Tips for Using Mouse Shortcuts in Word

I think we've all learned how to master the keyboard shortcuts in Word. If you are like me, you do not enjoy going from the keyboard to the mouse constantly when trying to construct a document. Did you know that Word 2003 currently have over 200 keyboard shortcuts? Trying to learn and remember them all becomes very problematic.

Other than keyboard shortcuts, the mouse is a powerful weapon when creating Word documents. In our current era, the mouse is almost second nature to most people. There are other uses for the mouse other than navigating around websites and your desktop.

Everyone knows about Right clicking and drop-and-drag methods. What you didn't know was that Word has several little tricks associated with the mouse what I like to call 'mouse shortcuts.' Like keyboard shortcuts, mouse shortcuts help you quickly and effectively move around the Word environment. Here are just a few that will help you save time and move around Word like a pro.

'Bullets and Numbering' dialog box on the 'Bulleted' tab-Double-click a bullet in the bulleted list

'Bullets and Numbering' dialog box on the 'Numbered' tab-Double-click a number in a numbered list

'Customize' dialog box-Double-click blank area beside toolbar

'Edit WordArt' dialog box-Double-click a WordArt item in Document Window.

'Format AutoShape' dialog box-Double-click an AutoShape item in Document Window.

'Format Picture' dialog box-Double-click picture in Document Window.

'Format Text' dialog box-Double-click the outside frame of textbox in Document Window.

'Go To' dialog box-Double-click anywhere to the left of REC on the status bar

'Page Setup' dialog box-Double-click the gray (or blue) area vertical ruler

'Page Setup' dialog box with the 'Apply To' drop-down menu already set to 'This Section'-Double-click section break mark

'Paragraph' dialog box-Double-click an indent marker on the horizontal ruler

'Record Macro' dialog box-Double-click REC on status bar

'Tabs' dialog box-Double-click the white area of the horizontal ruler.

'Toolbars' list-Right-click any toolbar

Checks spelling and grammar-Double-click 'Spelling and Grammar' icon on status bar

Create copy of text-[Ctrl] + drag text

Embedded Excel object for editing-Double-click the Excel object in Document Window

Embedded PowerPoint Slide for editing -Double-click the PowerPoint slide in the Document Window.

Open header or footer-Double-click header or footer

Remove a tab stop-Click tab marker and drag down

Resize table cells-Click and drag gridlines.

Select a paragraph-Triple-click within the paragraph

Select a sentence-[Ctrl] + click inside sentence

Select a word-Double-click the word

Set a tab stop-Click on horizontal ruler

Show (or hides) the white space between pages-Click between pages

Turns on (or off) extend selection mode-Double-click EXT on status bar

Turns on (or off) overtype mode-Double-click OVR on status bar

Turns on (or off) track changes-Double-click TRK on status bar

There are several different neat tricks that you can use to maximize your experience with Word or any of the other Office products. Playing around Word is a great help to get to know the toolbars and environment in general.