Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Word Tip Wednesday: Keyboard Shortcuts

This tip probably isn't as unknown as most of the tips I plan to list here, but it's definitely the feature I use the most. And a lot of the shortcuts will work with programs in addition to Word, so I wanted to cover it first as one of the basics. :)

You can find a full list of keyboard shortcuts here, but I'll share a few that I find particularly useful and use frequently.

ctrl+z = undo This is probably the one I use the most. It's nice to know that no matter what you do to screw up your manuscript (or photo in PhotoShop--I love this shortcut for PS) you can undo it with a couple of keystrokes. And I love how close the "z" key is to the "ctrl" key.

ctrl+y = redo Nice if you undo something and change your mind. No retyping.

ctrl+a = select all This will select all text. Much easier than running through 250+ pages. Another one that super helpful in Photoshop.

ctrl+c = copy selected text

ctrl+v = paste copied text

ctrl+x = copy and cut selected text Saves you a step when you're moving things around.

ctrl+i = turn on/turn off italics

ctrl+b = turn on/turn off bold

ctrl+u = turn on/turn off underline

ctrl+s = save Quick way to save your document as you're writing so you don't lose anything. I know Word is supposed to do this automatically, but I've learned not to rely fully on what any program is supposed to do. Bad things happen when I do that. :)

The shortcuts listed here all work in Blogger Editor as well.

So, how many of you are using these already? Do you have any favorites I didn't mention?

More Word tips posts here


10 comments:

  1. I have not used any of those. Thanks so much for sharing this.
    Have a great day!

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  2. There're a few I knew, but I didn't know about the ones for Photoshop. :)

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  3. I don't use any shortcuts. But learning that I can highlight all my text with a click of the keyboard just sent me into the age of enlightenment. Thank you!

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  4. ooh yeah i use these all the time. Except the redo. I didn't know that one.
    I'm also a big fan of ctrl+shift+down to highlight a whole pargraph (or up. Or left or right for just a sentence)

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  5. Hubbykins uses keyboard shortcuts all the time. Me...not so much.

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  6. I knew about some of these, but not all of them. Thanks for the info!

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  7. I *love* CTRL commands. Use them all the time. I'd much rather use my keyboard than take the time to fiddle with the mouse.

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  8. I love keyboard shortcuts, it saves so much time than searching for what you want with the mouse.

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  9. Christine: Glad it was helpul! :)

    Stina: Actually, all of the ones I listed will work with PhotoShop. :)

    Laura: You're welcome! :)

    Sarah: Those are great ones. Thanks for sharing! :)

    Karen: You're totally missing out. Just saying. ;)

    Susan: You're welcome! :)

    MG: I agree. The less I have to take my hands from the keyboard, the happier I am. :)

    Cheree: Anything that saves time is a good thing. :)

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  10. Select all?? There's a select all! Where have I been? I'm always scrolling for like 50-60pages and then in the end I usually click away accidentally and have to scroll all over again : P. Thanks, Abby! These are definitely useful : )

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