Changing Font Size Using a Shortcut Key

Summary: Word provides the Ctrl+Shift+P shortcut for changing font size. The behavior of the shortcut differs, however, based on whether the Formatting toolbar is displayed. This tip provides the details on how to use the shortcut. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

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 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.

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

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Changing Font Size Using a Shortcut Key