyboard Shortcuts

For frequent Microsoft Word or WordPad users, using keyboard shortcuts can really improve productivity! The + sign in the descriptions below means "and" - do not press the + key on your keyboard.

Also, don't worry about trying to press the keys simultaneously. Just press and hold the first key while you press the second key.

Important Note: When a keyboard shortcut explanation refers to the "selection" or "selected text," it refers to text that is highlighted. To select or highlight an area of text, press and hold the left mouse button at the beginning of the area, move the cursor over the text to the end of the area, and release the mouse button.

A few of the shortcuts do not work in WordPad and that is noted where applicable. Also, many of these shortcuts work with Microsoft Works.

Formatting Text

Ctrl + B: Format the selection with Bold.

Ctrl + I: Format the selection with Italics.

Ctrl + U: Underscore (underlines) the selection.

Ctrl + Shift + D: Double-underscore (underline) the selected text. (Word only)

Ctrl + Shift + W: Underscore (underline) only words (not spaces) of the selected text. (Word only)

Ctrl + =: Change the highlighted text to Subscript.

Ctrl + Shift + =: Change the highlighted text to Superscript.

Ctrl + D or Ctrl + Shift + F: highlight the text first, then press Ctrl + D to open the Font window. (Word only)

Ctrl + Shift + A: Change the selected text to all CAPS. If text is already capitalized, will change to no CAPS.

Ctrl + Shift + K: Change the selected text to small CAPS. If text is already in small CAPS, will change to no CAPS. (Word only)

Working With Text

Ctrl + C: Copy the selection to the Clipboard.

Ctrl + V: Paste the selection from the Clipboard.

Ctrl + X: Cut the selection.

Ctrl + Z or Alt + Backspace: Undo the last action. Can be pressed multiple times to undo multiple actions.

Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.

Ctrl + A: Select all text in the document.

Ctrl + E: Center the text in the paragraph that the cursor is in, or center the selected text.

Ctrl + L: Left align the text in the paragraph that the cursor is in, or left align the text in the selected text.

Ctrl + R: Right align the text in the paragraph that the cursor is in, or right align the text in the selected text.

Ctrl + J: Justify the text in the paragraph that the cursor is in, or justifies the text in the selected text.

Ctrl + M: Indent the text. If no tabs are set, default indent is .5 inches. Press Ctrl + M repeatedly to indent repeately.

Ctrl + Shift + M: De-indent the text. Press Ctrl + Shift + M repeatedly to de-indent repeately.

Ctrl + K: Insert a hyperlink - a link to a webpage. (Word only)

Alt + Shift + D: Enter the current date from your computer.

Alt + Shift + T: Enter the current time from your computer.

Working With a Document

Ctrl + Home: Move to the beginning of the document.

Ctrl + End: Move to the end of the document.

Ctrl + F: Display the Find window.

Ctrl + H: Open the Replace window.

Ctrl + Enter: insert a Page Break where the cursor is.

Ctrl + S: Save the document. Get into the habit of pressing this key sequence often so you won't accidentally lose your work.

Ctrl + P: Open the Print window.

Ctrl + W or Alt + F4: Close the document. Only Alt + F4works in Microsoft WordPad.

Ctrl + O: Open an existing document.

Ctrl + N: Open a new document.

 

If you are interested in a list of cool keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Excel, please see our tutorial Microsoft Excel: Cool Keyboard Shortcuts.