Google Documents is an incredibly versatile tool that can help you streamline your writing process. You can use keyboard shortcuts to quickly format your text, navigate the document, and more.
One of the most useful shortcuts is Ctrl+Shift+> (Windows) or Command+Shift+> (Mac) to increase font size. This is especially handy when you need to make a point stand out.
To add a new page break, press Ctrl+Enter (Windows) or Command+Return (Mac). This will save you time and effort in organizing your document.
You can also use the "Find and replace" feature to quickly swap out words or phrases throughout your document. Simply press Ctrl+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) to open the search bar.
Google Docs Shortcuts
Google Docs shortcuts are powerful hacks that enhance productivity by allowing you to perform tasks more efficiently.
These shortcuts are especially useful for tasks you frequently do, like formatting text, navigating long documents, or collaborating with others through comments and suggestions.
By using keyboard shortcuts, you can save time and maintain focus by not having to switch between the keyboard and mouse constantly.
Top 50 to Save Time
Mastering Google Docs keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your workflow and make your document creation process faster and more efficient. There are over a hundred shortcuts available, but here are the top 50 shortcuts for Google Docs that can save you time and effort.
Using keyboard shortcuts can save you time and help you maintain focus by not having to switch between the keyboard and mouse constantly. This is especially useful for tasks you frequently do, like formatting text, navigating long documents, or collaborating with others through comments and suggestions.
Many of these shortcuts are customizable and can vary slightly depending on the operating system you use, such as Windows, Mac, or Chrome OS. However, their purpose remains the same: to empower you to control your document with a few simple key presses.
Some shortcuts in Google Docs involve multiple steps, but practicing combining steps can help streamline your actions. For instance, to insert a link, you must press Ctrl + K (Windows) or Command + K (Mac), then type or paste the URL using Ctrl + V.
Voice Typing
Voice Typing is a game-changer for those who struggle to put their thoughts into words. On a desktop, you can use the Chrome browser to access this feature.
To access Voice Typing, press Command/Control + Shift + S, and a microphone box will pop up. Click it, and start talking to transcribe your thoughts in real time.
This feature can be especially helpful if you know you can tell a story or explain a concept, but have trouble getting it onto paper.
Formatting Text
Formatting text in Google Docs is a breeze, especially with the right shortcuts.
To quickly increase font size, use the Command + Shift + . keys on a Mac or Control + Shift + . keys on a PC.
You can also use the period to decrease font size of your highlighted text, which is a handy feature to know.
Increase Font Size
Increasing font size is a straightforward process, especially in Google Docs. To quickly increase font size, you can use a simple keyboard shortcut.
On Mac, press Command + Shift + . to make your highlighted text larger. On PC, use Control + Shift + . for the same effect. I've found this trick to be a huge time-saver when working on documents that require a lot of formatting.
You can also use the period to decrease font size, just by switching to the comma key.
Superscripts
Superscripts are a great way to add a touch of professionalism to your documents. You can easily add superscripts to your Google Doc using a shortcut.
To turn text or numbers into a superscript on a Mac, press Command + period. On a PC, press Control + period. It's as simple as that!
To insert a superscript using the keyboard, you can use the following shortcuts:
Inserting Elements
Inserting elements in Google Docs can be a breeze with the right shortcuts.
You can insert a new paragraph by pressing Ctrl+Enter on Windows or Command+Enter on Mac.
To insert a new line, press Shift+Enter on Windows or Shift+Return on Mac.
You can also insert a table by pressing Ctrl+Shift+T on Windows or Command+Shift+T on Mac.
To insert a bullet point, press Ctrl+Shift+> on Windows or Command+Shift+> on Mac.
Inserting a numbered list is as easy as pressing Ctrl+Shift+8 on Windows or Command+Shift+8 on Mac.
Tracking Changes
Tracking changes in Google Docs is a game-changer for collaboration and revision control. The feature is toggled on automatically, but you can quickly bring it up using Command-Option-Shift-H (Control-Alt-Shift-H on a PC).
You can compare the current version of a document to a previous version, which makes it easier to review and settle on your final document. This feature is incredibly useful for catching errors and making sure everyone is on the same page.
Previously saved versions of your document will be timestamped, so you can easily see when changes were made. This is especially helpful when working with others, as you can see who made what changes and when.
Restoring a previous version is also a breeze, making it easy to undo mistakes or revert to a previous draft.
Boosting Productivity
Using keyboard shortcuts can save you a significant amount of time. In Google Docs, you can create a new document with the shortcut Ctrl+N (Windows) or Command+N (Mac).
By mastering these shortcuts, you can work more efficiently and complete tasks faster.
The "undo" and "redo" shortcuts are Ctrl+Z (Windows) or Command+Z (Mac) and Ctrl+Y (Windows) or Command+Shift+Z (Mac) respectively.
Having a clutter-free workspace is essential for staying focused and productive. You can quickly delete a selected text by pressing Ctrl+Backspace (Windows) or Command+Delete (Mac).
Learning these shortcuts can be a bit overwhelming at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Sources
- https://medium.com/@adhawk/the-35-must-know-google-docs-keyboard-shortcuts-c2299bb73b5f
- https://nickwolny.com/how-to-track-changes-in-google-docs/
- https://support.google.com/docs/answer/179738
- https://clickup.com/blog/google-docs-shortcuts/
- https://www.wired.com/story/best-google-docs-keyboard-shortcuts-productivity/
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