Find commands in Microsoft Office for Windows which combine Shift and other keys. Using these keyboard shortcuts can help you be even more efficient when creating a document since you do not have to remove your hands to reach for the mouse or touch screen.

To use these shortcuts, hold down the Shift key as you type the next key in the combination, then release. Note: The plus signs (+) symbolize this combination, so no need to strike this key.


These commands are generalized for the entire suite, but each program in Microsoft Office may offer unique shortcuts. This Shift list is fairly short because the alphabet, number, and punctuation keys are not included. As you probably know, combining Shift with these other keys results in capitalization or the upper symbol on the key. 

Please also remember to save your document before testing these shortcuts since you may not yet be prepared for what each command does.

Shift +    Insert                   Paste

Shift +    Del                      Cut

Shift +    Left                      Highlight One Character to Left

Shift +    Right                    Highlight One Character to Right

Shift +    Up                       Highlight One Line Up

Shift +    Down                   Highlight One Line Down

Shift +    Home                   Highlight from Beginning of Line to Cursor

Shift +    End                      Highlight from Cursor to End of Line

Shift +    Page Up               Extend Highlight Up Page

Shift +    Page Down           Extend Highlight Down Page

 

Shift Key Commands with Function (Fn) Keys

The function keys (F1-F2) are located across the top of most Windows keyboards.

Shift +    F1                          Formatting Properties

Shift +    F2                          CopyToFrom

Shift +    F3                          Change Text Case

Shift +    F4                          Repeat, Find

Shift +    F5                          Cursor Back

Shift +    F6                          Previous Pane (Toggle Between Panes)

Shift +    F7                          Thesaurus

Shift +    F8                          Shrink Selection

Shift +    F9                          Toggle Fields Display

Shift +    F11                        Previous Field

Shift +    F12                        Save

You can also Create or Reassign Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts. Most people who do this will select only a few to alter, since changing a whole bunch of these might get confusing. Let me know if you have any questions!

Ready to move beyond Shift commands? Main list: Top Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows.