The find and replace shortcut is one of the fastest ways to edit, correct, or reformat text across documents, spreadsheets, and code editors. ✍️ Whether you’re fixing typos in a Word file, updating formulas in Excel, or refactoring code, mastering this shortcut will dramatically boost your efficiency. And the best part? It works across all major operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux! Let’s dive in. 🚀
What Does the Find and Replace Shortcut Do?
The find and replace command locates all instances of a word, phrase, or value and replaces them with something else. It’s an excellent tool when:
- Updating outdated terminology
- Correcting spelling or formatting mistakes
- Modifying repeated formulas or code
- Standardizing numbers or characters (e.g., commas to dots)
Instead of editing entries one by one, you can update hundreds at once—saving minutes or even hours.
Find and Replace Shortcut on Windows 🖥️
On Windows, the universal shortcut is:
🔹 Ctrl + H
This works in most programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Notepad++, and Visual Studio Code.
Bonus:
- Ctrl + F = Find only
- Ctrl + H = Find and Replace
- Ctrl + Shift + H = Some programs use this for advanced replace options
Examples:
- In Word: Ctrl + H opens the find & replace dialog
- In Excel: Ctrl + H helps replace formulas or values across sheets
- In VS Code: Ctrl + H in the sidebar for project-wide replacement
Find and Replace Shortcut on macOS 🍎
For macOS, the shortcut depends slightly on the app, but usually is:
🔹 Command (Cmd) + Shift + H
Some apps also support Cmd + F to open the find bar, with a “Replace” toggle inside.
Examples:
- In Pages: Cmd + F > Click “Replace”
- In TextEdit: Cmd + Shift + H opens Replace dialog
- In Xcode or VS Code: Cmd + Option + F for advanced project-wide replace
Quick Tip:
- Use Cmd + G to jump to the next result
- Use Cmd + Shift + G to go back
Find and Replace Shortcut on Ubuntu/Linux 🐧
On Ubuntu/Linux, the default is usually:
🔹 Ctrl + H (like on Windows)
This shortcut is widely supported in:
- LibreOffice Writer & Calc
- Gedit
- VS Code, Sublime Text
- Terminal (with specific commands like
sed
orawk
for advanced users)
Important:
- In GNOME apps, Ctrl + H sometimes toggles hidden files—check your application first.
- Use Ctrl + F to open the Find bar, then look for a “Replace” button if Ctrl + H doesn’t work.
Why You Should Use Find and Replace ⏩
Here’s what makes this shortcut a game-changer:
✅ Speeds up bulk changes
✅ Prevents manual editing errors
✅ Saves hours on large documents or datasets
✅ Works in text, code, spreadsheets, and more
Let’s say you need to update a product name across hundreds of rows in Excel—Ctrl + H, type the old name, type the new one, click “Replace All”—done in seconds. 💡
Find and Replace Shortcut in Top Applications 📚
Application | Find Shortcut | Find & Replace Shortcut |
---|---|---|
Microsoft Word | Ctrl + F | Ctrl + H |
Microsoft Excel | Ctrl + F | Ctrl + H |
Google Docs | Ctrl + F | Ctrl + H (Web) |
VS Code | Ctrl + F | Ctrl + H |
macOS Pages | Cmd + F | Cmd + Shift + H |
Ubuntu LibreOffice | Ctrl + F | Ctrl + H |
💡 Tip: Google Docs and Sheets also let you use Find & Replace through the Edit menu.
Advanced Tips for Power Users 🧠
- Match Case: Only replaces words with exact case
- Match Whole Word: Prevents partial matches (e.g., “hat” inside “that”)
- Use Wildcards or RegEx (Advanced): Powerful pattern matching
In Word, click “More >>” in the Replace window to enable these features.
In VS Code, click the .* button to enable RegEx-based replacing.
FAQs about Find and Replace Shortcut
What is the find and replace shortcut in Word?
Use Ctrl + H on Windows or Cmd + Shift + H on macOS.
Can I undo a replace action?
Yes! Use Ctrl + Z (or Cmd + Z) to undo any accidental replacements.
Is there a find and replace in Excel?
Absolutely. Press Ctrl + H to open the Replace tab directly.
What’s the difference between Ctrl + F and Ctrl + H?
Ctrl + F = Find only, while Ctrl + H = Find and Replace.
Does find and replace work in Google Docs?
Yes, Ctrl + H opens the Replace interface in Google Docs and Sheets.
Can I find and replace across multiple files?
Yes, tools like VS Code, Sublime, or Notepad++ allow project-wide replace.
Conclusion: Find and Replace Shortcut Saves You Time ⏳
The find and replace shortcut isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a game-changer. Once you master it, you’ll never go back to manual edits. With support across Windows, macOS, and Linux, this tool brings speed and accuracy to writers, editors, analysts, and coders alike.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment