By Ryan Johnson, technology training coordinator

You can create a keyboard shortcut for most commands in Microsoft Word. Many commands already have keyboard shortcuts assigned to them but you can also create your own.

In Windows:

1. Right-click on the ribbon toolbar and select Customize the Ribbon.

2. In the window that opens, look to the bottom of the commands list for the keyboards shortcuts “Customize…” button and click that.

3. In the new Keyboard shortcuts screen, select the command you want to add a keyboard shortcut to. You’ll find the command by clicking on a category in the left box and then the specific command on the right side.

4. Then put your cursor in the Paste new shortcut key field and hit the keys you want for your shortcut. Word will tell you if that shortcut is already being used and you’ll have to choose a new one.

5. Finally, click the Assign button.

If you’re using Word on a  Mac, you’ll find the Keyboard shortcuts option under Tools -> Customize keyboard.