Basic Speed Tips for OpenOffice

Word Program

• There are numerous shortcuts or speed functions within the OpenOffice program. A complete listing of the shortcuts is provided under the "Help" tab. Simple shortcut keys that are used frequently include spelling and the copy and paste functions.

  The spelling function works when a word in a document is underlined with a red or green line. Place the cursor over the word and right click the mouse. A list of word choices will appear. Click on the proper spelling and the word is replaced.

  The copy and paste functions work by holding the control key along with either the "C" or "V" key. Highlight the area to copy. Hold down the control key and the "C" key at the same time. Move the cursor to the desired location for pasting. Hold down the control key and the "V" key at the same time. The item is pasted to the new location. Another way to copy and paste is to highlight the desired text or item and right click the mouse. Choose copy. Point the mouse to the desired location and right click the mouse. Choose paste and the text or item is copied.

Spreadsheet

• The spreadsheet program within OpenOffice utilizes shortcut buttons on the top of the page. The copy and paste feature works the same as in the Word program. Justification and merging cells are the two main shortcuts.

  Justify a cell of writing by clicking on the cell then on the buttons that look like lined paragraphs. These buttons are on the second line of shortcut buttons. Justifications include right, left, center and full cell justification.

  Highlight the desired cells to merge. Look at the buttons at the top of the page and locate the last button in the box with the line justification tools. The last button looks like an empty spreadsheet with a yellow highlighted box. Click the button and the cells will merge.

Slide Shows/Images

• The slide show program has shortcut buttons at the top of the page. The same shortcuts exist in the slide show program as in the Word and Spreadsheet program. Follow the steps to create the slide show template. The program will open when this is complete. Use the copy and paste function to insert words or pictures from the Internet or other word documents.