Microsoft Access Keyboard Shortcuts

Complete Microsoft Access keyboard shortcuts and commands reference — 302 shortcuts across 40 categories. Quick reference cheat sheet for Windows.

Access is a desktop database with forms and reports, and its shortcuts serve three activities: moving between records in a datasheet or form, editing fields, and switching between design and data views. The table is the Windows keymap from Microsoft's reference. The record-navigation keys are where the time goes, so they come first.

Frequently used shortcuts (16)

Navigate the ribbon with only the keyboard (8)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Alt` + `F`	Go to the File menu	Go to the File menu.
`Alt` + `H`	Go to the Home tab	Go to the Home tab.
`Alt` + `C`	Go to the Create tab	Go to the Create tab.
`Alt` + `X`	Go to the External Data tab	Go to the External Data tab.
`Alt` + `Y, 1`	Go to the Database Tools tab	Go to the Database Tools tab.
`Alt` + `J, T`	Go to the Table tab	Go to the Table tab.
`Alt` + `X, 2`	Go to the Add-ins tab, if present	Go to the Add-ins tab, if present.
`Alt` + `Q`	Go to the Tell me box on the ribbon	Go to the Tell me box on the ribbon.

Open and save databases (11)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `N`	Open a new database	Open a new database.
`Ctrl` + `O`	Open an existing database	Open an existing database.
`Enter`	Open the selected folder or file	Open the selected folder or file.
`Backspace`	Open the folder one level above the selected folder	Open the folder one level above the selected folder.
`Delete`	Delete the selected folder or file	Delete the selected folder or file.
`Shift` + `F10 or the Windows Menu key`	Display a shortcut menu for a selected item such as a folder or file	Display a shortcut menu for a selected item such as a folder or file.
`Tab`	Move forward through options	Move forward through options.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Move backward through options	Move backward through options.
`F4 or Alt` + `I`	Open the Look in list	Open the Look in list.
`Ctrl` + `S`	Save a database object	Save a database object.
`F12 or Alt` + `F, S`	Open the Save As dialog box	Open the Save As dialog box.

Print database information (5)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `P`	Print the current or selected object	Print the current or selected object.
`P or Ctrl` + `P`	From Print Preview , open the Print dialog box	From Print Preview , open the Print dialog box.
`S`	From Print Preview , open the Page Setup dialog box	From Print Preview , open the Page Setup dialog box.
`Esc`	Cancel Print Preview or Layout Preview	Cancel Print Preview or Layout Preview .
`Esc`	From the File menu, return to your database	From the File menu, return to your database.

Move in the Access workspace (6)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F11`	Show or hide the Navigation Pane	Show or hide the Navigation Pane .
`Ctrl` + `F`	Go to the Search box in the Navigation Pane when the focus is already on the Navigation Pane	Go to the Search box in the Navigation Pane when the focus is already on the Navigation Pane .
`Ctrl` + `F6 or Ctrl` + `Shift` + `F6`	Switch to the next or previous database window	Switch to the next or previous database window.
`Enter`	Restore the selected minimized window when all windows are minimized	Restore the selected minimized window when all windows are minimized.
`Ctrl` + `W`	Close the active database window	Close the active database window.
`Alt` + `F11`	Switch between the Visual Basic Editor and the previous active window	Switch between the Visual Basic Editor and the previous active window.

