by C.K. MacLeod
Editors use the Comments feature in Word to ask writers clarifying questions or to make suggestions. Beta readers can use this feature to provide feedback, too.
In Word 2016, you could, of course, wander over to the ribbon, click on the Reviewing tab, and select New Comment in the Comments area. But that’s a lot of clicks if you have to repeat this action hundreds of times in a week.
To save your wrists from repetitive strain, click anywhere in a word and use the keyboard shortcut Alt + R, C.
If you work on multiple documents like I do, you might discover that you’re typing the same comment repeatedly. You can create a shortcut for these “standard” comments, too! Here’s how:
In Word, click on File, Options, Proofing, Autocorrect Options. In the grid that pops up, type a two- or three-character shortcut in the Replace box. In the With box, type the sentence that you want your computer to type for you.
Here’s what that looks like:
Replace: .cl
With: Could you check this link?
Your computer will type the sentence for you when you type .cl.
or
Replace: .wi
With: Could you write a one-paragraph intro to frame the module?
Tip: Begin your shortcut with a period, so you don’t accidentally choose letter combinations that are words (“.at” for “insert alt text” is better than “at,” for example). Choose letter combinations that you’ll remember easily. For me, .cl means “check link” and .wi means “write intro.”
Creating shortcuts can save your wrists from too much mousing, clicking, and typing. It can also save you loads of time.
What are your favourite shortcuts? Are you a Mac user? What shortcuts do you use? Feel free to share in the comments below.
Image by Daniel Lobo
