Microsoft Office/PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts
Introduction
[edit | edit source]PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts allow users to perform common tasks in Microsoft PowerPoint without using a mouse or touchpad. Keyboard shortcuts in PowerPoint serve multiple purposes, particularly benefiting users who prefer efficient workflows or have mobility challenges. According to Microsoft documentation, many users find that using shortcuts helps them work more efficiently[1]. Keyboard shortcuts can be an essential alternative to using a mouse for users with mobility or vision disabilities, as they can be easier than using a touchscreen.
PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts can be categorized into four main classes[2]:
- General Windows and Office Shortcuts
- These shortcuts are common across Windows and Office apps, such as CTRL+C and CTRL+V
- PowerPoint-Specific Shortcuts
- Shortcuts specific to PowerPoint functionality such as formatting shapes, moving objects, and managing layers
- Combined Mouse+Keyboard Shortcuts
- Mouse and keyboard combinations that makes basic functionality such as duplicating objects easy
- Ribbon Navigation Shortcuts
- A hierarchical shortcut system designed to let the user access elements from the Ribbon
Examples
[edit | edit source]Here are 20 of the most common PowerPoint shortcuts:
Ctrl + N- Create new presentationCtrl + M- Insert new slideCtrl + B- Bold textCtrl + I- Italic textCtrl + U- Underline textCtrl + X- Cut selected itemCtrl + C- Copy selected itemCtrl + V- PasteCtrl + Z- UndoCtrl + Y- RedoF5- Start slide showEsc- End slide showCtrl + P- PrintCtrl + S- SavePage Up- Go to previous slidePage Down- Go to next slideCtrl + K- Insert hyperlinkAlt + F5- Switch to Presenter viewCtrl + D- Duplicate selected objectCtrl + G- Group selected objects
PowerPoint Shortcuts on Mac
[edit | edit source]On Mac systems, PowerPoint shortcuts follow a similar pattern to Windows, with the primary difference being the use of the Command (⌘) key instead of the Control key. The Option key (⌥) typically replaces the Alt key, and the Delete key functions differently on Mac keyboards. Microsoft maintains separate documentation for Mac-specific shortcuts, as some combinations may differ due to operating system conventions and keyboard layouts[3]
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Use keyboard shortcuts to create PowerPoint presentations - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ↑ "The Ultimate Guide to PowerPoint Keyboard Shortcuts (2025)". PowerPoint Pie. Retrieved 2024-11-04.
- ↑ "New keyboard shortcuts in PowerPoint for Office 365 for Mac - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 2024-11-04.