A Google Docs keyboard shortcut is a combination of keys that lets you perform specific actions without using menus or a mouse. These shortcuts help you work more efficiently by simplifying common tasks like formatting, navigation, collaboration, and document management.
General Google Docs Shortcuts
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Open a file | Ctrl + O | Command + O |
| Create a new document | Ctrl + N | Command + N |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
| Print | Ctrl + P | Command + P |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y or Ctrl + Shift + Z | Command + Shift + Z |
| Select all | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
| Find | Ctrl + F | Command + F |
| Find and replace | Ctrl + H | Command + Shift + H |
| Close the document | Ctrl + W | Command + W |
| Open keyboard shortcuts help | Ctrl + / | Command + / |
Formatting Text
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Bold | Ctrl + B | Command + B |
| Italic | Ctrl + I | Command + I |
| Underline | Ctrl + U | Command + U |
| Strikethrough | Alt + Shift + 5 | Command + Shift + X |
| Superscript | Ctrl + . (period) | Command + . (period) |
| Subscript | Ctrl + , (comma) | Command + , (comma) |
| Clear formatting | Ctrl + \ | Command + \ |
| Apply heading style (1-6) | Ctrl + Alt + 1–6 | Command + Option + 1–6 |
| Apply normal text | Ctrl + Alt + 0 | Command + Option + 0 |
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Align text left | Ctrl + Shift + L | Command + Shift + L |
| Align text center | Ctrl + Shift + E | Command + Shift + E |
| Align text right | Ctrl + Shift + R | Command + Shift + R |
| Justify text | Ctrl + Shift + J | Command + Shift + J |
| Increase indent | Ctrl + ] | Command + ] |
| Decrease indent | Ctrl + [ | Command + [ |
| Add a numbered list | Ctrl + Shift + 7 | Command + Shift + 7 |
| Add a bulleted list | Ctrl + Shift + 8 | Command + Shift + 8 |
| Insert a line break | Shift + Enter | Shift + Return |
Navigation and Editing
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Move to next word | Ctrl + Right Arrow | Option + Right Arrow |
| Move to previous word | Ctrl + Left Arrow | Option + Left Arrow |
| Move to end of the line | End | Command + Right Arrow |
| Move to start of the line | Home | Command + Left Arrow |
| Move to next paragraph | Ctrl + Down Arrow | Option + Down Arrow |
| Move to previous paragraph | Ctrl + Up Arrow | Option + Up Arrow |
| Move to beginning of the document | Ctrl + Home | Command + Up Arrow |
| Move to end of the document | Ctrl + End | Command + Down Arrow |
| Delete the next word | Ctrl + Delete | Option + Delete |
| Delete the previous word | Ctrl + Backspace | Option + Backspace |
Insert Elements
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Insert a link | Ctrl + K | Command + K |
| Insert a comment | Ctrl + Alt + M | Command + Option + M |
| Open Insert menu | Alt + Shift + I | Control + Shift + I |
| Insert page break | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Return |
| Insert special character | Alt + I + C | Control + Option + C |
| Insert an image | Alt + Shift + I + I | Control + Shift + I + I |
Collaboration Shortcuts
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Add a comment | Ctrl + Alt + M | Command + Option + M |
| Resolve a comment | Ctrl + Enter | Command + Return |
| Open comment thread | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + A | Command + Option + Shift + A |
| Show revision history | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H | Command + Option + Shift + H |
| Assign a comment to someone | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M | Command + Option + Shift + M |
Table Editing
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Add a row above | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + = | Command + Option + Shift + = |
| Add a row below | Ctrl + Alt + = | Command + Option + = |
| Add a column to the right | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + \ | Command + Option + Shift + | |
| Add a column to the left | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + | |
| Delete row | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + - | Command + Option + Shift + - |
| Delete column | Ctrl + Alt + - | Command + Option + - |
Miscellaneous
| Action | Windows/Chrome OS | Mac |
|---|
| Voice typing | Ctrl + Shift + S | Command + Shift + S |
| Expand all headings | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + + | Command + Option + Shift + + |
| Collapse all headings | Ctrl + Alt + Shift + - | Command + Option + Shift + - |
How to Use Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts
Google Docs keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your productivity by allowing you to perform common actions quickly without navigating through menus. This guide will help you understand how to use these shortcuts effectively, covering setup, best practices, and tips for both beginners and advanced users.
Common Use Cases of Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Docs
1. Formatting Text
Quickly apply text styles, such as bold, italic, underline, or strikethrough, using shortcuts.
- Example: To italicize a word, highlight it and press
Ctrl + I (Windows) or Command + I (Mac).
2. Navigating Documents
Jump between words, paragraphs, or entire sections with ease.
- Example: Press
Ctrl + Right Arrow (Windows) or Option + Right Arrow (Mac) to move to the next word.
3. Collaboration
Add comments or track changes without leaving your keyboard.
- Example: Press
Ctrl + Alt + M (Windows) or Command + Option + M (Mac) to add a comment.
4. Inserting Elements
Insert links, images, or special characters faster.
- Example: Use
Ctrl + K (Windows) or Command + K (Mac) to insert a hyperlink.
Benefits of Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts
Using keyboard shortcuts in Google Docs provides several benefits:
- Faster Navigation: Quickly move through text, paragraphs, or the entire document.
- Improved Efficiency: Format text, insert elements, and make edits without lifting your hands from the keyboard.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Easily add comments, assign tasks, or view revision history during teamwork.