How in the Tech

Using Microsoft Word to quickly toggle capitalization of text blocks

By Adam Myers ⋅ May 31, 2010 ⋅ Tags: Microsoft Word, Shortcuts

Have you ever wondered why the Caps Lock key exists? It doesn’t at all seem like it’s useful, at least to most. The Caps Lock key finds it’s origins from the early physical typewriters, but it’s functionality wasn’t nearly as annoying as it is today on the computer. On the typewriter, the key was not a toggle between the states of capitalization, rather it was like a physical button that stayed depressed when pushed. Because of the physical nature of it’s design, it was nearly impossible to use a typewriter that was erroneously engaged with Caps Lock. On a PC, however, you’ve probably experience the problem just this week. Rather than advance the usability of a typewriter key set, the keyboard abuses the human behavioral condition.

Given the caps lock key’s proximity to more heavily used keys, it’s a given that you’ve composed the next great literary work of art only to look up at the screen and see it all in  CAPS. Admit it! You’re first thought is likely just to retype everything and soon forget about the minor annoyance your pinky finger had caused. However, there is actually a trivial way to toggle the capitalization of any select block of text – that is if you have Microsoft Word.

First, highlight the block of text that is mis-capitalized.

Then, using the keyboard shortcut Shift+F3 - the block will toggle in full.

Unfortunately if it’s a rather lengthy selection, you will see that every letter has shifted to lower-case irregardless of whether it begins a new sentence or not. Thankfully, another Shift+F3 will correct this situation too!