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: Centering a Paragraph with the Keyboard.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 21, 2018)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Most people, if they need to center a paragraph, use the Center tool on the Formatting toolbar. While this is quick and easy enough, some people resent the need to remove their hands from the keyboard to do their formatting. (I must say that I find it distracting to constantly switch between the keyboard and the mouse. It's just not very efficient, as it means I need to change my mental focus.)
If you want to center a paragraph by using a keyboard shortcut, simply press Ctrl+E. Bingo! The paragraph in which the insertion point is located is centered the same as if you clicked on the Center tool.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1450) 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: Centering a Paragraph with the Keyboard.
The First and Last Word on Word! Bestselling For Dummies author Dan Gookin puts his usual fun and friendly candor back to work to show you how to navigate Word 2019. Spend more time working and less time trying to figure it all out! Check out Word 2019 For Dummies today!
Believe it or not, if you know how Word stores paragraph formatting, it can help you in your editing.
Discover MoreIf you are a WordPerfect user, you may be very familiar with the block-protect feature and wonder if there is a similar ...
Discover MoreNeed to indent an entire paragraph from the left margin? It's easy to do using the tool described in this tip.
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