Essential WORD keyboard commands to help teachers who teach blind with talking software or sighted who just want to move faster. These are some of the most essential commands everyone should know, especially those mastering the essential commands for WORD keyboard users.

Here’s a summary of essential WORD keyboard commands for video users.


 Keyboard shortcuts for all WORD versions.

  1. Open Word: Press Windows + 5 to start Word from the taskbar.
  2. Zoom In: Use Alt + V + Z to zoom to 200%.
  3. Change Defaults:
    • Open Paragraph Spacing: Press Alt + O + P.
    • Set Spacing to Single: Press Alt + P and change to single spacing.
    • Set Default for All Documents: Press Alt + D followed by Alt + A and then Enter.

Customize Document further

  1. Change Font:
    • Select All Text: Press Ctrl + A.
    • Open Font Dialog: Press Ctrl + D.
    • Change Font to Times New Roman: Type “Times New Roman” and set size to 12.
    • Set Default for All Documents: Press Alt + D followed by Alt + A and then Enter.
  2. Create Columns:
    • Open Page Layout: Press Alt + P.
    • Select Columns: Press J for columns.
    • Set Number of Columns: Press Alt + O + C and choose the number of columns.
  3. Change Page Color:
    • Open Page Layout: Press Alt + P.
    • Open Colors: Press PC.
    • Select Color: Use arrow keys to choose a color and press Enter.
  4. Add Border:
    • Open Borders: Press Alt + O + B.

These commands will help you efficiently navigate and customize documents. See other Setup options 

windows page setup for defaults
Essential WORD keyboard commands for windows page setup for defaults

Other WORD Lessons

Optimizing Windows 11 Efficiency for Screen Reader with Key Settings and Configurations

WORD Efficient Text Navigation and Selection

Basic WORD JAWS commands with Typing Trick

Rebuild Microsoft Word Template when it is not working well

Microsoft Word MLA format with Christopher Duffley

WORD accessible food chain for class using talking software

Commands to change mouse -access programs fast, basics in Word font & movement

Excel line plot graph-copy to Word for Math

Complete an excel graph and copy into Word document with screen reader

Essential WORD keyboard commands for setting defaults

Track changes in Word-How teachers make corrections in work

Track Changes with Commands-inserting comments and editing work

By Dr Denise

I and my team have a passion for teaching blind and low vision children and adults how to become independent in all areas through the use of technology and other blind skills.