To select all text in Word, press Ctrl + A. Every word in the document is highlighted at once, ready to copy, format or delete. Word also has a Select All button on the Home tab and, for short documents, click and drag. For more time savers, see the Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet.
In this guide, you’ll learn three ways to select all text in Word and what to do with the selection.
When to Select All Text
- Change the font or size of the whole document
- Copy everything into another document or email
- Clear all formatting at once
- Change the line spacing for the whole document
Watch the Video Tutorial
If you prefer to see this in action, the full video walkthrough is below, showing each method step by step.
Method 1: Select All Text in Word With Ctrl + A
- Click anywhere in the document and press Ctrl + A.
👉 The whole document is selected. This is the fastest method by far.
Method 2: Select All Text in Word From the Home Tab
- Select the Home tab.
- In the Editing group, select the arrow next to Select.
- Choose Select All.
👉 Everything is selected, the same as Ctrl + A.
Method 3: Select All Text in Word by Clicking and Dragging
- Click at the start of the text, hold the mouse button and drag to the end.
👉 This suits a page or two. In a long document it is slow and easy to overshoot, so use Method 1 instead.
Quick Tips
Triple-Click the Margin
Triple-click in the left margin to select the whole document with the mouse.
Select to the End
Press Ctrl + Shift + End to select from the cursor to the end.
Then Format
With everything selected, change the font or line spacing in one go.
One Page Only
Need just one page? See how to select a single page in Word.
FAQs
How do I select all text in Word?
Press Ctrl + A anywhere in the document, or select Home > Select > Select All in the Editing group.
What is the shortcut to select all in Word?
Ctrl + A selects everything in the document. On a Mac, press Command + A.
Why does Ctrl + A not select everything?
If the cursor is inside a header, footer or text box, Ctrl + A only selects that area. Click in the main text first.
How do I select all text without the mouse?
Press Ctrl + A, or Ctrl + Home and then Ctrl + Shift + End.
How do I deselect all text in Word?
Click anywhere in the document or press an arrow key. The selection disappears.
How do I copy all text in Word?
Press Ctrl + A to select all text, then Ctrl + C to copy it. See the cut, copy and paste guide for more.
Conclusion
To select all text in Word, press Ctrl + A or use Home > Select > Select All. Keep click and drag for short passages. Microsoft lists every selection method in select text.
Now copy it anywhere with how to cut, copy and paste in Word.
Related Tutorials
- How to Cut, Copy and Paste in Microsoft Word
- How to Select a Single Page in Word
- How to Change the Font in Word
Word Tutorials
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For Microsoft support documentation, visit the official Microsoft guidance.
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