Creating a Custom Shortcut Key
Most symbols or commands have shortcut keys assigned to them. For example, Ctrl + C copies selected text, while Ctrl + V pastes it. But you can set your own shortcut for any command using whatever keys you like.
For Word 2003:
1. Under ‘Tools,’ click ‘Customize.’
2. Click the ‘Commands’ tab, and then click the ‘Keyboard’ button at the bottom.
3. In the ‘Categories’ list, find the category that holds your command. Then, select the command from the ‘Commands’ list.
4. In the ‘Press new shortcut key’ field, press the keys that you wish to use as a shortcut. Click ‘Assign’ and then ‘Close.’
If you want to assign a shortcut to a symbol, only Steps 1-3 are different.
5. Under ‘Insert,’ click ‘Symbol.’
6. Find your symbol on the list in the ‘Symbols’ tab and click once to select it.
7. Click ‘Shortcut Key.’
8. Repeat step 4 as listed above.
For Word 2007:
1. Click the Office button.
2. Click the ‘Word Options’ button.
3. Click ‘Customize’ on the left-hand side of the window.
4. At the bottom of the window, click the ‘Customize’ button beside ‘Keyboard shortcuts’
5. In the new window, choose which command will get the shortcut by finding its category in the left menu (‘Categories’) and then selecting the command in the right menu (‘Commands’). If you want to apply a shortcut to a symbol or even a font style, scroll down to the bottom of the ‘Categories’ menu.
6. In the ‘Press new shortcut key’ field, press the keys that you wish to use as a shortcut. Click ‘Assign’ and then ‘Close.’
Remember, these shortcuts will only work on your computer. If you are working on someone else’s computer or through a remote server, you’ll have to reset your shortcuts.
