Move paragraphs up and down quickly in Word

The numbered sort technique is useful when you need to carefully plot the restructuring of a long, complex document. But what if you just want to quickly move a paragraph or two up or down?

No problem. First select any paragraphs you want to move, hold down both the Shift and Alt keys and then tap either the Up Arrow or Down Arrow key as many times as needed to move the block where you want it to go.

This tip works in both Word 2007 and Word 2010. Once you've done this a few times, it will become easy to do any time you need to quickly shift some text in Word.

Suzanne

Comments

• Anonymous
  March 12, 2012
  Hi, Does anyone know how to do this is word for mac 2011? I have used this move for several years. Suddenly, in the new version of Word, it is impossible. So frustrating, since I have really used it a lot. Help. Thanks!

• Anonymous
  December 11, 2012
  Shift-Ctrl works with Up-arrow and Down-arrow on my Macbook with Microsoft Word for Mac 2011

• Anonymous
  August 06, 2013
  I had this problem with Mac 2011 after switching over. The problem is that the keyboard shortcuts are set in the preferences of your MacBook to use the shortcuts to show Mission Control and Applications. Go into your MacBook settings, Keyboard, Keyboard Shortcuts, then turn off the Shift+Alt/Option one that is pulling up your Mission Control. Once those MacBook settings are disables, it will work in your Microsoft Word.

• Anonymous
  October 08, 2013
  Thanks, Carrie, that solved the problem I was having.