As a PowerPoint trainer I’m often asked about ways to work more efficiently creating presentations and slide decks. One of the most powerful productivity boosters is mastering keyboard shortcuts. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential Microsoft PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts from A to Z that will revolutionise your presentation creation process.
As this is the A-Z and you may not have read any previous posts, I’m covering all 26 commands.
If you have read any of the previous blogs in this series it’s a quick reminder. 😉
Do I need to remind you that these are all keyboard shortcuts using the CTRL (control) key for MS Windows devices? Thought not. 😊
Basic Commands
– A: Select all elements on your slide
– C: Copy selected elements
– V: Paste copied content
– X: Cut selected content
(it’s strange to have cut, copy and paste in that order, but it’s alphabetically correct. Still strange tho.)
– Y: Redo your last action
– Z: Undo your last action
Standard Formatting
– B: Apply bold formatting to selected text
– E: Centre align text
– I: Apply italic formatting
– J: Justify text alignment
– L: Left align text
– R: Right align text
– U: Underline selected text
Out of order, but important to note:
– T: Open the Font dialogue box
The letter D does something more important here in PowerPoint, so it’s a different shortcut that you might be used to for the Font.
Essential Navigation
Working efficiently in PowerPoint requires quick access to commonly used commands. Here’s the first set of crucial shortcuts that everyone should know:
– F: Open the Find dialogue
– G: Access the Go To feature
– H: Open Replace dialogue
– K: Insert a hyperlink
What are essential keyboard shortcuts specific to PowerPoint?
Glad you asked…
– Ctrl + D: Duplicate
Need an exact copy of something, then use Duplicate. Much quicker and easier than copying and pasting.
Here’s the cool bit – it’s going to duplicate whatever you’ve got selected.
This can be the whole slide, everything on the slide or specific items. It’s up to you.
– Ctrl + M: Insert a new slide
Presentations are made up of a number of slides. Insert a new slide (after the selected or displayed slide) with a simple shortcut key.
This will be the standard layout of title and content.
File Management
OK, if you’ve read the blogs, these won’t be new to you. However, there is one that’s specific to PowerPoint.
– N: Create a new presentation
– O: Open an existing presentation
– P: Print your presentation
– Q: Save and close the current presentation
– S: Save your presentation (desktop app only)
– W: Close the current presentation
Did you get it right?
It is save and close the current presentation with Ctrl + Q. Sure you could use S (Save) and W (Close), if you want to.
Why Master These Shortcuts?
Learning these keyboard shortcuts might seem daunting at first, but the time investment pays off significantly. By incorporating these shortcuts into your workflow, you can:
– Reduce your dependence on mouse movements
– Speed up your presentation creation process
– Maintain better focus on your content
Getting Started with PowerPoint Shortcuts
I recommend practising these shortcuts one section at a time. Start with any of the basic commands that are new to you (Bold, Italic, Underline, Close File). Then gradually try out some of the others. Find the ones that are useful and work for how you use PowerPoint. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself naturally reaching for these shortcuts instead of clicking through menus.
Remember, the goal isn’t to memorise all shortcuts at once – or even ever. But to gradually incorporate the useful ones (for you) into your workflow.
Related YouTube Videos
Your A-Z Tutorial to PowerPoint Shortcuts
Want to see them in alphabetical order, then head over to my YouTube Channel for Excel Shortcuts Unlocked: Navigate from A to Z.
Why not watch Complete Guide to Word Shortcuts: From A to Z.
Cut, Copy & Paste – on your keyboard (YouTube Short)
Shortcut key with ALT GR (YouTube Short)
Alt GR Explained: Enhance Your Typing in Word and Google
Discover All the Shortcut Keys in Word
More Keyboard Shortcut Posts
Do You Know The A-Z Of Word Shortcut Keys?
The Complete A-Z Guide to Excel Keyboard Shortcuts: Master Your Productivity
PowerPoint Shortcut Keys You Should Know (current post)
Word for Mac Users – Do you know these keyboard shortcuts? (26 Feb)
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