Keyboard shortcuts are an essential part of working efficiently on computers, and knowing the right ones can dramatically improve your productivity. One useful but often overlooked shortcut is Ctrl + {. While it might seem simple, this shortcut plays an important role in formatting tasks, especially when working with text in professional documents and presentations.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover what Ctrl+{ does, how it works in Microsoft applications, how it behaves in other popular software, common issues you might encounter, and its equivalent on Mac computers.
Table of Contents
What Does Ctrl+ { Do?
The Ctrl + { shortcut is used to decrease the font size of selected text in many applications, particularly within Microsoft Office products like Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It allows you to reduce the font size incrementally without using your mouse or opening formatting menus.
On Mac, the equivalent shortcut is usually Command + Shift + <, depending on the application.
This shortcut is especially helpful for quickly refining the visual balance of your documents, slides, or notes, keeping everything professional and readable.
Use of Ctrl+{ in Microsoft Applications
1. Microsoft Word
In Microsoft Word, Ctrl+{ reduces the font size of the selected text by one level in the preset size scale (e.g., from 12 pt to 11 pt, or 11 pt to 10 pt).
This is ideal when you’re adjusting headings, subheadings, or body text for visual hierarchy.
How to use:
- Highlight the text you want to resize.
- Press Ctrl + {.
- The font size will decrease step by step.
It’s a fast alternative to using the toolbar, especially when working on long documents.
Microsoft Excel
In Excel, Ctrl + { is not a default command for adjusting cell font sizes. However, when working with text boxes or charts that include text, this shortcut can decrease the font size of the selected text elements. It helps improve readability and maintain consistency across your Excel visuals.
Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint heavily relies on visual clarity, and Ctrl + { is perfect for quickly resizing text within slides. Select any text box or highlighted text in a placeholder, then press Ctrl + { to reduce the font size and ensure your slides are clean and easy to read.
Microsoft Outlook
In Outlook, when composing an email, Ctrl+{ can decrease the font size of selected text in your message body. This makes it easy to format emails without reaching for the mouse, helping you maintain momentum as you type.
Microsoft OneNote
In OneNote, you can also use Ctrl + { to shrink the size of your notes. Whether you’re organizing content for better visual clarity or compressing certain sections for a compact layout, this shortcut streamlines your workflow.
Use of Ctrl + { in Other Applications
1. Google Docs
In Google Docs, Ctrl + { is not assigned to font size adjustments. Instead, Docs uses Ctrl + Shift + < to decrease font size. However, with custom shortcut extensions, you might be able to assign Ctrl + { to achieve similar functionality.
Adobe Photoshop
In Photoshop, Ctrl + { does not adjust text size. Designers generally use Ctrl + Shift + < or manually change the font size from the character panel. You can customize keyboard shortcuts in Photoshop to assign Ctrl + { to your preferred text adjustment actions.
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
By default, Ctrl + { in VS Code is not assigned to a specific function. However, you can customize your key bindings to make it control text scaling or editor zoom, especially useful for coders who prefer quick adjustments.
Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
In browsers, Ctrl + { does not control zoom or text size. Standard zoom commands like Ctrl + – (minus) or Ctrl + Scroll Wheel are typically used. Some extensions might allow remapping of Ctrl + { to adjust zoom levels if desired.
FAQs
Though Ctrl + { is a convenient shortcut, you might face some challenges:
- Not working in some applications: Some programs don’t natively support Ctrl + {, requiring alternative commands or customization.
- Keyboard layout differences: On certain keyboard layouts, the
{character requires multiple key presses, which can make using this shortcut awkward. - Shortcut conflicts: Other programs or custom settings might override this command, rendering it inactive.
How to Fix:
- Check app shortcut settings to ensure Ctrl + { is active.
- Reassign conflicting shortcuts in your application preferences.
- Use alternatives like Ctrl + Shift + < for similar functionality in apps like Google Docs or Photoshop.
Ctrl + { Shortcut on Mac
For Mac users, the equivalent shortcut is typically Command + Shift + <.
While Command + { does exist, it is often used for navigation (like switching tabs in browsers) rather than text formatting.
Mac Alternatives:
- Word & PowerPoint: Command + Shift + <
- Google Docs: Command + Shift + <
- Adobe Apps: Customizable through Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Mac users should explore the application-specific shortcut lists to assign or use the correct command for decreasing text size. e Pages, where document formatting is crucial.
Conclusion
The Ctrl + { shortcut is an excellent tool for anyone looking to fine-tune the appearance of their documents, emails, or presentations. While its primary function is reducing font size in Microsoft applications, understanding its behavior in other software and knowing how to work around potential issues will keep your workflow smooth and efficient.
Whether you’re formatting a professional report, adjusting your slides for a presentation, or simply organizing your notes, Ctrl + { offers a quick and easy way to maintain visual consistency. And with a little customization, you can extend its power to even more of the tools you use daily.