Applies ToWord for Microsoft 365 Word 2024 Word 2021 Word 2019 Word 2016

In Word, you can select all text in a document (Ctrl+A), or select specific text or items in a table by using the mouse or keyboard. You can also select text or items that are in different places. For example, you can select a paragraph on one page and a sentence on a different page.

Select all text

  1. Click anywhere within the document.

  2. Press Ctrl+A on your keyboard to select all text in the document.

Select specific text

You can also select a specific word, line of text, or one or more paragraphs.

  1. Place your cursor in front of the first letter of the word, sentence, or paragraphs you want to select.

  2. Click and hold while you drag your cursor to select the text you want.

Other ways to select text

  • To select a single word, quickly double-click that word.

  • To select a line of text, place your cursor at the start of the line, and press Shift + down arrow.

  • To select a paragraph, place your cursor at the start of the paragraph, and press Ctrl + Shift + down arrow.

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