Writing is a creative process, but speed and efficiency matter too. Whether you’re a blogger, novelist, content creator, or academic, knowing the best keyboard shortcuts for writers can save hours every week. These shortcuts not only streamline the writing process but also keep your focus on your thoughts instead of the mouse.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most useful shortcuts across platforms like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Scrivener, and general systems (Windows and Mac). Plus, we’ll answer common questions like: “What is the shortcut key for writing?” and “What is the most useful keyboard shortcut?”
Why Writers Should Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts help writers:
- Work faster by reducing mouse dependency
- Edit and format content with less effort
- Stay focused on ideas rather than tools
- Avoid wrist pain from excessive mouse movement
- Improve productivity during tight deadlines
According to research by Brainscape, learning even 10 shortcuts can save over 60 hours per year.
Universal Keyboard Shortcuts Every Writer Should Know
These shortcuts work in nearly all writing platforms and are essential for any writer’s workflow.
Basic Editing Shortcuts
- Copy: Ctrl + C (Cmd + C on Mac)
- Paste: Ctrl + V (Cmd + V)
- Cut: Ctrl + X (Cmd + X)
- Undo: Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z)
- Redo: Ctrl + Y (Cmd + Shift + Z)
- Select All: Ctrl + A (Cmd + A)
These shortcuts are used daily by writers across the world.
Navigation and Text Control
- Move by word: Ctrl + Arrow keys (Option + Arrow on Mac)
- Jump to start/end of line: Home/End (Cmd + Left/Right)
- Highlight by word: Shift + Ctrl + Arrow (Shift + Option + Arrow)
- Delete word backward: Ctrl + Backspace (Option + Backspace)
Knowing these makes editing smooth and efficient.
Best Microsoft Word Shortcuts for Writers
Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used tools. Here are shortcuts to master it.
| Function | Shortcut Key (Windows) | Shortcut Key (Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| Bold | Ctrl + B | Cmd + B |
| Italic | Ctrl + I | Cmd + I |
| Underline | Ctrl + U | Cmd + U |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Cmd + S |
| Ctrl + P | Cmd + P | |
| Word Count | Ctrl + Shift + G | Cmd + Shift + G |
| Insert Hyperlink | Ctrl + K | Cmd + K |
| Heading Style (1, 2, 3) | Ctrl + Alt + 1/2/3 | Cmd + Option + 1/2/3 |
| Bullet List | Ctrl + Shift + L | Cmd + Shift + L |
What are the daily usages of MS Word shortcut keys?
Writers use Word for drafting, formatting, editing, and finalizing documents. Shortcuts improve speed across all of these stages.
Google Docs Shortcuts Every Writer Should Use
Google Docs is perfect for collaboration. These are the most important shortcuts:
- Insert comment: Ctrl + Alt + M (Cmd + Option + M)
- Word count: Ctrl + Shift + C (Cmd + Shift + C)
- Open explore tool: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + I (Cmd + Option + Shift + I)
- Apply heading 1/2/3: Ctrl + Alt + 1/2/3 (Cmd + Option + 1/2/3)
These shortcuts are great for bloggers, students, and content marketers.
Shortcuts for Mac Users
If you’re writing on a Mac, some shortcuts are slightly different.
- Cmd + Delete: Delete entire line
- Cmd + Control + Space: Emoji and symbol picker
- Cmd + Shift + T: Reopen last closed tab (great for research)
- Cmd + Tab: Switch apps
These boost both writing and research efficiency.
Windows Shortcuts Useful for Writers
Writers using Windows should remember these:
- Windows + V: Clipboard history
- Ctrl + Backspace: Delete previous word
- Alt + Tab: Switch apps
- Windows + . (period): Emoji picker
These tools reduce switching and improve multitasking.
Scrivener Keyboard Shortcuts for Writers
Scrivener is popular among novelists and researchers. These shortcuts save time:
- Ctrl + G, Ctrl + K: Split document
- Ctrl + G, Ctrl + M: Add comment
- Ctrl + Shift + T: Toggle typewriter scrolling
- F5: Compile project
This app helps you manage complex writing projects more effectively.
Notion and Markdown Tools
Notion, Obsidian, and similar tools use Markdown. Common shortcuts include:
- # + Space: Heading 1
- – + Space: Bullet list
- text: Insert hyperlink
code: Inline code format
Perfect for technical writing, blogging, and content planning.
What is the Shortcut Key for Writing?
There isn’t a single shortcut that starts writing. But by combining shortcuts for formatting, navigation, and editing, you can write faster and stay focused. Think of shortcuts as your power tools.
Shortcut Writing in English
Many writers use shortcuts like:
- Abbreviations while drafting (e.g., “w/” for “with”)
- Auto-replace settings in Word or Notion
- Custom macros for phrases like “In conclusion”
Using shortcut writing improves speed and consistency.
What Are the 7 Special Keys in a Keyboard?
Understanding your keyboard is key. The seven special keys useful for writers:
- Ctrl / Cmd: Control key for all shortcuts
- Alt / Option: Used with Ctrl for navigation
- Shift: Enables selections and uppercase
- Tab: Indents lines and navigates fields
- Enter: Ends paragraphs or confirms actions
- Backspace: Deletes text
- Escape: Cancels actions or closes menus
These work together with shortcuts to increase productivity.
What is the Most Useful Keyboard Shortcut?
It depends on your workflow. But universally, the top five are:
- Ctrl + Z / Cmd + Z – Undo
- Ctrl + S / Cmd + S – Save
- Ctrl + C / Cmd + C – Copy
- Ctrl + V / Cmd + V – Paste
- Alt + Tab / Cmd + Tab – Switch apps
These shortcuts save the most time and fix common mistakes.
Custom Shortcuts You Should Create
Take your efficiency further with personalized tools:
- AutoHotKey (Windows): Create custom macros
- TextExpander (Mac): Shortcut entire phrases
- Word’s Quick Parts: Save and reuse templates
Set shortcuts for:
- Common phrases
- Email templates
- Blog headers
- Reference formats
Tips to Learn and Master Keyboard Shortcuts
- Learn 3 shortcuts per week
- Use printed or digital cheat sheets
- Practice within your writing platform
- Stick shortcut stickers on your keyboard
- Use apps like KeyRocket or CheatSheet
Consistency is the key to mastery.
Final Thoughts
The best keyboard shortcuts for writers are not just about speed. They help you focus on what truly matters: the message. By replacing repetitive clicks with simple keys, you give your brain more room to think creatively and stay in the zone.
If you haven’t already, start small. Pick 5 shortcuts and commit to using them for a week. You’ll never go back.
Whether you’re working on a novel, a blog post, or research paper, these shortcuts will supercharge your writing process. Remember: great writing isn’t just about the words—it’s about the workflow too.
Academic editor turned AI copy pro, Sarah-Jane fuses research precision with smart storytelling. Her insights build trust, spark ideas, and elevate every word with real-world writing experience.