How to Set Shortcut Keys in Word 2003

Shortcut keys allow you to use Word 2003 features without accessing menus. When you set shortcut keys, you can apply formatting to sections of a document or use other menu commands without moving your mouse pointer. Instead, use the function keys or combinations of other keys to issue commands in Word 2003. You don't have to be a super geek to do it. Just follow these instructions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Microsoft Word 2003
• Computer

1. Open your Word 2003 document and click on the "Tools" entry to access its menu. Scroll down the "Tools" menu and click on "Customize." The "Customize" window will appear.
2. Click on the "Keyboard" button at the bottom of the window. This opens the "Customize Keyboard" window. Find the “Save changes in” box, about two-thirds of the way down the window.
3. Open the document or the template in which you wish to set the shortcut keys. Use the arrow beside the “Save changes in” box to highlight either the current document or the template.
4. Go to the "Categories" box to select the category with the menu command you want. Move to the "Commands" box and click on the command. If a shortcut key is assigned to the command, it will appear in the “Current keys” box.
5. Put your cursor in the “Press new shortcut key” box and press the key or the combination of keys that you want to designate as a shortcut. If another command is using the key combination, pop-up underneath the “Press new shortcut key” box will notify you.
6. Click the "Assign" button to finish setting the shortcut keys.

Tips & Warnings

• Want to know what shortcuts are in your Word 2003 document? Display the shortcut keys in "ScreenTips." Go to "Customize" in the "Tools" menu, and then pull down the "Options" tab. Check the boxes next to “Show ScreenTips on toolbars” and “Show shortcut keys in ScreenTips.”
• Want to revert shortcuts to the way they were? Pull down the "Tools" menu. Select "Customize" and click "Keyboard." Now pull up the document name or template in which you want to restore the shortcuts. Click the "Reset All" button.
• If a shortcut key is assigned to a new command, the original command is not carried out. You must restore the shortcut keys to their original settings to use the keys for the original command.

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