How to Use the Shortcut to Highlight in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Matthew Burleigh

Highlighting text in Google Docs is a breeze once you know the shortcuts. With just a few key presses, you can make important text stand out. Get ready to learn how to quickly highlight your text like a pro!

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Use the Shortcut to Highlight in Google Docs

Before we dive into the steps, know that learning these shortcuts will help you work faster in Google Docs. You’ll be able to highlight text without reaching for your mouse, which can really speed things up.

Step 1: Open your document in Google Docs.

Make sure you’ve got the document you want to work on open and ready.

Step 2: Select the text you want to highlight.

You can click and drag with your mouse or use the shift key with the arrow keys to select text.

Step 3: Press the highlight shortcut keys.

For Windows users, it’s Alt + Shift + H. Mac users should press ⌘ + Option + H.

Once you press the shortcut keys, a highlighting tool will appear. You can then choose your desired highlight color, and the selected text will be instantly highlighted.

After you complete these steps, your selected text will be highlighted in the color you chose. It’s that simple!

Tips for Using the Shortcut to Highlight in Google Docs

  • Make sure you’ve selected the text you want to highlight before using the shortcut.
  • If you want to remove the highlight, just select the highlighted text and use the same shortcut to bring up the highlight tool again, then click ‘None’.
  • Customize your highlight color by selecting a new color from the highlight tool that appears.
  • You can also use the shortcut to highlight multiple sections of text by repeating the steps for each selection.
  • Remember that keyboard shortcuts can differ between Windows and Mac, so use the correct keys for your operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I highlight text without using the mouse?

Simply select the text using your keyboard by holding down the shift key and using the arrow keys, then use the shortcut keys to highlight.

Can I highlight in different colors?

Yes, after you press the shortcut keys, a highlight tool appears, and you can choose from various colors.

What if I highlight something by mistake?

No worries! Just select the text again and press the shortcut keys to bring up the highlight tool, then click ‘None’ to remove the highlight.

Will these shortcuts work on any computer?

The shortcuts given are for Windows and Mac computers. They may not work on other operating systems.

Can I use these shortcuts offline?

Yes, as long as you’re using the Google Docs app or have the document downloaded and opened in a compatible program that supports these shortcuts.

Summary

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Select the text you want to highlight.
  3. Press Alt + Shift + H for Windows or ⌘ + Option + H for Mac.

Conclusion

Mastering the shortcut to highlight in Google Docs can make your work process smoother and more efficient. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who likes to keep their documents organized, these handy shortcuts are invaluable tools. Remember, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. With the ability to quickly highlight key information, you’ll save time and increase productivity. So go ahead, give these shortcuts a try, and watch how they transform your Google Docs experience. Keep practicing, and before you know it, you’ll do it without even thinking—it’ll be like second nature. Happy highlighting!

Matthew Burleigh

Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.

He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.

You can read his bio here.

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