Use menus (11)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Alt or F10`	Show KeyTips	Show KeyTips.
`Alt` + `Space`	Show the program icon menu (on the program title bar), also known as the control menu	Show the program icon menu (on the program title bar), also known as the control menu.
`Down or Up`	With the menu or submenu visible, select the next or previous command	With the menu or submenu visible, select the next or previous command.
`Left or Right`	Select the menu to the left or right or, when a submenu is visible, switch between the main menu and the submenu	Select the menu to the left or right or, when a submenu is visible, switch between the main menu and the submenu.
`Home or End`	Select the first or last command on the menu or submenu	Select the first or last command on the menu or submenu.
`Space or Enter`	Open the selected menu, or perform the action assigned to the selected button	Open the selected menu, or perform the action assigned to the selected button.
`Shift` + `F10 or the Windows Menu key`	Open a shortcut menu or open a dropdown menu for the selected gallery item	Open a shortcut menu or open a dropdown menu for the selected gallery item.
`Page Up or Page Down`	Scroll up or down in the selected gallery list	Scroll up or down in the selected gallery list.
`Ctrl` + `Home or Ctrl` + `End`	Move to the top or bottom of the selected gallery list	Move to the top or bottom of the selected gallery list.
`Alt`	Close the visible menu and submenu at the same time	Close the visible menu and submenu at the same time.
`Esc`	Close the visible menu or, with a submenu visible, close only the submenu	Close the visible menu or, with a submenu visible, close only the submenu.

Use dialog boxes (10)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `Tab`	Switch to the next tab in a dialog box	Switch to the next tab in a dialog box.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Tab`	Switch to the previous tab in a dialog box	Switch to the previous tab in a dialog box.
`Tab or Shift` + `Tab`	Move to the next or previous option or option group	Move to the next or previous option or option group.
`Arrow keys`	Move between options in the selected dropdown list box or move between options in a group of options	Move between options in the selected dropdown list box or move between options in a group of options.
`Space`	Perform the action assigned to the selected button or select or clear the checkbox	Perform the action assigned to the selected button or select or clear the checkbox.
`Alt` + `letter key`	Select the option, or select or clear the checkbox by the letter underlined in the option name	Select the option, or select or clear the checkbox by the letter underlined in the option name.
`Alt` + `Down`	Open the selected dropdown list box	Open the selected dropdown list box.
`Esc`	Close the selected dropdown list box	Close the selected dropdown list box.
`Enter`	Perform the action assigned to the default button in the dialog box	Perform the action assigned to the default button in the dialog box.
`Esc`	Cancel the command and close the dialog box	Cancel the command and close the dialog box.

Use wizards (3)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Toggle the focus forward between controls in the wizard	Toggle the focus forward between controls in the wizard.
`F6`	Toggle the focus between sections (header, body, and footer) of the wizard	Toggle the focus between sections (header, body, and footer) of the wizard.
`Alt` + `F`	Complete the wizard	Complete the wizard.

Use property sheets (9)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F4`	Show or hide the property sheet	Show or hide the property sheet.
`Down or Up`	Move among choices in the control selection dropdown list one item at a time	Move among choices in the control selection dropdown list one item at a time.
`Page Down or Page Up`	Move among choices in the control selection dropdown list one page at a time	Move among choices in the control selection dropdown list one page at a time.
`Tab`	Move to the property sheet tabs from the control selection dropdown list	Move to the property sheet tabs from the control selection dropdown list.
`Left or Right`	Move among the property sheet tabs with a tab selected, but no property selected	Move among the property sheet tabs with a tab selected, but no property selected.
`Tab`	With a property already selected, move down one property on a tab	With a property already selected, move down one property on a tab.
`Shift` + `Tab`	With a property selected, move up one property on a tab, or if already at the top, move to the tab	With a property selected, move up one property on a tab, or if already at the top, move to the tab.
`Ctrl` + `Tab`	Toggle forward between tabs when a property is selected	Toggle forward between tabs when a property is selected.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Tab`	Toggle backward between tabs when a property is selected	Toggle backward between tabs when a property is selected.

Edit a text box (10)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Home`	Move to the beginning of the entry	Move to the beginning of the entry.
`End`	Move to the end of the entry	Move to the end of the entry.
`Left or Right`	Move one character to the left or right	Move one character to the left or right.
`Ctrl` + `Left or Right`	Move one word to the left or right	Move one word to the left or right.
`Shift` + `Home`	Select from the insertion point to the beginning of the text entry	Select from the insertion point to the beginning of the text entry.
`Shift` + `End`	Select from the insertion point to the end of the text entry	Select from the insertion point to the end of the text entry.
`Shift` + `Left`	Change the selection by one character to the left	Change the selection by one character to the left.
`Shift` + `Right`	Change the selection by one character to the right	Change the selection by one character to the right.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Left`	Change the selection by one word to the left	Change the selection by one word to the left.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Right`	Change the selection by one word to the right	Change the selection by one word to the right.

