One of the ways that you can improve your word processing efficiency is by using keyboard shortcuts (or shortcut keys). Instead of using the mouse to move around within a document and perform different actions, you can use specific keystrokes. Once you start becoming familiar with some of the common shortcut keys, you will be surprised at how much more efficient you are.

So let’s take a look at some of the common keyboard shortcuts in Word 2007.

CTRL + O - displays the Open dialog box
F12 - displays the Save As dialog box
ESC - Cancels an action
CTRL + Z - Undo an action
CTRL + Y - Repeat an action
CTRL + B - Make letters bold
CTRL + I - Make letters italic
CTRL + U - Make letters underline
CTRL + SHIFT + < - Decrease font size
CTRL + SHIFT + > - Increase font size
CTRL + C - Copy the selected text or object
CTRL + V - Paste text or object
CTRL + X - Cut the selected text or object
CTRL + ALT + V - Paste special
CTRL + SHIFT + V - Paste formatting only
CTRL + W - Close a document

Now keep in mind that these are just some of the basic keyboard shortcuts for performing common tasks in a Word document. There are many, many more shortcuts available and you can find a list of all shortcuts on Microsoft Office’s Web site.