The print shortcut key is Ctrl + P on Windows and Command + P on a Mac. It opens the print screen of the program you are in, where you choose the printer, the pages and the number of copies, then press Enter to print.
The same shortcut prints a Word document, an Excel sheet, a web page or a PDF. Below are the steps, the options that save paper, and what to do when the printer will not respond. Office printers on a network often take a few seconds to wake up, so wait before pressing Print again, or you may get two copies.
Quick facts
Windows
Ctrl + PMac
Command + PConfirm
EnterPreview in Word
Ctrl + F2Save as PDF
Pick a PDF printerCancel
Esc
Print shortcut key in different programs
| Program | What you see |
|---|---|
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint | The print screen with a live preview on the right |
| Chrome and Edge | A print window with layout, pages and colour options |
| PDF reader | The reader's print box |
| Notepad | The classic Windows print box |
| Photos | Picture size and paper options |
What is the shortcut to print a Word document
- Open the document and save it first.
- Press Ctrl + P. The print screen opens with a preview.
- Check the printer name at the top.
- Under Settings, choose all pages or type pages such as 1-3 or 2,5.
- Set Copies, then press Enter or click Print.
To check the layout before printing, Ctrl + F2 goes straight to the same preview. The print preview shortcut guide covers previews in other programs.
Print to PDF instead of paper
Press Ctrl + P and choose Microsoft Print to PDF, or Save as PDF in a browser, as the printer. Click Print and choose where to save the file. This is the cleanest way to turn a web page, bill or form into a PDF to email, and it uses no paper. In Word and Excel, the save as shortcut key can also save a PDF directly.
Laptop print shortcut key and the PrtSc key
Since Ctrl + P needs only a letter key, no laptop model handles it differently. Do not confuse it with the PrtSc key, which takes a picture of the screen rather than sending anything to the printer. If you want to print what is on the screen, take a screenshot first, paste it into Word, then print; see the screenshot shortcut key.
When nothing prints
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + P does nothing | Click inside the document first |
| Wrong printer used | Choose the printer at the top of the print screen |
| Stuck in the queue | Open Settings, then Printers, open the queue and cancel the stuck job |
| Prints blank pages | Check ink or toner, and that the right paper size is chosen |
Print on a Mac
Press Command + P in any Mac app. The PDF button at the bottom of the print window saves a PDF instead. More everyday keys are in the Ctrl A to Z list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for print?
What is the shortcut to print a Word document?
How do I print only some pages?
Type the page numbers in the Pages box, such as 1-3 or 2,5.
Is PrtSc the print shortcut?
No. PrtSc takes a screenshot; Ctrl + P prints.
How do I print to PDF?
Press Ctrl + P and choose a PDF printer.
What is the laptop print shortcut key?
The same Ctrl + P.