Use a combo or list box (7)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F4 or Alt` + `Down`	Open a combo box	Open a combo box.
`F9`	Refresh the contents of the Lookup field list box or a combo box	Refresh the contents of the Lookup field list box or a combo box.
`Down`	Move down one line	Move down one line.
`Page Down`	Move down one page	Move down one page.
`Up`	Move up one line	Move up one line.
`Page Up`	Move up one page	Move up one page.
`Tab`	Exit the combo box or list box	Exit the combo box or list box.

Edit and navigate the Objects list (6)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F2`	Rename a selected object. Note: You can only rename an object when it is closed	Rename a selected object. Note: You can only rename an object when it is closed.
`Down`	Move down one line	Move down one line.
`Page Down`	Move down one window	Move down one window.
`End`	Move to the last object	Move to the last object.
`Up`	Move up one line	Move up one line.
`Page Up`	Move up one window	Move up one window.

Navigate and open objects (5)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Enter`	Open the selected table or query in the Datasheet View	Open the selected table or query in the Datasheet View .
`Enter`	Open the selected form or report	Open the selected form or report.
`Enter`	Run the selected macro	Run the selected macro.
`Ctrl` + `Enter`	Open the selected table, query, form, report, macro, or module in the Design View	Open the selected table, query, form, report, macro, or module in the Design View .
`Ctrl` + `G`	Display the Immediate window in the Visual Basic Editor	Display the Immediate window in the Visual Basic Editor .

Common shortcuts for the Design, Layout, and Datasheet views (8)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F2`	Switch between Edit mode (with insertion point displayed) and Navigation mode in a datasheet	Switch between Edit mode (with insertion point displayed) and Navigation mode in a datasheet.
`Esc`	Exit Navigation mode and return to Edit mode in a form or report	Exit Navigation mode and return to Edit mode in a form or report.
`F4 or Alt` + `Enter`	Switch to the property sheet (in the Design View and Layout View for forms and reports)	Switch to the property sheet (in the Design View and Layout View for forms and reports).
`F5`	Switch to the Form View from the form in the Design view	Switch to the Form View from the form in the Design view .
`F6`	Switch between the upper and lower portions of a window (in the Design View of queries, macros, and the Advanced Filter/Sort window)	Switch between the upper and lower portions of a window (in the Design View of queries, macros, and the Advanced Filter/Sort window).
`F6`	Cycle between the field grid, property sheet, field properties, the Navigation Pane , Quick Access Toolbar , and KeyTips on the ribbon (in the Design View for tables)	Cycle between the field grid, property sheet, field properties, the Navigation Pane , Quick Access Toolbar , and KeyTips on the ribbon (in the Design View for tables).
`Alt` + `F11`	Switch from the Visual Basic Editor back to the form or report in the Design View	Switch from the Visual Basic Editor back to the form or report in the Design View .
`Ctrl` + `Right`	Toggle forward between views when in a table, query, form, or report. Note: If additional views are available, successive keystrokes move the focus to the next available view	Toggle forward between views when in a table, query, form, or report. Note: If additional views are available, successive keystrokes move the focus to the next available view.

Navigate between fields and records (10)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab or Right`	Move to the next field	Move to the next field.
`End`	Move to the last field in the current record	Move to the last field in the current record.
`Shift` + `Tab or Left`	Move to the previous field	Move to the previous field.
`Home`	Move to the first field in the current record	Move to the first field in the current record.
`Down`	Move to the current field in the next record	Move to the current field in the next record.
`Ctrl` + `Down`	Move to the current field in the last record	Move to the current field in the last record.
`Ctrl` + `End`	Move to the last field in the last record	Move to the last field in the last record.
`Up`	Move to the current field in the previous record	Move to the current field in the previous record.
`Ctrl` + `Up`	Move to the current field in the first record	Move to the current field in the first record.
`Ctrl` + `Home`	Move to the first field in the first record	Move to the first field in the first record.

