Changing Font Size Using a Shortcut Key

Summary: When you need to change the font size of a text selection, using the shortcut described in this tip is a great technique. However, what the shortcut does depends on what you have displayed on your screen. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

One of the interesting shortcut keys in Word is the one that allows you to change the point size of a text selection. The shortcut key is Ctrl+Shift+P, but exactly how the shortcut functions depends on what you have displayed on the screen.

This may sound odd, but you can try it out. If you are using a version of Word prior to Word 2007 and you have the Formatting toolbar displayed (as most people do), then pressing Ctrl+Shift+P selects the Font Size control on the toolbar. You can then type the font size you want to use and press Enter. (Pretty handy if you don't want to take your hands off the keyboard.)

If you don't have the Formatting toolbar displayed for some reason, then it seems obvious that the Font Size control can't be selected—it isn't even visible. Instead, pressing Ctrl+Shift+P results in the Font dialog box being displayed, and the Size control being selected. Again, you can type the desired font size and simply press Enter.

If you are using Word 2007, then pressing Ctrl+Shift+P always results in the Font dialog box being displayed and the size control being selected.

Tip #1451 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

Great Idea! Word is a tool to get what you really want—printed output. This means you need to make sure that Word works as well as possible with your printer, whether it is sitting on your desk or in a room down the hall.

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Changing Font Size Using a Shortcut Key