Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Selecting a Text Block.
When working with some forms of data in Word (particularly tabular columns of information), it is often helpful to select non-sequential text in a block. For instance, you might want to select the tenth through thirtieth characters on each of five lines, ignoring everything else. Word makes this easy to do, using either the keyboard or the mouse. If you want to select a block of text using the keyboard, follow these steps:
If you would rather use the mouse to block the text, you can do so by simply holding down the Alt key as you make your selection.
Once your text block is selected, you can take any action desired. For instance, if you press the Del key, then the block of text is deleted.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (7750) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, and 2013. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Selecting a Text Block.
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!
The no-width optional break is primarily used for Asian languages in Word. It can have value for English-speakers, as ...
Discover MoreSome people like to have Word replace previous information as they type; this is called 'overtype mode.' You can control ...
Discover MoreIt drives some people crazy to have a date break across two lines. If you find yourself in this mindset, then you'll ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2016-09-06 16:34:44
Nancy
This doesn't work if I want to select an entire column, align the column at 0,08", then do a Find and Replace (of that same entire column) if find a close parentheses '')'' align at 0,04" then Apply to All (when I say apply to all, I really mean to that Entire Column. It keeps affecting the surrounding columns).
I wish to find an answer. Been looking over months, can't find that problem to be resolved.
2014-11-09 04:17:39
Damear
Wow, thanks for an interesting feature! Not that it's needed often, but it's nice to know about it.
2014-11-08 05:11:08
JS
In MS Word 2010 and before, the shortcut key of Ctrl+Shft+F8 only works on a block that is on the same page. If you want to select a block that spans several pages, try Shft+Alt+LClk and while holding down the combination, moving the cursor to the diagonally opposite corner and then releasing. This tip does not have a page-range limit.
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.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2018 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
Comments