Tip of the Week: Become a Deletion Fiend with These Keyboard Shortcuts

Typically, when we make a mistake in a word processor, we just hold down the Backspace key until you get rid of the error, but when you consider all the times you have to hold down the key for longer than five seconds, that time adds up. To bypass this inefficiency entirely, you can use a little tool called “Fast Delete.” Here’s how it’s done.

Deleting One Word at a Time

Normally, the Backspace key deletes one character at a time. You can speed that up by using a simple keyboard shortcut.

• On Mac - Press Option + Delete
• On PC - Press Ctrl + Backspace

Deleting One Line at a Time

What if you want to take it even further? You can extend the duration to the line level. Here’s how you do it:

• On Mac - Press Command + Delete
• On PC - Press Ctrl + Shift + Up Arrow + Delete

Why Use These Shortcuts in the First Place?

When you backspace by the character, you’re essentially taking your time. You’re not moving with any agency. More than that, you’re putting unnecessary strain on your fingers and wrists. With word and line shortcuts, you’re claiming your status as a tech-savvy professional who knows how to navigate your workday in a more efficient way. You’ll have more time for other tasks thanks to improved typing speed.

Getting the hang of these shortcuts might take some time, but they will become muscle memory before you know it. You’ll be deleting text faster than ever, boosting your productivity, and getting more writing done as a result.

For more tips and tricks, keep your eyes on our blog.