What are the keyboard shortcuts for PowerPoint? The most useful ones depend on whether you use Windows, macOS, or PowerPoint for the web. This cheat sheet covers desktop and web editing shortcuts plus key Windows slide-show controls; Microsoft’s full shortcut references also cover mobile. Shortcut keys below follow Microsoft’s documented platform mappings, not a guarantee that every command is available in every version or context.
File and slide basics
These shortcuts cover starting a presentation, adding a slide, and saving. On the web, some commands also depend on whether the presentation is open in editing mode and where focus is placed.
| Task | Windows desktop | macOS desktop | PowerPoint for the web |
|---|---|---|---|
| New presentation | Ctrl+N | Command+N | Ctrl+N |
| Add a slide | Ctrl+M | Command+Shift+N | Ctrl+M |
| Save | Ctrl+S | Command+S | Ctrl+S |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Command+Z | Ctrl+Z |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | Command+Y | Ctrl+Y |
For a new deck, PowerPoint also lets you start from a blank presentation or a template, then add slides using layouts. See Microsoft’s guide to creating a presentation.
Text and object editing
Use these common formatting keys with text selected. Microsoft’s platform-specific reference is the authority for the full set of editing, selection, and object commands.
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| Task | Windows desktop | macOS desktop | PowerPoint for the web |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bold selected text | Ctrl+B | Command+B | Ctrl+B |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Command+Z | Ctrl+Z |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y | Command+Y | Ctrl+Y |
For more editing shortcuts, including commands for working with objects and text, consult Microsoft’s PowerPoint shortcut reference for creating presentations. It separates Windows, Mac, web, and mobile instructions; do not assume a Windows combination works the same way elsewhere.
Navigation and views
In a slide show, the basic navigation pattern is to move forward or backward through slides. The exact key options and available controls are documented in Microsoft’s slide-show shortcut reference. These controls apply while presenting, not necessarily while editing a slide.
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Presenting in Windows
Microsoft documents these Windows shortcuts for starting and ending a slide show:
| Action | Windows shortcut |
|---|---|
| Start from the beginning | F5 |
| Start from the current slide | Shift+F5 |
| Open Presenter View | Alt+F5 |
| End the slide show | Esc |
Use Presenter View with two displays
Presenter View can show speaker notes on the presenter’s screen while the audience sees the slides. If you prefer the audience display to show the same view, change the display setup to mirror the show. Microsoft explains Presenter View and display options in Present your slide show.
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- Confirm the platform and context. Windows, macOS, and web mappings differ, and slide-show shortcuts may only work once a show is running or when the relevant part of PowerPoint has focus.
- Check the keyboard layout. Microsoft’s shortcut documentation is based on a US keyboard layout; keys may not correspond exactly on other layouts.
- Check macOS settings and utilities. Operating-system settings or utility applications can intercept some shortcuts. Function-key behavior can also depend on Mac settings.
- Try a physical keyboard if needed. An external keyboard can make shortcut input practical on a touchscreen-oriented device. Microsoft does not endorse a specific keyboard model.
For broader accessibility options in PowerPoint, see Microsoft’s accessibility tools guide.
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- LARGE AND PRACTICAL SIZE: Measuring 31.5 x 11.8 inches (800x300x3mm), this Excel mouse pad serves as both a mouse pad and desk mat, offering generous space for your computer, keyboard, and mouse. Ideal for use in the office or at home.
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- LONG-LASTING AND HIGH-QUALITY DESIGN:This mouse pad features premium fade-resistant printing, ensuring that shortcut details remain clear and detailed over time. The reinforced stitched edges add durability for extended use.
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