Word for Mac function keys do more than you might expect: F1 to F4 undo, cut, copy and paste, F5 opens Go To and F7 checks spelling. This free cheat sheet lists 25 function key shortcuts for F1 to F11, alone or with Shift, Option and Command.
On most Mac keyboards the top row controls brightness and volume first, so you need to know when to hold Fn. That comes first below.
Download the Free PDF Cheat Sheet
This free cheat sheet arranges the 25 shortcuts by key: F1 – F4, F5 – F6, F7 – F8, and F9 & F11 for fields. The ZIP file has a US Letter PDF and an A4 PDF.
How to Use F1 to F11 on a Mac
On most Mac keyboards, the top-row keys change brightness, volume and playback when you press them on their own. To send F1 to F11 to Word instead, hold Fn while you press the key. For example, press Fn + F7 to check spelling, or Fn + ⌘ Cmd + F11 to lock a field.
If you use the function keys a lot, your Mac’s keyboard settings have an option to use F1, F2 and the others as standard function keys. With it switched on, you hold Fn for brightness and volume instead.
Why Some Function Keys Are Missing
Microsoft’s Keyboard shortcuts in Word page marks some Mac function keys with an asterisk, because macOS uses them too. They include F8 on its own (extend the selection), F9 (update fields) and F11 (next field). They only work after you change the matching macOS shortcut, so the sheet leaves them out. The 25 on the sheet work on a standard Mac setup.
F1 to F4 Shortcuts
F1 to F4 are the editing keys. The Spike collects several pieces of text or graphics that you cut, then pastes them all together in another place.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Undo | F1 |
| Cut | F2 |
| Copy | F3 |
| Change case | ⇧ Shift + F3 |
| Cut to the Spike | ⌘ Cmd + F3 |
| Paste the Spike | ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F3 |
| Create AutoText entry | ⌥ Option + F3 |
| Paste | F4 |
| Repeat last Find or Go To | ⇧ Shift + F4 |
F5 and F6 Shortcuts
F5 opens Go To. F6 moves between the document, task pane, status bar and ribbon, which helps when you work without a mouse.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Go To | F5 |
| Go to last change | ⇧ Shift + F5 |
| Bookmark dialog box | ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F5 |
| Next pane or ribbon | F6 |
| Next document window | ⌘ Cmd + F6 |
F7 and F8 Shortcuts
F7 is for proofing: spelling, the thesaurus and the dictionary. ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F8 turns extend selection mode on and off, and ⌥ Option + F8 opens Macros.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Spelling and grammar | F7 |
| Thesaurus | ⇧ Shift + F7 |
| Next spelling error | ⌥ Option + F7 |
| Dictionary | ⌥ Option + ⇧ Shift + F7 |
| Extend selection mode | ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F8 |
| Macros | ⌥ Option + F8 |
F9 and F11 Field Shortcuts
These keys work with fields. Unlinking a field replaces it with its current result as plain text, so it never updates again.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Insert empty field | ⌘ Cmd + F9 |
| Unlink a field | ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F9 |
| Show all field codes | ⌥ Option + F9 |
| Lock a field | ⌘ Cmd + F11 |
| Unlock a field | ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F11 |
Mac Function Keys Compared with Windows
Some function keys do the same job on both platforms. Others are different, so check before you rely on muscle memory:
| Action | Word for Mac | Word for Windows |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling and grammar | F7 | F7 |
| Thesaurus | ⇧ Shift + F7 | Shift + F7 |
| Save As | ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + S | F12 |
👉 The Windows keys come from our Windows keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet.
Pro Tips for Word for Mac Function Keys
- If a function key changes the brightness or volume, hold Fn and press it again.
- Use the Spike to gather text from several places, then paste it all at once with Command, Shift and F3.
- Press F6 repeatedly to move between the document, task pane, status bar and ribbon.
- For a tour of the tabs F6 takes you to, see the Microsoft Word ribbon map.
FAQs
What do the Word for Mac function keys do?
In Word for Mac, F1 to F4 undo, cut, copy and paste, F5 opens Go To, F6 moves between panes, F7 checks spelling, and F9 and F11 work with fields. Shift, Option and Command add more commands to each key.
Why does F7 change the brightness instead of checking spelling?
Your Mac uses the top row for its own controls first. Hold Fn and press F7, or change your Mac’s keyboard settings to use the F-keys as standard function keys.
What is the Spike in Word for Mac?
The Spike holds several pieces of text or graphics that you cut. Press ⌘ Cmd + F3 to cut to the Spike and ⌘ Cmd + ⇧ Shift + F3 to paste everything at once.
Why is F9 not on the sheet?
Microsoft marks F9 on its own (update fields) as clashing with macOS, so it only works after you change a Mac setting. The sheet keeps to keys that work on a standard Mac.
How do I open macros with a function key on a Mac?
Press ⌥ Option + F8 to open the Macros dialog box. Hold Fn as well if your Mac needs it.
Does the cheat sheet cover F12?
No. F12 has no shortcut in the part of Microsoft’s macOS list the sheet uses, so the sheet covers F1 to F11.
More Word for Mac Cheat Sheets
The other sheets in the Word for Mac set, each with its own page and free download:
- Word for Mac Keyboard Shortcuts: 26 Essential Keys (Free PDF)
- Word for Mac Formatting Shortcuts: 23 Keys (Free PDF)
- Word for Mac Text Selection Shortcuts: 24 Keys (Free PDF)
- Word for Mac Table Shortcuts: 20 Keys and Mouse Moves (Free PDF)
- Word for Mac Track Changes Shortcuts: 19 Keys (Free PDF)
- Free Word for Mac Keyboard Shortcuts Bundle: 6 Cheat Sheets (PDF): all six sheets in one PDF
Conclusion
Word for Mac function keys are quick once you know when to hold Fn. Start with F1 to F4 for editing and F7 for spelling, then add the field keys if you work with dates and page numbers.
For the everyday Command shortcuts that go with these, see the Word for Mac keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet.
Related Tutorials
- How to Check Spelling and Grammar in Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Word Ribbon: Easy Map of All 11 Tabs (Free PDF)
- How to Hide the Ribbon in Word: 4 Easy Methods
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For Microsoft support documentation, visit the official Microsoft guidance.
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