The select all shortcut key is Ctrl + A on Windows and Command + A on a Mac. It highlights everything in the place you are working: all the text in a document, all the files in a folder, or the data in an Excel sheet.
Select all is usually the first half of a two step job: select everything, then copy, delete, format or move it. When you only want part of the content, the Shift key lets you select with the arrow keys, as shown below.
Quick facts
Windows
Ctrl + AMac
Command + AThen copy
Ctrl + CPart only
Shift with arrowsTo end of document
Ctrl + Shift + EndDeselect
Click once or press an arrow key
What the select all shortcut key selects
| Where | What gets selected |
|---|---|
| Word, Notepad, email | All text, images and tables in the document |
| Browser page | All visible text on the page |
| Text box or address bar | Only the text in that box |
| File Explorer | Every file and folder in the open folder |
| Excel | The current block of data; press again for the whole sheet |
Click inside the area first. If the address bar is active, only the web address is selected, not the page.
How to use select all, then act
- Click inside the document, folder or sheet.
- Press Ctrl + A. Everything turns highlighted.
- Do the next step: Ctrl + C to copy, Delete to remove, Ctrl + B to make bold, or change the font.
Copy all text in one go with Ctrl + A then Ctrl + C; the copy shortcut key page shows the paste side.
Shortcut key to select part of the text
| Select | Keys |
|---|---|
| One letter at a time | Shift + Left or Shift + Right |
| One word at a time | Ctrl + Shift + Right |
| To the end of the line | Shift + End |
| One line down | Shift + Down |
| To the end of the document | Ctrl + Shift + End |
This is easier than dragging with a touchpad, which often overshoots.
Select all in Excel
In a table of data, the first Ctrl + A selects the table only. Pressing it once more takes in the entire worksheet. Ctrl + Shift + Space works the same. To pick one column or row, see select column or row in Excel.
Select all files in a folder
In File Explorer, Ctrl + A selects everything. Hold Ctrl and click to remove a few files from the selection, which is quicker than clicking forty files one by one. Then cut, copy or delete them together; see the delete shortcut key guide before deleting large groups.
When Ctrl + A does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Only the address bar is selected | Click on the page first |
| Nothing is selected in a PDF | Some PDFs are pictures; the text cannot be selected |
| A website blocks selection | Use the site's own copy or download button |
| Ctrl key not responding | Try the right Ctrl key |
Select all on a Mac
Press Command + A in any Mac app or Finder window. Partial selection uses Shift with the arrows, and Option + Shift + Right jumps by words. The whole Ctrl list is on the Ctrl A to Z page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for select all?
How do I select all files in a folder?
Open the folder and press Ctrl + A.
What is the shortcut key to select text without the mouse?
Hold Shift and press the arrow keys.
How do I select the whole sheet in Excel?
Press Ctrl + A twice.
How do I unselect everything?
Click once anywhere or press an arrow key.
Is there an all select shortcut key on laptops?
Yes, the same Ctrl + A.