How To Create Shortcut In Microsoft Word

Creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word is a great way to improve productivity. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Microsoft Word and go to the "File" tab.
2. Select "Options" from the drop-down menu.
3. In the "Options" window, click on "Customize Ribbon" from the left panel.
4. Click on "Customize..." next to the "Keyboard shortcuts" label.
5. In the "Customize Keyboard" window, choose the category and command for which you want to create a shortcut.
6. Click inside the "Press new shortcut key" field and press the combination of keys you want to assign as the shortcut.
7. Click "Assign" and then "Close" to save the shortcut.

Creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word can save you time and make your workflow more efficient

Introduction: Enhancing Efficiency with Shortcut Keys in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word is a widely used word processing software that offers a plethora of features to streamline document creation. One of the most effective ways to boost productivity and efficiency while working with Word is by utilizing shortcut keys. By creating shortcuts for commonly used functions and commands, you can significantly reduce the time spent navigating through menus and options. This article will guide you on how to create and customize shortcuts in Microsoft Word, helping you maximize your workflow and accomplish tasks with ease.

1. Accessing the Shortcut Commands: Getting Started

Before you begin creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word, it is important to understand how to access the shortcut commands. Follow these steps to get started:

• Launch Microsoft Word on your computer and open a new or existing document.
• Click on the "File" tab located at the top-left corner of the screen.
• In the File menu, select "Options" to open the Word Options dialog box.
• Within the Word Options dialog box, click on "Customize Ribbon" from the left-hand sidebar.
• In the Customize Ribbon section, click on the "Customize..." button next to the Keyboard Shortcuts option.

Now that you have accessed the shortcut commands, you can proceed to create your own customized shortcuts according to your preferences and requirements.

2. Creating Simple Keyboard Shortcuts: Making Frequently Used Commands Accessible

If you frequently use specific commands or features in Microsoft Word, creating simple keyboard shortcuts can save you a great deal of time. Follow these steps to create your own shortcuts:

• Within the Customize Keyboard dialog box, select the desired category and command from the respective dropdown menus.
• Click inside the "Press new shortcut key" field and press the keys on your keyboard that you want to assign as your shortcut.
• If the combination you entered is already assigned to another command, Word will notify you. In such cases, you can choose to override the existing command or assign a different shortcut.
• Once you have chosen a unique key combination, click the "Assign" button to save your shortcut.
• Click "Close" to exit the Customize Keyboard dialog box.

With the newly created shortcut, you can now quickly access your frequently used commands by simply pressing the assigned key combination.

Benefits of Simple Keyboard Shortcuts

Creating simple keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word offers several benefits:

• Improves productivity and efficiency by saving time spent navigating through menus and options.
• Makes frequently used commands easily accessible, reducing the need for repetitive actions.
• Allows for personalized customization based on individual preferences and work requirements.

3. Modifying Existing Keyboard Shortcuts: Tailoring Word to Your Needs

Microsoft Word provides the flexibility to modify existing keyboard shortcuts to better suit your needs. Follow these steps to modify an existing shortcut:

• Select the desired category and command in the Customize Keyboard dialog box.
• In the "Current keys" field, you will find the current shortcut assigned to the selected command.
• Click inside the "Press new shortcut key" field and press the new key combination you want to assign.
• Click the "Assign" button to save the modified shortcut.
• Click "Close" to exit the Customize Keyboard dialog box.

By modifying existing shortcuts in Microsoft Word, you can tailor the software to match your workflow and make it more intuitive for your specific needs.

Benefits of Modifying Existing Keyboard Shortcuts

Modifying existing keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word offers the following benefits:

• Allows for customization and optimization of existing shortcuts based on individual preferences.
• Enables users to create a more efficient and personalized workflow by tailoring commands to their specific needs.
• Avoids conflicts with existing shortcuts, as Word alerts you if the combination you entered is already assigned to another command.

4. Exporting and Importing Customized Keyboard Shortcuts: Reusing Your Settings

If you frequently switch between different computers or need to share your customized keyboard shortcuts with colleagues, knowing how to export and import these settings can be beneficial. Here's how you can export and import customized keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word:

• Click on the "Import/Export..." button in the Customize Keyboard dialog box.
• Choose "Export all customizations" to save your customized keyboard shortcuts to a file.
• Select a location on your computer where you want to save the exported file, and give it a descriptive name.
• To import your customized keyboard shortcuts on another computer, open the Customize Keyboard dialog box, click on the "Import/Export..." button, and choose "Import customization file."
• Navigate to the location where the exported file is saved, select it, and click "Open" to import the settings.

