Highlighting text is a common practice in Microsoft Word, whether you’re emphasizing important information or adding visual cues to your document. While using the mouse to select the text and apply highlights may seem like the standard approach, Word offers a time-saving shortcut key to quickly and efficiently highlight text. Understanding the shortcut key for highlighting text in Word not only improves workflow efficiency but also allows users to easily add emphasis and visual hierarchy to their documents. In this guide, we will explore the shortcut key for highlighting text in Word, enabling users to effortlessly apply highlights and enhance the readability and organization of their documents.
The shortcut key for highlighting text in Microsoft Word provides users with a quick and convenient alternative to manually selecting and applying highlights. By pressing “Ctrl” + “H” on the keyboard, users can activate the highlight feature, allowing them to easily mark or color selected text with a specific color. This shortcut key streamlines the process of highlighting text, reducing the need for repetitive mouse clicks and menu navigation.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Start by opening Microsoft Word on your computer. Locate the Word icon in the Start menu or search for “Word” in the search bar.
Step 2: Create or Open a Document
Create a new document by selecting “File” from the top menu and choosing “New” from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, open an existing document by selecting “Open” and browsing to the desired file location.
Step 3: Select the Text
Click and drag the cursor to highlight the specific text you want to apply the highlighting to. If the text is already present, double-click on a word to select it, or triple-click to select a paragraph.
Step 4: Press the Shortcut Key
To quickly apply highlighting to the selected text, use the shortcut key combination: Ctrl + Shift + H (for Windows) or Command + Shift + H (for Mac). Press and hold the Ctrl and Shift keys (or Command and Shift keys for Mac users), and then press the “H” key. This will invoke the Highlight command, instantly applying the default highlight color.
Step 5: Change Highlight Color (Optional)
If you want to apply a different highlight color, you can do so by expanding the Highlight Color menu. After selecting the desired text, press the shortcut key Ctrl + Alt + H (for Windows) or Command + Ctrl + H (for Mac) to open the Highlight Color palette. Use the arrow keys to navigate and select the desired color, and press Enter to apply it.
Step 6: Verify the Highlighting
After applying the highlighting, carefully observe the selected text. The highlighted portion should now stand out, making it easier to locate or emphasize within your document.
Step 7: Remove Highlighting (Optional)
To remove highlighting from the selected text, press the shortcut key Ctrl + Shift + N (for Windows) or Command + Shift + N (for Mac). This shortcut will remove the highlighting without altering the text itself.
Step 8: Continue Editing the Document
Once you have applied or removed the highlighting, continue editing your Word document as needed. Remember to save frequently to preserve your progress.
Step 9: Highlight with a Different Color (Optional)
To highlight text with a different color without changing the default highlight color, first, select the text you want to highlight. Then, press the shortcut key Alt + H (for Windows) or Option + H (for Mac) to open the Highlight Color dialog box. Use the arrow keys to navigate and choose a color, then press Enter to apply it.
Step 10: Customize Highlight Shortcut (Optional)
If you frequently use a specific highlight color, you can create a new keyboard shortcut for it. Go to the “File” tab, select “Options”, choose the “Customize Ribbon” tab, and click on the “Customize” button next to the “Keyboard shortcuts” section. In the “Categories” field, select “Home Tab”. In the “Commands” field, select “Font”. Then, customize the shortcut for “Highlight” to your preference.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can efficiently highlight text in Microsoft Word using the appropriate shortcut key. Enhance your document’s readability and make important information easily identifiable.
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