Navigate to another screen of data (4)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Page Up`	Move up one screen	Move up one screen.
`Page Down`	Move down one screen	Move down one screen.
`Ctrl` + `Page Down`	Move right one screen	Move right one screen.
`Ctrl` + `Page Up`	Move left one screen	Move left one screen.

Select and move a column (3)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `Space`	Select the current column or cancel the column selection, in Navigation mode only	Select the current column or cancel the column selection, in Navigation mode only.
`Shift` + `Right`	Extend the selection one column to the right, if the current column is selected	Extend the selection one column to the right, if the current column is selected.
`Shift` + `Left`	Extend the selection one column to the left, if the current column is selected	Extend the selection one column to the left, if the current column is selected.

Work with subdatasheets (9)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Enter the subdatasheet from the last field of the previous record in the datasheet	Enter the subdatasheet from the last field of the previous record in the datasheet.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Enter the subdatasheet from the first field of the following record in the datasheet	Enter the subdatasheet from the first field of the following record in the datasheet.
`Ctrl` + `Tab`	Exit the subdatasheet and move to the first field of the next record in the datasheet	Exit the subdatasheet and move to the first field of the next record in the datasheet.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Tab`	Exit the subdatasheet and move to the last field of the previous record in the datasheet	Exit the subdatasheet and move to the last field of the previous record in the datasheet.
`Tab`	From the last field in the subdatasheet, enter the next field in the datasheet	From the last field in the subdatasheet, enter the next field in the datasheet.
`Down`	From the datasheet, bypass the subdatasheet and move to the next record in the datasheet	From the datasheet, bypass the subdatasheet and move to the next record in the datasheet.
`Up`	From the datasheet, bypass the subdatasheet and move to the previous record in the datasheet	From the datasheet, bypass the subdatasheet and move to the previous record in the datasheet.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Down`	Move from the datasheet to the record's subdatasheet	Move from the datasheet to the record's subdatasheet.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Up`	Collapse the subdatasheet	Collapse the subdatasheet.

Navigate in the Design View (23)

Edit using controls in the form and report in the Design View (7)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `C`	Copy the selected control to the clipboard	Copy the selected control to the clipboard.
`Ctrl` + `X`	Cut the selected control and copy it to the clipboard	Cut the selected control and copy it to the clipboard.
`Ctrl` + `V`	Paste the contents of the clipboard in the upper-left corner of the selected section	Paste the contents of the clipboard in the upper-left corner of the selected section.
`Shift` + `Down`	Increase the height of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire row of the layout is resized	Increase the height of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire row of the layout is resized.
`Shift` + `Right`	Increase the width of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire column of the layout is resized	Increase the width of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire column of the layout is resized.
`Shift` + `Up`	Reduce the height of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire row of the layout is resized	Reduce the height of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire row of the layout is resized.
`Shift` + `Left`	Reduce the width of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire column of the layout is resized	Reduce the width of the selected control. Note: If used with a control that is in a layout, the entire column of the layout is resized.

Navigate between fields and records (8)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Move to the next field	Move to the next field.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Move to the previous field	Move to the previous field.
`End`	Move to the last control on the form and remain in the current record	Move to the last control on the form and remain in the current record.
`Ctrl` + `End`	Move to the last control on the form and set focus in the last record	Move to the last control on the form and set focus in the last record.
`Home`	Move to the first control on the form and remain in the current record	Move to the first control on the form and remain in the current record.
`Ctrl` + `Home`	Move to the first control on the form and set focus in the first record	Move to the first control on the form and set focus in the first record.
`Ctrl` + `Page Down`	Move to the current field in the next record	Move to the current field in the next record.
`Ctrl` + `Page Up`	Move to the current field in the previous record	Move to the current field in the previous record.