Exporting and importing customized keyboard shortcuts allows you to replicate your settings across different devices or share them with others, ensuring consistency and efficiency in your Word usage.

Benefits of Exporting and Importing Customized Keyboard Shortcuts

Exporting and importing customized keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word offers the following benefits:

• Facilitates seamless setup of personalized keyboard shortcuts on multiple devices.
• Simplifies the sharing of customized settings with colleagues, minimizing the need for manual configuration.
• Ensures consistency in workflow and familiar command accessibility, regardless of the device being used.

By following these steps, you can create, modify, and export/import keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word, enhancing your productivity and saving time in the long run.

Exploring Advanced Shortcut Options in Microsoft Word

In addition to the basic shortcut creation and customization options discussed above, Microsoft Word also offers advanced features to further enhance your experience and streamline your workflow. Here are a few key options to explore:

1. Customizing Shortcuts for Macros: Automating Complex Tasks

Macros allow you to automate repetitive and complex tasks in Microsoft Word. By assigning shortcuts to your macros, you can quickly execute them without navigating through menus or initiating complex series of commands. Here's how to customize shortcuts for macros:

• Open the Developer tab in the Word ribbon by clicking on "File," selecting "Options," choosing "Customize Ribbon," and checking the "Developer" option.
• Within the Developer tab, click on "Macros" to open the Macros dialog box.
• Select the desired macro from the list and click on "Options."
• In the Macro Options dialog box, enter a unique key combination in the "Shortcut key" field.
• Click "OK" to save the shortcut and exit the dialog box.

By customizing shortcuts for macros, you can automate complex tasks, improve efficiency, and reduce the time spent on repetitive actions.

Benefits of Customizing Shortcuts for Macros

Customizing shortcuts for macros in Microsoft Word offers the following benefits:

• Enables automation of repetitive and complex tasks, saving time and effort.
• Eliminates the need for navigating through menus or creating extensive command sequences.
• Allows for personalization and optimization of individual workflows by tailoring commands using macros.

2. Using Shortcut Keys for Styles: Formatting Made Easy

In Microsoft Word, you can assign shortcut keys for applying styles to your text. Styles enable consistent formatting throughout your document, and using shortcuts to apply styles saves time and ensures uniformity. Follow these steps to assign shortcut keys for styles:

• With your Word document open, click on the "Home" tab in the ribbon.
• Select the text that you want to apply a style to.
• Right-click on the desired style in the Styles gallery.
• In the context menu, choose "Modify" to open the Modify Style dialog box.
• Click on the "Format" button at the bottom-left corner of the dialog box.
• Select "Shortcut key" from the dropdown list to reveal the Shortcut Key dialog box.
• Press the desired key combination for your style shortcut.
• Click "Assign" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Now, whenever you select a text and press the assigned shortcut, Word will automatically apply the designated style to the selected text, saving you time in manual formatting.

Benefits of Using Shortcut Keys for Styles

Using shortcut keys for styles in Microsoft Word provides the following benefits:

• Facilitates quick and consistent formatting throughout your document.
• Saves time by eliminating the need for manual formatting of text.
• Ensures uniformity and professional appearance by applying predefined styles.

3. Customizing Shortcut Keys for Symbols and Special Characters

Microsoft Word offers a vast library of symbols and special characters that can be accessed through shortcut keys. Customizing shortcuts for frequently used symbols and special characters can simplify the insertion process. Here's how to do it:

• Click on the "Insert" tab in the Word ribbon.
• In the Symbols group, click on the "Symbol" or "Equation" button to open the respective dialog box.
• Choose the desired symbol or special character from the available options.

