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How to Exit Exponent or Expand Mode in Word and WPS Office

Bushra Parveen Oct 15, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to leave an exponent input state or an expanded document view to return to normal text input and standard display.

Product: WPS Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: The user is either typing mathematical equations with exponents or viewing a document in a full-screen/expand mode and is unable to revert to standard editing.
Observed behavior: The cursor remains stuck formatting text as an exponent, or the document interface remains trapped in an expanded view mode that prevents normal navigation.

Before you start

Verify whether you are currently typing inside a specific equation box, formatting standard text, or viewing the entire document in a full-screen presentation mode, as the exit method depends on the active interface.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Esc Key to Exit Expand Mode

This is the most common and immediate way to leave full-screen, reading, or expand modes across most applications.

Expand mode typically hides your toolbars and maximizes the document to fit your screen. In almost all desktop applications, this mode is designed to be temporary and can be quickly dismissed using a universal keyboard shortcut.

Ensure the application window is active

Click anywhere inside the document or presentation window to ensure the application has your computer's focus.

Press the Esc key

Locate the 'Esc' (Escape) key in the top-left corner of your keyboard and press it once. This should immediately exit Expand mode and restore your standard toolbars.

Use on-screen controls (Alternative)

If the Esc key does not work, move your mouse cursor to the very top or bottom edge of the screen to reveal a hidden toolbar, then click the 'Exit Full Screen' or 'Close' icon.

Quick Tip: If you are using a specialized application or a web-based tool, pressing F11 is another common toggle for entering and exiting full-screen expanded modes.

Solution 2

Navigate Out of Exponent (Superscript) Mode

Use these steps if your text is currently being typed as a small number above the normal text line (superscript) or if you are stuck inside an equation editor.

Easily Format Text and Views

Seamlessly Manage Equations and Document Views in WPS Office

WPS Office provides highly intuitive controls for formatting text, inserting complex mathematical equations, and switching between different reading modes. You can easily toggle out of exponents or expanded views with standard, easy-to-remember shortcuts.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document where you need to format text or adjust your viewing mode.
2. Format Exponents Quickly: Highlight the number you want to turn into an exponent and press 'Ctrl + Shift + +' to enable Superscript.
3. Exit the Exponent Formatting: To return to normal typing, simply press 'Ctrl + Shift + +' again, or click the X² icon on the Home tab.
4. Manage Expand Modes: When using Full Screen or Reading View to expand your document, easily return to the editing layout by pressing the 'Esc' key.

Intuitive one-click toggles for superscript and subscript formattingFully compatible with Microsoft Word equation formats and shortcutsMultiple specialized reading modes with simple 'Esc' key exitsLightweight performance for smooth document editing

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop my keyboard from typing in superscript?

Superscript mode can usually be toggled off by pressing the keyboard shortcut 'Ctrl + Shift + +' (Windows) or 'Cmd + Shift + +' (Mac). You can also disable it manually by clicking the 'X²' icon located in the font settings of your Home toolbar.

Why doesn't the Esc key exit my current mode?

If the Esc key is unresponsive, the application window might have lost focus. Click anywhere inside the document screen to make it active, then press Esc again. If you are in a web browser, try pressing F11 instead.

How do I exit the equation editor in WPS Writer?

To leave the equation editor and resume normal typing, simply click your mouse on any empty space outside of the equation bounding box. If you just want to move the cursor out of a specific fraction or exponent within the equation, use the Right arrow key.

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