Navigate in forms with more than one page (2)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Page Down`	Move down one page, or at the end of the record, move to the equivalent page on the next record	Move down one page, or at the end of the record, move to the equivalent page on the next record.
`Page Up`	Move up one page, or at the end of the record, move to the equivalent page on the previous record	Move up one page, or at the end of the record, move to the equivalent page on the previous record.

Navigate between a main form and a subform (4)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Enter the subform from the preceding field in the main form	Enter the subform from the preceding field in the main form.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Enter the subform from the following field in the main form	Enter the subform from the following field in the main form.
`Ctrl` + `Tab`	Exit the subform and move to the next field in the master form or next record	Exit the subform and move to the next field in the master form or next record.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Tab`	Exit the subform and move to the previous field in the main form or previous record	Exit the subform and move to the previous field in the main form or previous record.

Navigate in the Print Preview and Layout Preview (15)

Use a diagram pane (5)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab or Shift` + `Tab`	Move among tables, views, and functions (and join lines, if available)	Move among tables, views, and functions (and join lines, if available).
`Arrow keys`	Move between columns in a table, view, or function	Move between columns in a table, view, or function.
`Space or +`	Choose the selected data column for output	+.
`Space or -`	Remove the selected data column from the query output	-.
`Delete`	Remove the selected table, view, or function, or join line from the query	Remove the selected table, view, or function, or join line from the query.

Use a grid pane (15)

Use the Field List pane with a form or report in the Design View or Layout View (4)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Alt` + `F8`	Show or hide the Field List pane	Show or hide the Field List pane.
`Enter`	Add the selected field to the form or report detail section	Add the selected field to the form or report detail section.
`Up or Down`	Move up or down the Field List pane	Move up or down the Field List pane.
`Tab`	Move between the upper and lower panes of the Field List	Move between the upper and lower panes of the Field List .

Select a field or record (6)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Select the next field	Select the next field.
`F2`	Switch between Edit mode (with insertion point displayed) and Navigation mode in a datasheet	Switch between Edit mode (with insertion point displayed) and Navigation mode in a datasheet.
`Esc`	Exit Navigation mode in a form or report	Exit Navigation mode in a form or report.
`Shift` + `Space`	Switch between selecting the current record and the first field of the current record, in Navigation mode	Switch between selecting the current record and the first field of the current record, in Navigation mode.
`Shift` + `Up`	Extend the selection to the previous record, if the current record is selected	Extend the selection to the previous record, if the current record is selected.
`Ctrl` + `A`	Select all records	Select all records.

Select text in a field (4)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Shift` + `Right`	Change the size of the selection by one character to the right	Change the size of the selection by one character to the right.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Right`	Change the size of the selection by one word to the right	Change the size of the selection by one word to the right.
`Shift` + `Left`	Change the size of the selection by one character to the left	Change the size of the selection by one character to the left.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Left`	Change the size of the selection by one word to the left	Change the size of the selection by one word to the left.

Extend a selection (4)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Left or Right`	Extend a selection to adjacent fields in the same row in the Datasheet View	Extend a selection to adjacent fields in the same row in the Datasheet View .
`Up or Down`	Extend a selection to adjacent rows in the Datasheet View	Extend a selection to adjacent rows in the Datasheet View .
`Shift` + `F8`	Undo the previous extension	Undo the previous extension.
`Esc`	Cancel Extend mode	Cancel Extend mode.

Find and replace text or data (2)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `F`	Open the Find tab in the Find and Replace dialog box	Open the Find tab in the Find and Replace dialog box.
`Shift` + `F4`	Find the next occurrence of the text specified in the Find and Replace dialog box when the dialog box is closed (in the Datasheet View and Form View only)	Find the next occurrence of the text specified in the Find and Replace dialog box when the dialog box is closed (in the Datasheet View and Form View only).

