Office Settings & Configuration

How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut for Select Objects in Microsoft Word

John Wilson Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to create a permanent setting or keyboard shortcut for the Select Objects command in Microsoft Word to avoid activating it repeatedly.

How to Set a Keyboard Shortcut for Select Objects in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to select objects in a document, especially when the pointer is directly over them or when the objects are positioned behind text.
Observed behavior: The default Select Objects command must be manually activated from the ribbon every time, and normal selection is prevented when objects are behind text.

Before you start

Ensure you are using the desktop version of Microsoft Word, as customizing keyboard shortcuts is not supported in the web version.

Solution 1Recommended

Assign a Custom Keyboard Shortcut in Word

Since Microsoft Word does not provide a default keyboard shortcut for Select Objects, you can manually assign one through the Word Options menu.

By binding the 'SelectDrawingObjects' command to a specific key combination, you can quickly toggle the selection mode without navigating the ribbon.

Open Word Options

Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the Word window, then click on 'Options' at the bottom of the left-hand menu.

Access Ribbon Customization

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Customize Ribbon' from the left pane. Next to 'Keyboard shortcuts' at the bottom of the window, click the 'Customize...' button.

Find the Select Objects Command

In the Customize Keyboard dialog, scroll down the 'Categories' list and select 'All Commands'. In the 'Commands' list on the right, scroll down and select 'SelectDrawingObjects'.

Assign the Shortcut

Click inside the 'Press new shortcut key' text box. Press the key combination you want to use (for example, Alt+S). Check the 'Currently assigned to' text to ensure you aren't overwriting an important shortcut, then click 'Assign' and 'Close'.

Assign a Custom Keyboard Shortcut in Word

Shortcut Ready: You can now use your newly assigned keyboard shortcut to toggle the Select Objects tool whenever you need to manage shapes or images.

Solution 2

Use the Selection Pane for Hard-to-Reach Objects

If objects are placed behind text and are difficult to select normally, the Selection Pane allows you to click and manage them without needing the Select Objects tool.

Manage Objects Easily with WPS Office

How to Select Objects and Customize Shortcuts in WPS Office

WPS Office offers a streamlined, highly compatible word processor where selecting objects and customizing keyboard shortcuts is fast and intuitive. You can easily manage floating objects or assign custom keys for maximum productivity without the clutter.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your text document in WPS Writer.
2. Access the Select Tool: To select objects quickly, go to the 'Home' tab, click 'Select' on the right side of the ribbon, and choose 'Select Objects'.
3. Customize Shortcuts: To assign a custom shortcut, click the 'Menu' button in the top left, select 'Options', navigate to 'Customize Ribbon', and click 'Customize' next to Keyboard Shortcuts. Find the Select Objects command and assign your preferred key combination.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.doc, .docx).Intuitive interface for quickly selecting and arranging document objects.Built-in customization tools to set your own keyboard shortcuts effortlessly.Lightweight, free to use, and available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I select an image in my Word document?

If you cannot click and select an image, its layout is likely set to 'Behind Text'. You need to activate the 'Select Objects' tool from the Home tab (Home > Editing > Select > Select Objects) or use the Selection Pane to click it.

Does Word have a default keyboard shortcut to select objects?

No, Microsoft Word does not have a pre-assigned default keyboard shortcut for the Select Objects tool. You must manually assign one through File > Options > Customize Ribbon.

How do I group multiple objects after selecting them?

Once you have selected multiple objects using the Select Objects tool or by holding the Ctrl key while clicking them, go to the 'Shape Format' or 'Picture Format' tab, click the 'Group' icon, and select 'Group'.

How can I select all objects in a Word document at once?

Word does not have a direct 'select all objects' button. However, you can open the Selection Pane (Home > Select > Selection Pane), hold down the Ctrl key, and click each object in the list to select them simultaneously on the current page.

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