Shortcut keys, sometimes called hotkeys, execute commands that, for example, save documents and open new files quickly. Don’t search through the menus to perform frequent tasks. Instead, use the keyboard. You’ll increase your productivity when you keep your hands on the keyboard and quit reaching for the mouse.

How to Use Shortcut Keys

In Windows, most shortcut keys for Word use the Ctrl key combined with a letter. The Mac version of Word uses letters combined with the Command key.

Instructions in this article apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, Word 2010, and Word for Mac.

To activate a command using a shortcut key, hold the first key for the shortcut, then press the correct letter key once to activate it. Then, release both keys.

Best Microsoft Word Shortcut Keys

There are many commands available in Microsoft Word, but these 10 keys are used most often:

Function Keys As Shortcuts

Function keys — the F keys along the top row of the keyboard — behave similarly to shortcut keys. These function keys execute commands by themselves, without using the Ctrl or Command key.

Here are a few examples:

  • F1 opens the Word Help.
  • F5 opens the Find and Replace tool.
  • F12 opens the Save As dialog box to save the current document with a different name or file extension (for example, to save a DOCX file to DOC format).

In Windows, some of these keys can be combined with other keys:

  • Ctrl+F1 hides the Ribbon menu in Word.Ctrl+F9 inserts curly brackets, or braces, before and after the cursor location. This makes it easier to enter text inside brackets.Ctrl+F12 displays the Open dialog box to select a new file to open in Word. This key combination bypasses the File menu.

Other Microsoft Word Hotkeys

In Windows, press the Alt key any time you’re in Word to see how to work with only the keyboard. This trick helps you visualize how to use chains of shortcut keys to perform tasks. For example, press Alt+G+P+S+C to open the dialog box to change paragraph spacing options, or press Alt+N+I+I to insert a hyperlink.

Microsoft keeps an all-inclusive list of Word shortcut keys for Windows and Mac that quickly do different things. In Windows, make custom MS Word shortcut keys to take your hotkey usage to the next step.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

  • How to Add Accents in Word

  • Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Speed up PowerPoint Presentations

  • The Best Windows Keyboard Shortcuts in 2023

  • How to Make a Divide Sign on a Keyboard

  • How to Make a Flyer with Microsoft Word

  • How to Hide and Unhide Columns and Rows in Excel

  • How to Use Microsoft Word

  • How to Insert a Document in Word

  • How to Open Disk Management From Command Prompt

  • How to Fix It When Microsoft Word Is Not Responding

  • How to Insert a Page Break in Word

  • How to Control F On a Mac

  • How to Reset Keyboard Shortcuts in Word

  • The Best Mac Shortcuts in 2023

  • How to Use the F Keys on a Mac

  • Use Excel Shortcut Keys to Quickly Save Your Work

  • Facebook

  • Twitter

Hit Refresh on Your Tech News

  • About Us

  • Privacy Policy

  • Editorial Guidelines

  • Terms of Use

  • Careers

  • Advertise

  • Contact

  • EU Privacy

  • NEWS

  • HOW TO

  • FEATURES

  • ABOUT US