Microsoft Office Skills

Powerpoint Tips (Replace Command with CTRL for Windows)
- F5
  - Presentation mode
- Command Shift +
  - Zoom in
- Command Shift -
  - Zoom out
- Command L in presentation mode
  - Brings up laser pointer
- Make it so each bullet is brought in each time you click enter
  - Allows you to keep audience's attention
  - Can just show the picture or table before all the bullets
- Shift Up/down/left/right arrow keys
  - Change the size of textboxes
- How to get rid of crick in line (when line is not straight)
  - Go to shape format and make height zero
- Command shift c
  - Copy formatting
- Command shift v
  - Paste formatting
- Command shift > and command shift <
  - Alter font size
- Command shift D
  - Duplicates slides
- Shift option
  - Moves the order of bullet points
- Utilize Designer Mode to make slides visually appealing
- Slide Master
  - Add a picture or page number that will show up on every slide
Excel Tips (Replace Command with CTRL for Windows)
- Control shift 7
  - Add border to cells
- Command shift T
  - Create Sum formula for the cells above current cell
- Control shift 4
  - Format cell with Currency formatting
- Command R
  - Copies to the right
- Command D
  - Copies down
- Command 1
  - Format cell box
- F4 function
  - Repeats your most recent action
- Can reference cell and use & “text” to add text to cell
  - Ex. C4&" Inches"
- Command Alt V
  - Paste special

Excel · Make your analysis reliable

Keep clear column headings, consistent units, and a separate place for assumptions.

Practice formulas, relative and absolute references, sorting, filtering, and basic charts.

Use SUM and other functions on a small example first, then check the result independently.

Label inputs and outputs and include a source or date for imported data.

Check formulas for errors, unexpected blanks, and inconsistent ranges before sharing.

Try it

Build a simple monthly expense table. Total each category, compare it with a budget, and chart the difference. Change an input and confirm that the totals update as expected.

PowerPoint · Make the point clear

Use one main point per slide and a title that communicates the takeaway.

Prefer readable labels and a simple chart over a dense table.

Use alignment tools and a consistent theme or Slide Master.

Use animation only when it helps explain a sequence.

Rehearse in presentation mode and check that linked media and fonts work.

Word · Keep documents consistent

Use heading styles for structure rather than manually formatting each heading.

Use paragraph spacing and tabs consistently.

Review comments and tracked changes before sending a final document.

Check the exported PDF for line wraps, page breaks, and working links.

Shortcuts for your platform

Windows, Mac, and web shortcuts can differ. Use Microsoft’s platform-specific reference for your application instead of replacing every Command key with Ctrl.

Common action	Windows	Mac
Copy	Ctrl + C	Command + C
Paste	Ctrl + V	Command + V
Undo	Ctrl + Z	Command + Z
Find	Ctrl + F	Command + F