Create Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts for Commands in Microsoft Word

Did you know that just about any command (e.g., clear formatting or insert a copyright symbol) in Word can be assigned your own custom keyboard shortcut? If you didn't know, here's how to use this great time-saving trick.

How-To Geek points out the steps for Word 2013, but this is a feature that also works in earlier versions of Word, as I tested it out in Word 2010 and also found the feature in Word for Mac 2011.

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 for Mac, you'll find the Keyboard shortcuts option under Tools > Customize keyboard... The most difficult part is navigating the commands list to find the one you want, but once you do you can be a keyboard shortcut ninja in Word, beyond the many ones that come built into the program.

How to Add a Keyboard Shortcut to a Command in Word 2013 | How-To Geek

via Lifehacker http://lifehacker.com/create-your-own-keyboard-shortcuts-for-commands-in-micr-505692029