Undo and Redo
Ctrl + Z will undo the last action. Used again, it will undo the action before that. In fact, you can keep using it to undo actions in sequence, up to a maximum of [approximately] 99 actions. You can also undo an action out of sequence. Click the down-arrow next to the Undo button on the toolbar.
Ctrl + Y is the redo button, sort of an un-undo. Use this if you change your mind about an undo.
The Repeat Key
In Word, F4 is the Repeat Key and can be a real time-saver. If you have ever tried to make a form using underlining, simply make a few rows (or just one), press Enter, and then use F4 to fill the page. You can also use it for typed words, special characters (more on this later), commands, etc.
Switch Case
Highlight a block of text and press Shift + F3 to switch between all caps, lowercase and mixed case.
Text Formatting
You probably already know the first three basic formatting shortcuts:
These may either be applied to a marked block of text or before entering text.
If used prior to entering text, use the same shortcut to stop. That is, to have typed text appear underlined, use Ctrl + U, then type the text, and use Ctrl + U again to stop underlining (think toggle).
This is a great shortcut to use on a marked block of text. It can also be used to instantly turn off all formatting you are currently using as you enter text (again, think toggle).
One note, however, the text is saved in the Word default text. If you are using a different font than the Word default, you will need to make changes.
The text size shortcuts use the greater than and less than symbols, located on the period and comma keys on most keyboards. Some people don’t like these commands, and prefer to enter in a point size from the menu (“Format, Font”). However, if you like to visually enlarge and decrease text size and see the results immediately, this is the way to go.
Document Keyboard Shortcuts
Cut-and-Paste Keyboard Shortcuts
This is another set of keyboard shortcuts you probably already know:
However, you may not be aware of the “Paste Special” function available from the “Edit” menu. This allows you an option of pasting a block as “Unformatted text”, handy for importing pre-formatted blocks of text.
Other Formatting Keyboard Shortcuts
Highlight a block of text and use:
by M.L. Giggleman
E-mail me at mfoster@hal-pc.org with any comments you have and tell me what you want to see here.
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Last modified: 2003:04:14