Move the insertion point in a field (8)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Right`	Move the insertion point one character to the right	Move the insertion point one character to the right.
`Ctrl` + `Right`	Move the insertion point one word to the right	Move the insertion point one word to the right.
`Left`	Move the insertion point one character to the left	Move the insertion point one character to the left.
`Ctrl` + `Left`	Move the insertion point one word to the left	Move the insertion point one word to the left.
`End`	Move the insertion point to the end of the field in single-line fields, or move it to the end of the line in multiline fields	Move the insertion point to the end of the field in single-line fields, or move it to the end of the line in multiline fields.
`Ctrl` + `End`	Move the insertion point to the end of the field, in multiline fields	Move the insertion point to the end of the field, in multiline fields.
`Home`	Move the insertion point to the beginning of the field in single-line fields, or move it to the beginning of the line in multiline fields	Move the insertion point to the beginning of the field in single-line fields, or move it to the beginning of the line in multiline fields.
`Ctrl` + `Home`	Move the insertion point to the beginning of the field, in multiline fields	Move the insertion point to the beginning of the field, in multiline fields.

Copy, move, or delete text (6)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `C`	Copy the selection to the clipboard	Copy the selection to the clipboard.
`Ctrl` + `X`	Cut the selection and copy it to the clipboard	Cut the selection and copy it to the clipboard.
`Ctrl` + `V`	Paste the contents of the clipboard at the insertion point	Paste the contents of the clipboard at the insertion point.
`Backspace`	Delete the selection or the character to the left of the insertion point	Delete the selection or the character to the left of the insertion point.
`Delete`	Delete the selection or the character to the right of the insertion point	Delete the selection or the character to the right of the insertion point.
`Ctrl` + `Delete`	Delete all characters to the right of the insertion point	Delete all characters to the right of the insertion point.

Undo changes (1)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `Z or Alt` + `Backspace`	Undo typing	Undo typing.

Enter data in the Datasheet View or Form View (9)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Ctrl` + `Semicolon`	Insert the current date	;.
`Ctrl` + `Shift` + `Colon`	Insert the current time	:.
`Ctrl` + `Alt` + `Space`	Insert the default value for a field	Insert the default value for a field.
`Ctrl` + `'`	Insert the value from the same field in the previous record	'.
`Ctrl` + `+`	Add a new record	+.
`Ctrl` + `-`	In a datasheet, delete the current record	-.
`Shift` + `Enter`	Save changes to the current record	Save changes to the current record.
`Space`	Switch between the values in a checkbox or option button	Switch between the values in a checkbox or option button.
`Ctrl` + `Enter`	Insert a new line in a Short Text or Long Text field	Insert a new line in a Short Text or Long Text field.

Refresh fields with current data (2)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Shift` + `F9 or F5`	Requery the underlying tables or in a subform, requery the underlying table only for the subform	Requery the underlying tables or in a subform, requery the underlying table only for the subform.
`F9`	Refresh the contents of a Lookup field list or combo box	Refresh the contents of a Lookup field list or combo box.

Work and move around in tables (7)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Tab`	Move to the next cell	Move to the next cell.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Move to the preceding cell	Move to the preceding cell.
`Down`	Move to the next row	Move to the next row.
`Up`	Move to the preceding row	Move to the preceding row.
`Ctrl` + `Tab`	Insert a tab in a cell	Insert a tab in a cell.
`Enter`	Start a new paragraph	Start a new paragraph.
`Tab at the end of the last row`	Add a new row at the bottom of the table	Add a new row at the bottom of the table.

Move around in tables or cells (13)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Left`	Move one character to the left	Move one character to the left.
`Right`	Move one character to the right	Move one character to the right.
`Up`	Move up one line	Move up one line.
`Down`	Move down one line	Move down one line.
`Ctrl` + `Left`	Move one word to the left	Move one word to the left.
`Ctrl` + `Right`	Move one word to the right	Move one word to the right.
`End`	Move to the end of a line	Move to the end of a line.
`Home`	Move to the beginning of a line	Move to the beginning of a line.
`Ctrl` + `Up`	Move up one paragraph	Move up one paragraph.
`Ctrl` + `Down`	Move down one paragraph	Move down one paragraph.
`Ctrl` + `End`	Move to the end of a text box	Move to the end of a text box.
`Ctrl` + `Home`	Move to the beginning of a text box	Move to the beginning of a text box.
`Shift` + `F4`	Repeat the last Find action	Repeat the last Find action.

