RibbonKeysCtrl+Tab in Word for Mac
In Word for Windows, Ctrl+Tab puts a tab character in a table cell, where Tab alone moves to the next cell. In Word for Mac the same thing is ⌥ Tab, Option and Tab. To move between open documents instead, Word for Mac uses ⌘ `, Command and the grave accent.
Microsoft's list of Word for Mac shortcuts gives Ctrl+Tab for neither, and ⌘ Tab is the Mac's app switcher, which takes you out of Word.
A tab inside a table cell
- Tab moves between cells. In a table, Tab goes to the next cell and selects what is in it, and ⇧ Tab goes back. Tab in the last cell adds a row.
- Option+Tab types a tab. Click where the tab should go and press ⌥ Tab. The text moves to the next tab stop of the paragraph, as Ctrl+Tab does on Windows.
- Setting where it lands. Tab stops are set on the ruler: View › Ruler shows it, then click the ruler above the cell to add a stop.
- Outside a table. Tab types a tab as usual, and Option is not needed.
RibbonKeys leaves ⌥ Tab alone. Only a letter, a digit or = after Option starts one of its sequences, so Option and Tab reach Word as before.
Switching between documents
- ⌘ ` brings the next Word window to the front, and ⌘ ⇧ ` the one before. This works in every Mac app, Excel and PowerPoint included.
- View › Switch Windows lists every open document. With RibbonKeys, ⌥ W W opens it, as Alt+W+W does on Windows.
- In Excel for Windows, Ctrl+Tab moves to the next workbook. On a Mac that is ⌘ ` as well.
The rest of Word's Windows keys
Many of Word's Ctrl shortcuts work on a Mac with ⌘ in place of Ctrl: ⌘B is Bold, ⌘S saves and ⌘E centres. The Alt-key ribbon shortcuts do not: Word for Mac has no letters on its ribbon. RibbonKeys draws the Windows ones over it. Tap Option, then N T I for Insert Table, W R for the ruler or R G for Track Changes. Windows Word shortcuts on a Mac explains how, and the full list has every letter.
Questions
What is Ctrl+Tab in Word for Mac?
Option+Tab. In a table it puts a tab character in the cell, which is what Ctrl+Tab does in Word for Windows. Tab alone moves to the next cell.
How do I insert a tab in a table cell in Word for Mac?
Click where the tab should go and press Option+Tab. The text moves to the next tab stop of the paragraph.
How do I switch between open documents in Word for Mac?
Press ⌘` (Command and the grave accent key) for the next Word window, and ⌘⇧` for the one before. View › Switch Windows lists them all.
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Windows Word shortcuts on a Mac · Every Word shortcut · RibbonKeys