Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Paragraph Formatting Shortcuts.
Many people find it easier to use keyboard commands than to constantly stop and use the mouse. Word accommodates these people by providing several shortcuts you can use to format paragraphs. The following table lists several keyboard shortcuts you can use for your paragraph formatting:
| Shortcut | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl+1 | Single-spaced paragraph | |
| Ctrl+5 | 1 1/2-line paragraph spacing | |
| Ctrl+2 | Double-spaced paragraph | |
| Ctrl+L | Left-aligned paragraph | |
| Ctrl+E | Centered paragraph | |
| Ctrl+R | Right-aligned paragraph | |
| Ctrl+J | Justified paragraph | |
| Ctrl+0 | Add or remove one line of space before the paragraph | |
| Ctrl+M | Increase indent one tab stop | |
| Shift+Ctrl+M | Decrease indent one tab stop | |
| Ctrl+T | Increase hanging indent by one tab stop | |
| Shift+Ctrl+T | Decrease hanging indent by one tab stop |
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1043) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Paragraph Formatting Shortcuts.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
If you are a WordPerfect user, you may be very familiar with the block-protect feature and wonder if there is a similar ...
Discover MoreImport a file from a source external to Word, and you can end up with a formatting nightmare. One big step is to remove ...
Discover MoreBelieve it or not, if you know how Word stores paragraph formatting, it can help you in your editing.
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2017-01-11 20:36:15
I am a court transcriber and need desperately to eliminate the two shortcuts CNTRL+1 and CNTRL+2. HELP!!!
2015-11-11 09:02:27
Mashiro Ito
Thank you :)
2014-06-17 05:34:14
justine
formatting a paragraph keyboard
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: 
Comments