Get help with Access (10)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F1`	Open the Help window	Open the Help window.
`Tab`	Select the next item in the Help window	Select the next item in the Help window.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Select the previous item in the Help window	Select the previous item in the Help window.
`Enter`	Perform the action for the selected item	Perform the action for the selected item.
`Tab`	Select the next hidden text or hyperlink	Select the next hidden text or hyperlink.
`Shift` + `Tab`	Select the previous hidden text or hyperlink	Select the previous hidden text or hyperlink.
`Enter`	Perform the action for the selected hidden text, or hyperlink	Perform the action for the selected hidden text, or hyperlink.
`Alt` + `Left or Backspace`	Move back to the previous Help topic ( Back button)	Move back to the previous Help topic ( Back button).
`Up or Down`	Scroll small amounts up or down within the currently displayed Help topic	Scroll small amounts up or down within the currently displayed Help topic.
`Page Up or Page Down`	Scroll larger amounts up or down, respectively, within the currently displayed Help topic	Scroll larger amounts up or down, respectively, within the currently displayed Help topic.

Miscellaneous keyboard shortcuts (6)

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`F2`	Display the complete hyperlink address (URL) for a selected hyperlink	Display the complete hyperlink address (URL) for a selected hyperlink.
`Shift` + `F2`	Open the Zoom box to conveniently enter expressions and other text in small input areas	Open the Zoom box to conveniently enter expressions and other text in small input areas.
`Print screen`	Copy a screenshot of the entire screen to the clipboard	Copy a screenshot of the entire screen to the clipboard.
`Alt` + `Print screen`	Copy a screenshot of the current window to the clipboard	Copy a screenshot of the current window to the clipboard.
`Ctrl` + `Down`	Display the full set of commands on the task pane menu	Display the full set of commands on the task pane menu.
`Alt` + `F4`	Exit Access	Exit Access.

📜 Source: Microsoft Support — Keyboard shortcuts for Access. Windows bindings for current Access from Microsoft Support, grouped as the source groups them. Checked 2026-09-06. How we verify ›

📄 View Printable Cheat Sheet — Download as PDF or print · 🧩 Combine with other tools

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most useful Microsoft Access keyboard shortcuts?

The most essential Microsoft Access shortcuts are: Ctrl + N (New database), F5 (Switch view), Ctrl + ; (Current date).

What is the Microsoft Access shortcut for new database?

The Microsoft Access shortcut for new database is Ctrl + N. Create a new database.

What's the fastest way to learn all Microsoft Access shortcuts?

Print the Microsoft Access cheat sheet and keep it next to your keyboard for the first week, then switch to active recall: open Shortcut Speedrun and practice Microsoft Access shortcuts against the clock until they're automatic.

Can I combine Microsoft Access shortcuts with other tools?

Yes — use My Stack to combine Microsoft Access shortcuts with any other platform on this site into one printable reference, which is useful if your daily workflow spans several tools.

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Records

Ctrl + + adds a new record and Ctrl + - deletes the current one, after confirmation. Ctrl + ' copies the value from the same field in the previous record, which is the fastest way to enter a run of identical values. Ctrl + ; and Ctrl + Shift + : insert the current date and time. Ctrl + F finds and The Replace tab of the same dialog replaces within the current field or the whole datasheet, and F4 opens a combo box's dropdown so a lookup value can be picked with the arrow keys.

Editing and views

F2 toggles between navigating fields and editing inside one — the same convention as Excel — and Shift + F2 opens the Zoom box, a larger editor for memo fields and long expressions in the query designer. F5 switches an open object between views (design and datasheet for a table, design and form view for a form), Ctrl + F6 cycles open windows and F11 shows or hides the Navigation Pane. Ctrl + S saves the object's design; data is saved as you leave each record.

