When working on documents in Microsoft Word, transforming lowercase text into UPPERCASE quickly can save time and improve formatting consistency. The Microsoft Word uppercase shortcut is the fastest way to convert selected text to all capital letters without navigating through menus. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, this handy shortcut is available to boost your productivity.
Why Use the Microsoft Word Uppercase Shortcut?
Converting text to uppercase is often needed for titles, headers, or emphasis. Rather than retyping everything, using a shortcut allows you to:
- Save time during editing
- Maintain formatting consistency
- Eliminate typing errors
- Improve your workflow with fewer clicks
Microsoft Word Uppercase Shortcut for Windows
If you’re using Microsoft Word on Windows, here’s how to change text to uppercase with a shortcut:
- Shortcut:
Shift + F3
How It Works:
- Highlight the text you want to change.
- Press
Shift + F3. - Repeatedly pressing the combination toggles through:
- lowercase → UPPERCASE → Capitalize Each Word
Example:
Input: “hello world” → Press Shift + F3 → Output: “HELLO WORLD”
Microsoft Word Uppercase Shortcut on macOS
On macOS, the functionality is identical to Windows:
- Shortcut:
Shift + F3
Just like Windows, select the text and use the shortcut to toggle between case formats.
Note: On some Mac keyboards, you may need to use the Fn key:
Fn + Shift + F3(if F3 is mapped to a system function like volume or brightness)
Microsoft Word Uppercase Shortcut for Ubuntu/Linux
If you’re using Microsoft Word via Word Online or a compatible word processor like LibreOffice on Ubuntu, here are your options:
Word Online (in browser):
- Shortcut:
Shift + F3(works the same as in desktop Word)
LibreOffice Writer:
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + Uto convert to uppercase - Or use
Format > Text > Uppercasevia the menu
LibreOffice also offers auto-correct rules and formatting options for case toggling.
Quick Comparison Table of Uppercase Shortcuts
| Platform | Application | Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Microsoft Word | Shift + F3 | Cycles through lowercase, UPPERCASE |
| macOS | Microsoft Word | Shift + F3 | Use Fn key if F3 is a system key |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Word Online (browser) | Shift + F3 | Works in Word Online |
| Ubuntu/Linux | LibreOffice Writer | Ctrl + Shift + U | Converts directly to UPPERCASE |
Other Related Keyboard Shortcuts for Text Formatting
| Task | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut | Ubuntu (LibreOffice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bold Text | Ctrl + B | Command + B | Ctrl + B |
| Italic Text | Ctrl + I | Command + I | Ctrl + I |
| Underline Text | Ctrl + U | Command + U | Ctrl + U |
| All Caps via Font Settings | Ctrl + D > All Caps | Command + D > All Caps | Format > Character… |
How to Customize or Assign a New Shortcut
In some cases, you may want to assign a different key combination or your keyboard might conflict with the default function keys.
In Microsoft Word (Windows):
- Go to
File > Options > Customize Ribbon - Click
Customize…under “Keyboard shortcuts” - Under “Categories,” select
All Commands - Find
ChangeCase - Assign a new key combination
In Microsoft Word (macOS):
- Open
Tools > Customize Keyboard - Under “Categories,” choose
All Commands - Select
ChangeCase - Assign a custom shortcut
In LibreOffice:
- Go to
Tools > Customize > Keyboard - Choose a key and assign it to the “To Uppercase” function
Common Use Cases for Uppercase Conversion
- Headings and Subheadings
- Acronyms or Abbreviations (e.g., NASA, WHO)
- Legal Documents
- Emphasis in Reports
- Title Formatting in Resumes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default Word shortcut to make text uppercase?
Use Shift + F3 to toggle between lowercase, UPPERCASE, and Capitalize Each Word.
Why doesn’t Shift + F3 work on my Mac?
MacBooks often require pressing Fn + Shift + F3 if F3 is set to control system features like volume or brightness.
Can I change the shortcut for uppercase in Word?
Yes, Microsoft Word allows custom keyboard shortcuts under the Options menu.
Does this work in Word Online?
Yes, Shift + F3 works in Word Online via most modern browsers.
How do I change text to uppercase in LibreOffice?
Use Ctrl + Shift + U or go to the Format menu and select “Text > Uppercase”.
Will the uppercase shortcut affect numbers or punctuation?
No, it only alters the alphabetic characters, leaving numbers and symbols untouched.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Word uppercase shortcut is a small but powerful tool that can streamline your editing process. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, using Shift + F3 or its local equivalent allows you to quickly adjust your text’s case and keep your document professional. By incorporating this shortcut into your writing routine, you save valuable time and maintain consistent formatting with minimal effort.
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/
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