The shortcuts that matter most
- Ctrl+2
Apply double line spacing Word
Double-space an essay in one keystroke when your course asks for it.
- Alt+Ctrl+1
Apply the Heading 1 style Word
Apply Heading 1 so your essay structure shows in the Navigation pane.
- Ctrl+Shift+Plus
Apply superscript formatting Word
Superscript footnote markers and powers like x².
- Ctrl+Equal
Apply subscript formatting Word
Subscript chemical formulas like H₂O.
- Ctrl+Enter
Insert a page break Word
Start your bibliography on a fresh page.
- Shift+F3
Cycle the case of the selected text Word
Fix text typed with Caps Lock on without retyping it.
- Ctrl+Backspace
Delete the previous word Word
Delete whole words at a time while redrafting.
- Ctrl+M
Add a new slide PowerPoint
Add a new slide as you build a presentation.
- Alt+F5
Launch Presenter View PowerPoint
Present with Presenter View so you can see your notes.
- B
Turn the screen black during a slide show PowerPoint
Black out the screen during a talk to bring attention back to you.
- Ctrl+1
Apply, select, or clear the To Do tag OneNote
Turn lecture notes into a to-do list of reading and deadlines.
- Ctrl+E
Search all open notebooks OneNote
Search all your notebooks for a topic before an exam.
- F9
Enter or exit Immersive Reader Microsoft Edge
Read long articles in Immersive Reader without adverts and clutter.
- Ctrl+Shift+T
Reopen the last closed tab Microsoft Edge
Reopen the source tab you closed by accident.
- Ctrl+F
Find on page Microsoft Edge
Find a key term on a long web page instantly.
How to learn them: pick three a week, use them every day until they're automatic, then add three more. Practice mode makes it stick faster.