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.

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.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. ...

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