What is Word?
Word is a word processing and document creation program that’s part of the Microsoft Office suite of tools . Word makes it easy to write with confidence with intelligent technology builtin to help with spelling, grammar and even stylistic writing suggestions.
With Word on your PC, Mac, or mobile device, you can:
- Create and format your document with Themes.
- Review work with Track Changes.
- Polish your words with proofing tools like Editor.
- Save to OneDrive, to get your documents from your computer, tablet, or phone.
- Share your work to chat, comment, and collaborate with others, wherever they are.
Word Shortcuts
Microsoft Word can be considered easy-to-use software. You type with your keyboard, you point your mouse and click, and that’s it. But did you know that you can save time and increase productivity by using keyboard shortcuts? Using a shortcut key is definitely the best way to make Word a more seamless and smooth experience, especially for beginners.
There are a lot of Word keyboard shortcuts, each having different functions. Getting a grasp of these shortcut keys can definitely make your life easier, your work faster and let you be more productive. If you are a habitual Word user or simply a beginner, you’re sure to benefit a lot just by making an effort to learn these shortcuts.
1. Ctrl+A – Select All
Using the mouse to select all the content of your document can sometimes be a hassle. Thankfully you can just hold the Ctrl key and hit A–presto, all your content is now selected.
2. Shift+Arrow Keys – Highlight word(s)
Holding the Shift key and pressing the arrow keys easily lets you highlight short words.
3. Ctrl+B – Bold highlighted word(s)
Using the keyboard in bolding out a few words is easy. First, highlight a word, and hit Ctrl + B.
4. Ctrl+I – Italicize highlighted word(s)
Similar to the bold shortcut, holding Ctrl and hitting I will allow you to italicize any highlighted word.
5. Ctrl+P – Opens the Print Window
When you’re satisfied with your document and ready to print, simply use this shortcut to open the Print dialog box.
6. Ctrl+C – Copy highlighted text
Meet the better half of the ever famous Copy-Paste combo–Ctrl + C. Highlight a text and press the shortcut to copy.
7. Ctrl+V – Paste copied text
Presenting the other half of Copy-Paste combo–Ctrl + V. Use this shortcut whenever you’re ready to paste the copied text to your document.
8. Ctrl+Z – Undo
Each time you need to undo a certain action, simply hold Ctrl key and press Z.
9. Ctrl+Shift + F – Opens the Font Dialog Box
If you want to change your font style without having to use the mouse, holding the Ctrl and Shift keys then hitting F would open the font dialog box.
10. Ctrl+Shift + G – Opens Word Count
When you are done with your document and ready to check if it meets that 3000 word requirement, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press G.
11. Ctrl+Y – Redo
Bonus! Each time you need to redo a certain action, simply hold Ctrl key and press Y.
Here is a downloadable Word Cheat Sheet that you can print out a post near your work space. This handy reference covers all of the major functions you need.