Keyboard shortcuts save time and streamline your workflow, especially in professional and academic environments. One such shortcut is Ctrl + }, a handy combination that’s often overlooked but can be extremely useful, especially for formatting tasks. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the use of Ctrl+} across Microsoft applications, other popular software, common issues, and the equivalent command for Mac users.
Table of Contents
What Does Ctrl+} Do?
The Ctrl + } shortcut is primarily used to increase the font size of selected text in many applications, especially in Microsoft Office products like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It’s a quick way to make your text stand out without having to navigate through menus.
On Mac, the equivalent command is Command + }, although usage can vary depending on the application.
Use of Ctrl + } in Microsoft Applications
Microsoft Word
In Word, Ctrl + } increases the font size of the selected text by one preset size.
For example, if your text is at 11 pt, using Ctrl+} will bump it to 12 pt, then to 14 pt, and so on. This is especially helpful when formatting headings or emphasizing parts of your document without reaching for the mouse.
How to use:
- Select the text.
- Press Ctrl + }.
- Watch the text size increase instantly.
Microsoft Excel
In Excel, formatting is just as crucial as in Word. While Ctrl + } does not work for cell content in Excel as it does in Word, it plays a role when you are working with text elements in charts or shapes.
If you’ve inserted a text box or label in your Excel chart, Ctrl + } increases the font size of the selected text box content.
Microsoft PowerPoint
Presentation design benefits greatly from quick formatting tools. In PowerPoint, selecting any text box or placeholder and pressing Ctrl+} will increase the font size. This is a quick way to make headings or important points more visible in your slides.
Microsoft Outlook
When composing or formatting emails in Outlook, you can use Ctrl + } to increase the font size of selected text in the body of your message. It’s a fast way to emphasize details or make your content more readable.
Microsoft OneNote
In OneNote, formatting your notes is key to readability. Highlight any part of your note and press Ctrl + } to make your text larger, improving visibility during presentations or personal study sessions.
Use of Ctrl + } in Other Applications
Google Docs
In Google Docs, Ctrl + } does not function as a font size adjustment shortcut. Instead, Docs relies on Ctrl + Shift + > to increase the font size. However, you can customize keyboard shortcuts through extensions if you want a similar behavior.
Adobe Photoshop
In Photoshop, Ctrl + } does not directly control font size. However, you can use Ctrl + Shift + > or manually adjust font sizes in the character panel. While Ctrl + } may not be native, customizing shortcuts is possible via Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
In VS Code, Ctrl + } is not assigned by default. If desired, you can customize keyboard shortcuts to use it for actions like increasing font size or adjusting indentation in code formatting.
Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
In web browsers, Ctrl + } is not a standard command. To increase page zoom, you typically use Ctrl + +. However, extensions or developer tools may allow custom key mappings.
FAQs
While Ctrl + } is a powerful shortcut, you may encounter some issues:
- Not working in some applications: Some software, especially web-based tools, do not recognize Ctrl + } natively.
- Keyboard layout problems: If you’re using a non-English keyboard (like AZERTY or QWERTZ), finding the curly brace } may require different key combinations.
- Conflicting shortcuts: Custom keyboard shortcuts or third-party applications might override Ctrl + }, preventing it from functioning as expected.
How to Fix:
- Check app documentation to confirm shortcut availability.
- Reassign conflicting shortcuts through the application settings.
- Use alternative shortcuts, such as Ctrl + Shift + > in apps like Google Docs or design software.
Ctrl + } Equivalent on Mac
On Mac systems, the equivalent is generally Command + }, though it heavily depends on the application. In Microsoft Word for Mac, increasing the font size is usually done with Command + Shift + > instead.
Mac Alternatives:
- Word & PowerPoint: Command + Shift + >
- Google Docs: Command + Shift + >
- Adobe Apps: Customize via the Keyboard Shortcuts menu.
Mac users may need to explore specific app settings to mirror the functionality of Ctrl + } on Windows, especially for productivity apps.
Conclusion
The Ctrl + } shortcut might seem like a small formatting feature, but it can significantly enhance your productivity when working with text-heavy documents, presentations, or even emails. Whether you’re fine-tuning a PowerPoint slide, making your notes more legible in OneNote, or emphasizing points in an Outlook email, this shortcut helps you maintain your workflow without breaking your focus.