If you're a user of Microsoft Word 365 on macOS, you may have found that some default keyboard shortcuts don’t suit your workflow or may even conflict with other applications. Fortunately, it is possible to customize these shortcuts to enhance your productivity. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to change keyboard shortcuts for Word 365 in macOS.
Understanding the Problem
Changing keyboard shortcuts can sometimes be a confusing process for users, especially when dealing with application-specific settings. The original inquiry might be expressed as: “How do I modify keyboard shortcuts in Word 365 on my Mac?” We aim to clarify this process in a more straightforward manner.
Changing Keyboard Shortcuts in Word 365 on macOS
To change keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word 365 (2022 / v16), follow these simple steps:
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Open Word: Launch Microsoft Word 365 on your Mac.
-
Access System Preferences: Go to the top menu bar and click on
Apple logo > System Preferences > Keyboard. -
Shortcut Tab: Click on the
Shortcutstab. -
App Shortcuts: From the left sidebar, select
App Shortcuts. Click the plus (+) button to add a new shortcut. -
Select Application: Choose
Microsoft Wordfrom the Application dropdown menu. -
Type Menu Title: Enter the exact name of the menu command you wish to change. For example, if you want to change the shortcut for
Bold, typeBold. -
Assign a New Shortcut: In the Keyboard Shortcut field, type the key combination you want to use instead. Make sure it's not already in use.
-
Add: Click the
Addbutton to save your changes. -
Restart Word: It’s a good idea to restart Microsoft Word to ensure the changes take effect.
Practical Example
Let's say you frequently use the Bold command but find the default shortcut (Command + B) cumbersome. You could change it to Command + Shift + B. By following the steps above, you would replace the existing shortcut with your preferred combination.
Additional Tips
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Check for Conflicts: Make sure your new shortcut does not conflict with existing shortcuts in Word or other applications. You can do this by experimenting with combinations or by consulting the built-in shortcut guide in Word.
-
Customize Frequently Used Commands: Consider customizing shortcuts for commands you use most often like
Copy,Paste, orUndoto enhance your workflow efficiency. -
Backup Your Settings: If you make a lot of customizations, it might be worth documenting these changes or saving your settings.
Conclusion
Customizing keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word 365 on macOS can significantly improve your productivity by tailoring the application to fit your specific needs. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a more efficient workspace.
Useful Resources
By taking control of your keyboard shortcuts, you can streamline your Word 365 experience and focus more on your writing instead of navigating through menus. Happy typing!
