Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 18, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
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: | ||
| 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 2021.
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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.
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