13 Microsoft Word Shortcuts You Need In Your Life

If you grew up during a time when the ownership of a flip phone put you on the top of the cool-o-meter, then Microsoft Word is and will always be your Holy Grail word processor. Considering the amount of time most of us spend using Microsoft Office, it’s only right that we know how to use it most efficiently, where the time saved can noticeably add to your daily productivity. Starting this week, Garage Hacks will be covering tried and tested Microsoft Office hacks you’ll actually use, so keep an eye out for Excel & PowerPoint tips in the coming two weeks. You’ve already listed Microsoft Office as a “skill” on LinkedIn, and now is the time to prove it!

Hyperlink faster by highlighting the words and using Ctrl + K (Mac: Command + K)
Instantly capitalise a highlighted passage by using Ctrl + Shift + A (Mac: Command + Shift + A)
To precisely keep track of the time it takes you to complete a task, go to File > Properties > Statistics for any Microsoft Office software.
Quickly make a bullet list by typing an asterisk (* + space) and continue typing as usual
Compare a document that’s gone through edits by multiple parties by using Tools > Track Changes > Compare Documents
Use the thesaurus for a highlighted word by using Shift + F7 (Mac: Shift + Ctrl + Command + R)
Styles are a great way to save you eons of formatting time. Under the Home tab, click on the button with a paragraph sign to create your own
Delete the entire word you just typed by using Ctrl + Backspace (Mac: Command + Backspace)
Quickly adjust the line spacing of your highlighted text by using Ctrl + 1 (Mac: Command + 1) for single spacing, Ctrl + 2 (Mac: Command + 2) for double spacing, and Ctrl + 5 (Mac: Command + 5) for 1.5 spacing
Hold down Alt (Mac: Option) to highlight the middle of section of a paragraph
Wipe out any formatting by using Ctrl + Space to go back to good ol’ 12 pt. Times New Roman.
Increase font size of the highlighted text by one point by using Ctrl + ] (Mac Command + ]) and use Ctrl + [ (Mac Command + [) to decrease font size by one point.
If you want to just underline text without the spaces, use Ctrl + Shift + W (Mac: Shift + Command + W)

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