Habits

Ctrl + N creates a new database rather than a new record, which surprises Excel users. In a form, Tab moves between fields and Page Down moves to the next record; on a subform, Ctrl + Tab leaves it. Access saves data automatically, so undo (Ctrl + Z) reverts only the current unsaved record.

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Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Alt or F10`	Select the active tab of the ribbon and activate KeyTips	To move to a different ribbon tab, use KeyTips or the arrow keys.
`Alt` + `H`	Go to the Home tab	Go to the Home tab.
`Alt` + `Q`	Go to the Tell me box on the ribbon	Go to the Tell me box on the ribbon.
`Shift` + `F10 or the Windows Menu key`	Display the shortcut menu for the selected item	Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
`F6`	Move the focus to a different pane of the window	Move the focus to a different pane of the window.
`Ctrl` + `O`	Open an existing database	Open an existing database.
`F11`	Show or hide the Navigation Pane	Show or hide the Navigation Pane .
`F4`	Show or hide a property sheet	Show or hide a property sheet.
`F2`	Switch between Edit mode (with insertion point displayed) and Navigation mode in the Datasheet View or Design View	Switch between Edit mode (with insertion point displayed) and Navigation mode in the Datasheet View or Design View .
`F5`	Switch to the Form View from the form in the Design View	Switch to the Form View from the form in the Design View .
`Tab or Shift` + `Tab`	Move to the next or previous field in the Datasheet View	Move to the next or previous field in the Datasheet View .
`Ctrl` + `P`	Open the Print dialog box (for datasheets, forms, and reports)	Open the Print dialog box (for datasheets, forms, and reports).
`S`	Open the Page Setup dialog box (for forms and reports)	Open the Page Setup dialog box (for forms and reports).
`Ctrl` + `F`	Open the Find tab in the Find and Replace dialog box in the Datasheet View or Form View	Open the Find tab in the Find and Replace dialog box in the Datasheet View or Form View .
`F1`	Open the Help window	Open the Help window.
`Alt` + `F4`	Exit Access	Exit Access.

Shortcut	Action	What it does
`Arrow keys, Tab, or Shift` + `Tab`	Move among cells	Move among cells.
`Ctrl` + `Down`	Move to the last row in the current column	Move to the last row in the current column.
`Ctrl` + `Up`	Move to the first row in the current column	Move to the first row in the current column.
`Ctrl` + `Home`	Move to the upper-left cell in the visible portion of grid	Move to the upper-left cell in the visible portion of grid.
`Ctrl` + `End`	Move to the lower-right cell	Move to the lower-right cell.
`Up or Down`	Move in a dropdown list	Move in a dropdown list.
`Ctrl` + `Space`	Select an entire grid column	Select an entire grid column.
`F2`	Toggle between Edit mode and cell selection mode	Toggle between Edit mode and cell selection mode.
`Ctrl` + `C`	Copy the selected text in a cell to the clipboard (in Edit mode)	Copy the selected text in a cell to the clipboard (in Edit mode).
`Ctrl` + `X`	Cut the selected text in a cell and place it on the clipboard (in Edit mode)	Cut the selected text in a cell and place it on the clipboard (in Edit mode).
`Ctrl` + `V`	Paste text from the clipboard (in Edit mode)	Paste text from the clipboard (in Edit mode).
`Insert`	Toggle between insert and overtype mode while editing in a cell	Toggle between insert and overtype mode while editing in a cell.
`Space`	Toggle the checkbox in the Output column. Note: If multiple items are selected, pressing this key affects all selected items	Toggle the checkbox in the Output column. Note: If multiple items are selected, pressing this key affects all selected items.
`Delete`	Clear the selected contents of a cell	Clear the selected contents of a cell.
`Delete`	Clear all values for a selected grid column	Clear all values for a selected grid column.