When working in Microsoft Word, it’s easy to make changes and just as easy to undo them—but what if you undo something by mistake? That’s where the Word shortcut for redo becomes essential. Redo lets you instantly reverse an undo action, saving time and keeping your workflow smooth. This shortcut is available across all major platforms including Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu (via compatible word processors).
What Is the Redo Function in Word?
The redo function restores your last undone action. Let’s say you deleted a paragraph, then used Undo (Ctrl + Z) to bring it back. If you change your mind again, using Redo will re-delete it. It’s a perfect tool for toggling between changes during editing.
Word Shortcut for Redo on Windows
In Microsoft Word for Windows, the redo keyboard shortcut is:
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Y - Alternative:
F4(repeats the last action, which can act like redo in some cases)
This is consistent across various versions of Word, including Word 2010, 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365.
Extra Tip: You can press Ctrl + Z to undo and immediately use Ctrl + Y to redo repeatedly. It helps when experimenting with different formatting or layout choices.
Word Shortcut for Redo on macOS
For Mac users working in Microsoft Word, the redo shortcut is slightly different:
- Shortcut:
Command (⌘) + Y - Alternative:
Command (⌘) + Shift + Z(works in Word Online or browser-based editors)
Note: macOS applications sometimes default to Command + Shift + Z, so if Command + Y doesn’t work, try the alternative.
Quick Tip: Combine redo with Command + Z to toggle back and forth between recent changes during proofreading.
Word Shortcut for Redo on Ubuntu/Linux
Ubuntu users typically don’t run Microsoft Word natively, but there are workarounds:
If you’re using Microsoft Word via:
- Browser (Microsoft 365 Word Online):
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Y(same as Windows)
- Shortcut:
If you use LibreOffice Writer (the default Word alternative on Ubuntu):
- Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + ZorCtrl + Y
Both shortcuts work for redo, but Ctrl + Shift + Z is the more commonly supported across Linux-based editors.
Comparison Table of Redo Shortcuts Across Platforms
| Platform | Shortcut | Alternative Shortcut | Editor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl + Y | F4 | Microsoft Word |
| macOS | Command + Y | Command + Shift + Z | Microsoft Word |
| Ubuntu/Linux | Ctrl + Y | Ctrl + Shift + Z | LibreOffice / Word Online |
How to Customize Redo Shortcuts in Word
In some cases, users may want to personalize their keyboard shortcuts:
On Windows:
- Go to
File > Options > Customize Ribbon - Click on
Customize Keyboard - In the “Categories” list, select
All Commands - Locate
Redoand assign a new key combination
On macOS:
- Navigate to
Tools > Customize Keyboard - Search for
Redo - Assign a different shortcut if needed
On Ubuntu (LibreOffice):
- Open
Tools > Customize > Keyboard - Choose
Category: Edit, then selectRedo - Assign your preferred shortcut
Why the Word Redo Shortcut Is So Useful
- Speed: Fixing mistakes and reapplying changes in milliseconds.
- Control: Toggle between edits during formatting and reviewing.
- Productivity: Avoid constant use of the mouse—stay in the typing flow.
- Consistency: Available on all major platforms with minor variations.
Common Use Cases for the Redo Shortcut
- Re-applying text formatting
- Restoring deleted content
- Repeating bullet or numbering formatting
- Redoing table or cell merges after undoing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the redo shortcut the same in all versions of Word?
Yes, the standard shortcuts (Ctrl + Y for Windows and Command + Y for Mac) have remained consistent across Word versions.
Why doesn’t Command + Y work on my Mac?
Try Command + Shift + Z instead—it’s often used as the redo function in browser-based versions or certain macOS configurations.
Can I change the redo shortcut in Word?
Absolutely. Both Windows and macOS versions of Word allow you to customize keyboard shortcuts.
Is there a redo button in Word?
Yes, there’s a redo icon (a curved arrow pointing right) on the Quick Access Toolbar and the “Home” tab in the Ribbon.
Does redo work after saving and closing the document?
No. The redo/undo history is session-based. Once you close the document, the history resets.
Does F4 always act as redo?
Not exactly. F4 repeats the last action, which can be redo-like if that was your last task.
Conclusion
Mastering the Word shortcut for redo is a small but powerful way to streamline your editing process. Whether you’re a student fine-tuning an essay, a professional reviewing documents, or just typing up notes, knowing how to redo actions instantly can be a huge time-saver. And with consistent support across Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu, it’s an essential shortcut every user should learn.
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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