Microsoft Word vs Google Docs Keyboard Shortcuts — Side-by-Side

Word and Google Docs share most shortcuts — both are based on Ctrl+key conventions. But there are key differences in heading styles, comments, suggestions, and some navigation shortcuts. This comparison highlights what's the same and what's different.

Action
Microsoft Word
Google Docs
Bold
Ctrl+B
Ctrl+B
Italic
Ctrl+I
Ctrl+I
Underline
Ctrl+U
Ctrl+U
Strikethrough
Alt+H, 4
Alt+Shift+5
Heading 1
Ctrl+Alt+1
Ctrl+Alt+1
Heading 2
Ctrl+Alt+2
Ctrl+Alt+2
Heading 3
Ctrl+Alt+3
Ctrl+Alt+3
Normal / Body Text
Ctrl+Shift+N
Ctrl+Alt+0
Clear Formatting
Ctrl+Space
Ctrl+\
Increase Font Size
Ctrl+Shift+>
Ctrl+Shift+.
Decrease Font Size
Ctrl+Shift+<
Ctrl+Shift+,
Superscript
Ctrl+Shift+=
Ctrl+.
Subscript
Ctrl+=
Ctrl+,
Center Align
Ctrl+E
Ctrl+E
Justify
Ctrl+J
Ctrl+J

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Microsoft Word and Google Docs shortcuts the same?+
Most are identical — both use Ctrl+B for bold, Ctrl+Z for undo, Ctrl+Alt+1/2/3 for headings, and Ctrl+K for links. The main differences are: strikethrough (Alt+H,4 in Word vs Alt+Shift+5 in Docs), suggest mode (Ctrl+Shift+E vs Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X), and clearing formatting (Ctrl+Space vs Ctrl+\).
How do I track changes / suggest edits using the keyboard?+
In Word, press Ctrl+Shift+E to toggle Track Changes. In Google Docs, press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+X to switch to Suggesting mode, which is Docs' equivalent — all edits appear as suggestions for a collaborator to accept or reject.
How do I insert a comment in Word vs Google Docs?+
Both use Ctrl+Alt+M (Cmd+Option+M on Mac) to insert a comment on the selected text. In Word this opens the comment sidebar; in Google Docs it opens an inline comment bubble. Both sync comments in real-time with collaborators.

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