Selecting all the content in a Word 2019 document can be done quickly and easily using a shortcut. It can save you a bunch of time, especially if you’re working with a super long document. Ready to learn how? Let’s get started!
Step by Step Tutorial: Using the Select All Shortcut in Word 2019
Before we dive into the steps, it’s good to know why you’d want to select everything in a document. Maybe you need to change the font, copy everything to a new document, or you’re just really into highlighting. Whatever it is, here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Open your Word 2019 document
Open the Word document you want to select all content from.
Opening your document is the first step to using the select all shortcut. Whether it’s a report, an essay, or your secret recipe for chocolate chip cookies, just double-click on that file and let Word work its magic.
Step 2: Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard
Once your document is open, simply press the Ctrl key and the A key at the same time.
This is the golden step! The Ctrl + A shortcut is like the magic wand of Word. It instantly highlights every single thing in your document – from text and images to tables and charts. Just make sure you don’t have anything else selected when you press these keys, or it might not work.
After you complete the action, your entire document will be selected. From here, you can format the text, copy and paste it, or do whatever your heart desires. It’s like having superpowers, but for word processing.
Tips for Using the Select All Shortcut in Word 2019
- Hold down the Ctrl key before pressing the A key, not after.
- If you only want to select all text and not images or other objects, click on the text and then use the shortcut.
- Be careful with what you do next – with everything selected, it’s easy to accidentally delete your whole document!
- You can also use this shortcut in other Microsoft Office applications like Excel and PowerPoint.
- If the shortcut doesn’t work, try clicking anywhere on the document before trying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the shortcut doesn’t work?
Make sure your keyboard is functioning properly and that you’re pressing the correct keys. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of pressing the keys again.
Can I select everything except images and shapes?
Yes, you can click and drag to select only text or click the text and then use the shortcut.
Does this shortcut work in other versions of Word?
Absolutely! The Ctrl + A shortcut is a staple in almost all versions of Microsoft Word.
What should I do if I accidentally delete everything after selecting all?
Don’t panic! Just press Ctrl + Z to undo your last action, and everything will come back.
Can I use this shortcut on a Mac?
Yes, but instead of Ctrl + A, you’ll use Command + A.
Summary
- Open your Word 2019 document
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks – a quick and easy guide to using the select all shortcut in Word 2019. This nifty little trick is a lifesaver when you’re working with large documents and need to make changes to the entire text. It’s like having a “select all” button right at your fingertips. Remember, Ctrl + A is your friend in the world of word processing. Whether you’re a student cramming for finals, a professional working on a report, or just someone who loves to be efficient, mastering this shortcut can significantly streamline your workflow. So, go ahead and give it a try – you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. And if you ever get stuck, just come back to this guide for a quick refresher. Happy selecting!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.