Best Microsoft Word Shortcuts for Writers and Editors on a Mac

mac-computerIf you’ve ever used CMD + S to save a file or CMD + B to boldface something, you already know how to use Microsoft Word shortcuts. These keystroke combos save you time—and save your wrist from having to mouse up to the ribbon and make multiple clicks.
Here’s a list of our favorite shortcuts, including lesser-known ones that can turbocharge your efficiency.
You can also download the PDF version of these shortcuts. 

SELECT AND MOVE TEXT

CMD + A                             Select all
F8                                         Toggle between selecting word, sentence, paragraph, and all
OPT + SHFT +               Select word to the right of the cursor
CMD + SHFT +              Select letter/word to the left of the cursor
CMD + SHFT +                Select paragraph above the cursor CMD + SHFT + Select paragraph below the cursor CMD + C Copy
CMD + X                             Cut
CMD + V                             Paste

JUSTIFY THINGS

CMD + L                            Left justify text
CMD + R                            Right justify text
CMD + E                            Center text
CMD + SHFT + L             Bulletize text

INSERT COOL THINGS

OPT + SHFT + (minus on number pad)     Insert em dash
CMD + (minus on number pad)                   Insert en dash
CMD + SHFT + –                                              Insert non-breaking hyphen

INSERT BREAKS

CMD + Enter                                                   Insert page break
SHFT + Enter                                                  Insert manual line break
CMD + SHFT + Enter                                   Insert nonbreaking space

FORMAT THINGS

CMD + B                                                          Boldface
CMD + I                                                           Italicize
CMD + U                                                         Underline
CMD + SHFT +                                              Superscript
CMD + =                                                          Subscript
CMD + SHFT + >                                          Increase font size
CMD + SHFT + <                                          Decrease font size

NAVIGATE IN A NIFTY WAY

OPT +                                Jump one word to the right
OPT +                                Jump one word to the left
OPT +                                 Jump to the top of the paragraph above
OPT +                                 Jump to the top of the paragraph below
CMD + F                              Find an item
CMD + H                              Find and replace an item

DO THINGS, THEN UNDO THEM!

CMD + Z              Undo
CMD + Y              Redo
This post is part of a series featuring Dragonfly field guides, tips, and tricks. Feel free to share! 
You can also download the PDF version of these shortcuts. 

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