Using Function Keys

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 18, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365


3

Many WordTips readers have asked for a definitive list of function keys and their uses. The following table provides such a list. It is suitable for printing and handy reference while using Word.

Key to Press Action
F1: Invoke help system
Shift+F1: Context-sensitive help or reveal formatting
Ctrl+F1: Display or hide the ribbon
Alt+F1: Next field
Shift+Ctrl+F1: (not assigned)
Shift+Alt+F1: Previous field
Ctrl+Alt+F1: Display Microsoft System Information
F2: Move selection
Shift+F2: Copy selection
Ctrl+F2: Print Preview
Alt+F2: (not assigned)
Shift+Ctrl+F2: (not assigned)
Shift+Alt+F2: Save
Ctrl+Alt+F2: Open
F3: (not assigned)
Shift+F3: Change case of selection
Ctrl+F3: Cut selection to the Spike
Alt+F3: Create a Building Block entry
Shift+Ctrl+F3: Paste information from the Spike
Shift+Alt+F3: (not assigned)
Ctrl+Alt+F3: (not assigned)
F4: Repeat last action
Shift+F4: Repeat last Find or Go To operation
Ctrl+F4: Close window
Alt+F4: Quit
Shift+Ctrl+F4: (not assigned)
Shift+Alt+F4: Quit
Ctrl+Alt+F4: (not assigned)
F5: Go To
Shift+F5: Return to last edit location
Ctrl+F5: (not assigned)
Alt+F5: Restore program window size
Shift+Ctrl+F5: Edit bookmark
Shift+Alt+F5: (not assigned)
Ctrl+Alt+F5: (not assigned)
F6: Next pane
Shift+F6: Previous pane
Ctrl+F6: Next window
Alt+F6: Switch between dialog box and document
Shift+Ctrl+F6: Previous window
Shift+Alt+F6: Previous window
Ctrl+Alt+F6: (not assigned)
F7: Spell check
Shift+F7: Thesaurus
Ctrl+F7: (not assigned)
Alt+F7: Select next spelling error and display Context menu
Shift+Ctrl+F7: Update links
Shift+Alt+F7: Display Research task pane
Ctrl+Alt+F7: (not assigned)
F8: Extend selection
Shift+F8: Collapse selection
Ctrl+F8: (not assigned)
Alt+F8: Display Macros dialog box
Shift+Ctrl+F8: Start COL selection mode
Shift+Alt+F8: (not assigned)
Ctrl+Alt+F8: (not assigned)
F9: Update fields
Shift+F9: Toggle display of field code or results
Ctrl+F9: Insert field code braces
Alt+F9: Toggle display of all field codes or results
Shift+Ctrl+F9: Convert field to regular text
Shift+Alt+F9: Run GOTOBUTTON or MACROBUTTON from a field
Ctrl+Alt+F9: (not assigned)
F10: Show KeyTips
Shift+F10: Display Context menu
Ctrl+F10: Maximize document window
Alt+F10: Display Selection task pane
Shift+Ctrl+F10: (not assigned)
Shift+Alt+F10: Display menu or message for available actions
Ctrl+Alt+F10: (not assigned)
F11: Next field
Shift+F11: Previous field
Ctrl+F11: Lock a field
Alt+F11: Display VBA editor
Shift+Ctrl+F11: Unlock a field
Shift+Alt+F11: (not assigned)
Ctrl+Alt+F11: (not assigned)
F12: Save As
Shift+F12: Save
Ctrl+F12: Open
Alt+F12: (not assigned)
Shift+Ctrl+F12: Print
Shift+Alt+F12: Select TOC button when in TOC container
Ctrl+Alt+F12: (not assigned)

There is a caveat to remember when looking at any function key list, including this one. Microsoft is notorious for changing what function keys do. Thus, the above list may not be accurate for ALL versions of Word, but it will still be helpful as you are trying to learn your way around the program.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (5990) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and Word in Microsoft 365.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Converting Text to Comments

One of the strong suits of macros is that they can process the information in a document quickly and reliably. For ...

Discover More

Using the IRR Function

When working with finances, you often need to know the rate of return on a given investment. The most common type of ...

Discover More

Changing Caption Numbering Styles

Using Word's captioning feature can be a great boon for automatically numbering certain elements in your documents. It ...

Discover More

Do More in Less Time! Are you ready to harness the full power of Word 2013 to create professional documents? In this comprehensive guide you'll learn the skills and techniques for efficiently building the documents you need for your professional and your personal life. Check out Word 2013 In Depth today!

More WordTips (ribbon)

Resetting a Single Shortcut Key

Need to get rid of a keyboard shortcut key you previously defined? It's easy to do if you follow these steps.

Discover More

Keyboard Shortcuts for Zooming

For whatever reason, Microsoft has never seen fit to provide built-in keyboard shortcuts for zooming in and out. Here are ...

Discover More

Shortcut Key for Non-Breaking Space

Most of the time you'll use regular spaces between words in a document, but there may be times you want to use a special ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five more than 8?

2020-07-17 03:32:49

Ken

For a complete list grouped by function types see:

https://shortcutworld.com/Word/win/Microsoft-Word_2010_Shortcuts#link_6


2020-07-16 16:34:54

Meir

Is it possible to change f10 function key? I have tried to change it through Customize the ribbon --->Customize keyboards but could not find it. Another program wants to use the F10 key and I would like to assign another shortcut to "Show KeyTips" in word.
Thanks


2020-03-14 19:09:32

Brian

Another useful list would be the same as above, only sorted / grouped by function types -- e.g., window manipulation, file operations, etc.


This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.

Videos
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.