Delete Text

You can easily remove text from a document using either the Delete or Backspace keys on your keyboard.

DELETE USING THE DELETE KEY

1. Click to the left of the location where you want to delete text.

   The insertion point flashes where you clicked.

   You can press , , , or to move the insertion point one character or line.

   You can press + or + to move the insertion point one word at a time to the right or left.

   

2. Press on your keyboard.

   Word deletes the character immediately to the right of the insertion point.

   You can hold to repeatedly delete characters to the right of the insertion point.

   You can press + to delete the word to the right of the insertion point.

   

DELETE USING THE BACKSPACE KEY

1. Click to the right of the location where you want to delete text.

   

   The insertion point flashes where you clicked.

2. Press on your keyboard.

   Word deletes the character immediately to the left of the insertion point.

   You can hold to repeatedly delete characters to the left of the insertion point.

   You can press + to delete the word to the left of the insertion point.

   

Do I have to delete a large block of text one character or one word at a time?

No. You can select the block of text and then press either or ; either key deletes selected text. For details on selecting text, see the section “Select Text,” later in this chapter.

What should I do if I mistakenly delete text?

You should use the Undo feature in Word to restore the text you deleted. Click the Undo () on the Standard toolbar. For details on how this feature works, see the section “Undo Changes,” later in this chapter.