If you prefer using the keyboard to perform actions rather than the mouse or touchpad, you will like the Key Tips feature in Microsoft Word 2007. Unlike other keyboard shortcuts which must be memorized to use (such as Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste), Key Tips do not require memorization.
Pressing the Alt key on the keyboard displays numerous options on the ribbon.
Press the appropriate key for the desired menu, quick access option, or tab. As an example, we will create a PDF file from a Word document using Key Tips.
To start, press the Alt key to access the top level of Key Tips, as mentioned above. Then, press F to access the File menu in the upper, left corner.
Then, we press F again to access the submenu for the Save As option. When the submenu displays, press P for the PDF or XPS option.
The Publish as PDF or XPS dialog box displays.
Pressing the Alt key initially displays only main menu options, such as tabs and the File options. The following table describes the initial options available by pressing the Alt key the first time in Word 2007.
| Key Tips | Description |
| F – File | Also known in Microsoft Office 2007 as the Office Button, this menu contains all basic file options such as Save, Open, Print, etc. |
| 1 – 9 | Accesses Quick Access options. The Quick Access toolbar can be customized, but the initial options are Save, Undo, Redo, and Quick Styles for 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. |
| H – Home | The Home tab contains all the options for basic text and format editing, ranging from modifying font size to aligning blocks of text. |
| N – Insert | The Insert tab contains options to insert graphics, charts, shapes, etc. |
| P – Page Layout | The Page Layout tab contains options to alter the whole page, such as margins. |
| S – References | The References tab contains options useful for referencing source material, such as footnotes and captions. |
| M – Mailing | The Mailing tab contains options for mailing, such as envelopes and labels. |
| R – Review | The Review tab contains options for reviewing a document, such as spell check. |
| W – View | The View tab contains options for viewing a document, such as document views and zoom. |
You can also use the arrow key to navigate through commands. Press the Alt key and then press the arrow keys to move among the tabs and the File menu. Once you highlight the desired tab or the File menu, press Enter. Then, use the arrow keys to navigate the options on the tab or menu and press Enter again once the desired option is selected.
Common “Ctrl”-based keyboard shortcuts are also available such as the following:
- Ctrl + X = Cut command
- Ctrl + C = Copy command
- Ctrl + V = Paste command
- Ctrl + S = Save command
- Ctrl + P = Print command
The “Ctrl” keyboard shortcuts are faster than using the Key Tips shortcuts, but they are only available for common commands. Access to other commands still requires the use of Key Tips or of the mouse or touchpad.
Using the Key Tips method may take more time than using a mouse or touchpad initially, but as you get used to using the Key Tips, you will get faster and it will take less time.
by Lori Kaufman
Lori,
The key tips was an excellent tip. I never knew that hitting the ALT key would bring all of the commands up on my screen.
Thank you!
Sue