4 Ways to Switch Between Open Documents in Word

Use windows to switch between open docs

Table of Contents

If you’re multitasking, or using one document as a reference, you need to quickly switch between two or more documents. Here are four ways to move back and forth between them.

Ctrl-F6

Press CTRL-F6 on the keyboard to toggle between Word’s open windows.

Alt-Tab/Shift-Tab

Hold down the ALT key on the keyboard and tap the TAB key once (keep ALT down). An overlay appears with icons for all your open windows. Continue to press TAB until the desired document is highlighted. Let go.

Press SHIFT-TAB to go the other way.

If your just type ALT-Tab, ALT-Tab, I toggle between my two most recent windows.

Alt-Tab switch between open documentss

The View Tab

Click on the VIEW TAB, then on SWITCH WINDOWS. Pick your document off the list.

Use View Tab to switch between docs

Using Windows

Depending on what version of Windows you’re using, or your individual settings, this behavior may vary.

In earlier versions of Windows, there’s at least one ICON FOR EACH WORD DOCUMENT on the task bar at the bottom of your screen.

Click on the CORRECT DOCUMENT to jump to it.

In more recent versions of Windows, you’ll see ONE WORD STACK ICON with a number of open items.

Click on the STACK, and thumbnails of the open documents appear. Click on the desired file.

Use windows to switch between open docs

Buy the Book

Microsoft Word 2010 Tips & TricksFor the complete collection of time-saving tips and tricks, buy my book, Microsoft Word 2010 Tips & Tricks. Available in eBook, iBook, Multi-touch, and paperback versions.

 

 

 

Picture of Alicia Katz Pollock
Alicia Katz Pollock
Recently named one of America's Top 50 Women in Accounting, Alicia is a leading expert in QuickBooks Online training with a Masters in Teaching and decades of business consulting. She offers a range of tailored resources from self-paced courses to personalized coaching. Known for her patience and commitment, Alicia simplifies QuickBooks for clients, helping them achieve their financial management goals with ease.
Picture of Alicia Katz Pollock
Alicia Katz Pollock
Recently named one of America's Top 50 Women in Accounting, Alicia is a leading expert in QuickBooks Online training with a Masters in Teaching and decades of business consulting. She offers a range of tailored resources from self-paced courses to personalized coaching. Known for her patience and commitment, Alicia simplifies QuickBooks for clients, helping them achieve their financial management goals with ease.
Don't forget to share this post.
Related Articles
QuickBooks
Payden Miller
Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Author’s new book receives a warm literary welcome. Readers’ Favorite announces the review of the Non-Fiction – Business/Finance book “QuickBooks Online Bootcamp” by Alicia Katz Pollock, currently available at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0989399265. Readers’ Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster,

Read More »
QBO Bootcamp Press Release | Blog Header Image | Royalwise
QuickBooks
Payden Miller
How QBO Bootcamp is Changing the Game for Small Business Owners

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your business finances, you’re not alone. Managing books, keeping up with tax prep, and understanding accounting software can be daunting—especially for small business owners. But a new book by Alicia Katz Pollock, QBO Bootcamp: From Setup to Tax Time, is here to help—and it’s already receiving glowing praise. A 5-Star Guide That Makes Finance Manageable

Read More »
Two Accounting Apps | Blog Post Header Image | Royalwise
QuickBooks
Brandon Mateika
When Two Accounting Apps Listen to Their Customers (And Actually Do Something About It)

Picture this: It’s 2021 at ‘Appy Camp, and Ben Stein from Keeper is standing at a bar, drink ticket in hand, ready to exchange it for a well-deserved cocktail after a long day of conference sessions. But when Alicia Katz Pollock rushes past—bass guitar case slung over her shoulder, racing to join the evening’s music circle around the fire—and tosses him

Read More »