Creating Shortcuts in Microsoft Word

Creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word can greatly improve your productivity and make your work process more efficient. Here are some steps to create shortcuts:

Customizing Keyboard Shortcuts

To create a keyboard shortcut for a specific command, follow these steps:

1.	Go to the File tab and select Options.
2.	Click on Customize Ribbon.
3.	Then, click on Customize... button next to Keyboard Shortcuts.
4.	Select the category and command for which you want to create a shortcut.
5.	Click on the Press new shortcut key field and press the keys you want to assign as the shortcut.
6.	Click Assign, and then OK to save the changes.

Creating Desktop Shortcuts

You can also create desktop shortcuts for frequently used Word documents:

• Find the Word document you want to create a shortcut for.
• Right-click on the file and select Send To.
• Choose Desktop (create shortcut) from the options.
• A shortcut to the document will appear on your desktop.

Creating shortcuts in


Key Takeaways - How to Create Shortcut in Microsoft Word:

• Shortcuts can help you save time and increase productivity in Microsoft Word.
• To create a shortcut in Microsoft Word, go to the "File" tab and click on "Options".
• In the "Word Options" window, select "Customize Ribbon" from the left-hand side.
• Click on the "Keyboard shortcuts" button at the bottom of the window.
• In the "Customize Keyboard" window, choose the category and command for which you want to create a shortcut.



Frequently Asked Questions

Creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word can help increase productivity and efficiency. Here are some commonly asked questions about creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word:

1. Can I create a shortcut for a specific command in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can create a shortcut for a specific command in Microsoft Word. To do this, go to the "File" menu, select "Options," and then choose "Customize Ribbon." In the "Customize the Ribbon" window, click on the "Keyboard shortcuts" button. From there, you can search for the desired command and assign a shortcut key combination to it.

Once you have assigned a shortcut key combination, you can use it to quickly execute the command without navigating through the menus.

2. How can I create a shortcut for a frequently used document in Microsoft Word?

To create a shortcut for a frequently used document in Microsoft Word, locate the document in Windows Explorer or File Explorer. Right-click on the document and select "Create shortcut." This will create a shortcut icon on your desktop or in the chosen location.

You can then rename the shortcut to something meaningful and easily recognizable. By double-clicking on the shortcut icon, you can quickly open the document without having to navigate through folders.

3. Is it possible to create a shortcut for a specific formatting style in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can create a shortcut for a specific formatting style in Microsoft Word. First, select the text or paragraph you want to apply the formatting to. Then, go to the "Home" tab and click on the "Styles" group.

Hover over the desired formatting style and right-click on it. In the context menu, select "Apply Shortcut Key." Choose a key combination for the shortcut and click "OK." Now, whenever you want to apply that specific formatting style, you can simply select the text and press the assigned shortcut key combination.

4. Can I create a shortcut to quickly insert a frequently used word or phrase in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you can create a shortcut to quickly insert a frequently used word or phrase in Microsoft Word through the AutoCorrect feature. First, go to the "File" menu, select "Options," and then choose "Proofing."

In the "AutoCorrect options" section, type the word or phrase you want to create a shortcut for in the "Replace" field. In the "With" field, type the desired word or phrase that will be inserted when the shortcut is typed.

Click "Add" and then "OK" to save the AutoCorrect entry. Now, whenever you type the specified shortcut, Microsoft Word will automatically replace it with the designated word or phrase.

5. How can I create a shortcut for a frequently used function or macro in Microsoft Word?

To create a shortcut for a frequently used function or macro in Microsoft Word, you can utilize the "Quick Access Toolbar." First, click on the arrow next to the Quick Access Toolbar, located at the top-left corner of the window.

Select "More Commands" from the dropdown menu. In the Word Options window, choose "Customize Ribbon" on the left-hand side. Under the "Choose commands from" dropdown, select "Macros."

Find and select the desired function or macro from the list and click the "Add" button to add it to the Quick Access Toolbar. You can then rearrange the position of the added item using the up and down arrows.

Once added, you can use the assigned key combination or simply click on the added item on the Quick Access Toolbar to execute the function or macro.






In conclusion, creating shortcuts in Microsoft Word is a simple and effective way to improve your productivity and save time. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily create shortcuts for commonly used commands and functions, making it easier to navigate and edit your documents.

Remember to choose shortcuts that are convenient and easy to remember, and customize them to suit your workflow. Whether you're a student, professional, or casual user, utilizing shortcuts in Microsoft Word can greatly enhance your efficiency and streamline your work process.