Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Tip of the Week: These Google Docs Shortcuts are Really Valuable

Tip of the Week: These Google Docs Shortcuts are Really Valuable

October 30, 2024

Does your business rely on Google Workspace for productivity? If so, we have some helpful tips to boost your efficiency by using lesser-known shortcuts. Let’s dive into a few tricks that can save you time and help your team work smarter.

Quickly Create a New File

Did you know you can create a new Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file without even opening the app? All you have to do is type the application name followed by “.new” into your browser’s address bar, and a new file will open in a fresh tab.

New document - docs.new
New spreadsheet - sheets.new
New presentation - slides.new

It’s a simple trick, but it can speed things up. Just make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account before creating your new file.

Handy Keyboard Shortcuts

Most Google apps come with built-in keyboard shortcuts that can make your workflow faster. Here are some of the most useful ones for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides:

For Google Docs

Copy - Ctrl + C
Cut - Ctrl + X
Paste - Ctrl + V
Bold - Ctrl + B
Italic - Ctrl + I
Find - Ctrl + F
Insert Link - Ctrl + K

For Google Sheets

Select column - Ctrl + Space
Select row - Shift + Space
Insert link - Ctrl + K
Bold - Ctrl + B
Clear formatting - Ctrl + \
Center align - Ctrl + Shift + E

For Google Slides

New slide - Ctrl + M
Select all - Ctrl + A
Bold - Ctrl + B
Increase font size - Ctrl + Shift + >
Group objects - Ctrl + Alt + G

Streamline Your Workflow

By using these shortcuts, you can navigate your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations much faster, allowing you to focus on the work that matters.

Pro Tip: Post These Shortcuts Nearby

We recommend printing this list of shortcuts and keeping it close to your workspace for easy reference. Having it handy will save you time and help you avoid Googling each shortcut while you're working.

For more tips on how to maximize productivity with your technology, give us a call at (571) 470-5594 today

‍

Previous Post
June 24, 2026
12 Windows Keyboard Shortcuts That Will Actually Give You Time Back
I was sitting with a client the other day, and I watched him carefully move his mouse up to the top left of his screen, click "Edit," and scroll down to "Copy." Then he navigated over to a new document, clicked "Edit" again, and hit "Paste."
June 22, 2026
Why Your Current BYOD Policy May Be Putting Company Data at Risk
Buying new smartphones and tablets for an entire team represents a significant upfront expense. To reduce these equipment costs, many small business owners choose a simpler path. They implement a Bring Your Own Device policy that allows employees to check company emails, access client records, and use the corporate chat tool directly from their personal mobile phones.
June 19, 2026
The Hidden Costs of Tech Fatigue on Growing Businesses
Logic might tell us that new and better tools will help us grow, but beware… in practice, adding new applications into a business workflow can often have the opposite impact. Instead of reaching new levels of productivity, your team is waylaid by additional notifications, obstructive updates, and expanding, fragmented work processes. It is, in a word, exhausting.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here