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: Selecting Tabs in Dialog Boxes.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 10, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
This definitely isn't a Word-only tip, but it can come in handy if you simply don't want to remove your hands from the keyboard. Many of the dialog boxes used in Word (and other Windows programs) utilize the concept of tabs. These look like index cards within the dialog box, and are used to organize what could otherwise be a very cluttered presentation of information. A good example of a Word dialog box that uses tabs is when you choose Options from the Tools menu.
If you want to move from one tab to another, the typical way of doing this is by using the mouse. You can, instead, use the keyboard. To move forward through the available tabs, simply press Ctrl+Tab. To move backwards, use Shift+Ctrl+Tab.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1228) 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: Selecting Tabs in Dialog Boxes.
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!
Near the center of the status bar Word displays a number of different icons. This tip describes the meaning of each ...
Discover MoreAdd-ins can be stored in a number of different places on a computer system. This tip explains the many different places ...
Discover MoreDo you want the Properties dialog box to appear when you first save a Word document? You can configure Word so that it ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 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