Weekly Computer Tip # 50
24 January 2004

Tricks and shortcuts for selecting blocks of text - part I (Microsoft Word)

As you are no doubt aware you can select text by using the mouse or the keyboard. However,

Did you know ...

Microsoft Word provides a number of tricks and shortcuts for selecting blocks of text.

Here's how if using your mouse:

• To select a word, double-click the mouse.
• To select a sentence, hold [CTRL] and click the mouse once.
• To select a line, click the mouse in the margin to the left of the line.
• To select a paragraph, double-click the mouse in the margin to the left of the paragraph.
• To select an entire document, move the mouse pointer to the left margin, hold down the [CTRL] key and click the mouse.
• To select a block, as an alternative to the click-hold-drag method, you may do the following. Click the mouse at the start of the block and release the button. Move the mouse pointer to the end of the block. Hold down the [SHIFT] key and click the mouse.

Next week I'll give you a summary of tricks if you prefer using your keyboard.

Until next week.

PS I’m committed to sharing the best of what I know with others so please don’t keep me a secret. If you enjoyed today’s tip, please forward it to anyone you feel may benefit. Alternatively, feel free to reprint it (with full copyright and subscription information) in your newsletters and message boards.

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