Save keystrokes with this simple shortcut for copying in Word

When you copy text, you probably press [Ctrl]+C to copy the selection to the Clipboard, move the insertion point to the spot where you want the copied text to appear, and then press [Ctrl]+V. When copying objects, you probably use the same routine, but pasting the object is a little more awkward because you move the object after you paste. There’s nothing wrong with this method, but there’s an easier way: hold down the [Ctrl] key and move the selection. Doing so automatically duplicates the selection, allowing you to bypass a few steps.

Let’s look at a quick example. Moving the AutoShape shown below using the traditional method would require four steps:

1. Select the AutoShape.
2. Press [Ctrl]+C.
3. Press [Ctrl+V.
4. Move the AutoShape.

Now, let's remove half of step 2 and all of step 3, using the [Ctrl] plus move method, as follows:

1. Select the AutoShape.
2. Press [Ctrl] and hold It down.
3. Move the AutoShape.

It’s the same with text: select the text, hold down [Ctrl] and move the selection. It’s a bit unnerving at first, because you don’t see a second object or duplicate text at first. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself using it all the time.