If you want to speed up your editing process in Microsoft Word, mastering a few essential keyboard shortcuts is a total game changer. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, these Microsoft Word shortcuts help you work smarter — not harder. From bolding text to switching paragraphs or saving files, the right key combinations can save minutes (even hours!) of repetitive tasks and boost your daily productivity.
In this guide, you’ll find a carefully organized list of the most useful Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts across all major operating systems. No fluff — just the real shortcuts that writers, editors, students, and office pros use every day.
💻 Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows
Windows users get access to a wide range of Word shortcuts that enhance navigation, formatting, and editing. Here are the essentials:
Action | Shortcut (Windows) |
---|---|
Bold Text | Ctrl + B |
Italic Text | Ctrl + I |
Underline Text | Ctrl + U |
Save Document | Ctrl + S |
Open Document | Ctrl + O |
Copy | Ctrl + C |
Cut | Ctrl + X |
Paste | Ctrl + V |
Undo | Ctrl + Z |
Redo | Ctrl + Y |
Select All Text | Ctrl + A |
Find Text | Ctrl + F |
Replace Text | Ctrl + H |
Justify Text | Ctrl + J |
Align Left | Ctrl + L |
Align Right | Ctrl + R |
Center Text | Ctrl + E |
Create Bullet List | Ctrl + Shift + L |
Insert Hyperlink | Ctrl + K |
Print Document | Ctrl + P |
These shortcuts work in most versions of Microsoft Word on Windows 10, 11, and even earlier.
🍏 Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts for macOS
Mac users benefit from similar shortcuts — just with the Command key instead of Ctrl. Here’s what to use:
Action | Shortcut (macOS) |
---|---|
Bold Text | Command + B |
Italic Text | Command + I |
Underline Text | Command + U |
Save Document | Command + S |
Open Document | Command + O |
Copy | Command + C |
Cut | Command + X |
Paste | Command + V |
Undo | Command + Z |
Redo | Command + Y or Shift + Command + Z |
Select All Text | Command + A |
Find Text | Command + F |
Replace Text | Command + H |
Justify Text | Command + J |
Align Left | Command + L |
Align Right | Command + R |
Center Text | Command + E |
Insert Hyperlink | Command + K |
Print Document | Command + P |
Note: On MacBooks with Touch Bars, some actions may appear as tappable buttons, too.
🐧 Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts for Ubuntu/Linux
While Microsoft Word isn’t natively supported on Ubuntu, you can still run it through Wine or via Office Online. In both cases, many familiar shortcuts from Windows will still apply.
Action | Shortcut (Ubuntu via Wine/Office Online) |
---|---|
Bold Text | Ctrl + B |
Italic Text | Ctrl + I |
Underline Text | Ctrl + U |
Save Document | Ctrl + S |
Open Document | Ctrl + O |
Copy | Ctrl + C |
Cut | Ctrl + X |
Paste | Ctrl + V |
Undo | Ctrl + Z |
Redo | Ctrl + Y |
Select All Text | Ctrl + A |
Find Text | Ctrl + F |
Replace Text | Ctrl + H |
If you’re using LibreOffice as an alternative, many shortcuts are the same, which keeps things simple.
⚡ Tips to Master Keyboard Shortcuts in Microsoft Word
- Practice frequently: Try replacing your mouse actions with shortcuts during your editing routine.
- Use sticky notes: Keep a printed or digital list of your favorite shortcuts nearby until you’ve memorized them.
- Customize your own: Microsoft Word allows advanced users to assign custom shortcuts in Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts.
🎯 Why Keyboard Shortcuts Matter
Using keyboard shortcuts doesn’t just save time — it reduces fatigue, boosts editing accuracy, and lets you focus more on content creation rather than tool navigation. In busy work environments, even a few seconds per task can add up quickly. If you’re a student, writer, editor, or office professional, these tools are essential.
📚 Related Shortcuts You Might Also Like
- Excel Shortcuts for Data Entry
- Google Docs Shortcuts for Collaboration
- Outlook Email Shortcuts for Inbox Zero
- PowerPoint Shortcuts for Fast Presentations
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