Keyboard Shortcuts for Bold Text
Master bold text shortcuts across all platforms and applications
Complete guide to keyboard shortcuts for bold text formatting. Learn Ctrl+B, Cmd+B, and platform-specific shortcuts for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Universal bold shortcut for most Windows applications
Standard bold shortcut across Mac applications
Common bold shortcut in Linux text editors
Microsoft Word
Cross-PlatformToggle bold formatting
Google Docs
Cross-PlatformMake text bold
LibreOffice Writer
Cross-PlatformBold text formatting
Apple Pages
Mac OnlyApply bold style
Notion
Cross-PlatformBold text block
VS Code
Cross-PlatformToggle sidebar (not bold)
Sublime Text
Cross-PlatformBuild/Run code
Atom
Cross-PlatformBrowse packages
IntelliJ IDEA
Cross-PlatformGo to declaration
Discord
Cross-PlatformBold text in messages
Slack
Cross-PlatformBold message text
WhatsApp Web
Cross-PlatformSurround with asterisks
Telegram
Cross-PlatformBold formatting
Microsoft Teams
Cross-PlatformBold text in chat
Gmail
Cross-PlatformBold text in compose
Outlook Web
Cross-PlatformBold email text
WordPress
Cross-PlatformBold in editor
Medium
Cross-PlatformBold text formatting
Bold comment text
Universal Tips
- • Ctrl+B works in 90% of Windows applications
- • Cmd+B is the Mac standard across apps
- • Select text first, then apply the shortcut
- • Use the shortcut again to remove bold formatting
Troubleshooting
- • If shortcut doesn't work, try Ctrl+Shift+B
- • Some apps use F-keys for formatting
- • Check application menus for custom shortcuts
- • Markdown uses **text** for bold formatting
Complete Guide to Bold Text Keyboard Shortcuts
Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Bold Text?
Keyboard shortcuts for bold text formatting significantly improve your typing efficiency and workflow. Instead of reaching for the mouse to click formatting buttons, you can instantly apply bold formatting while keeping your hands on the keyboard.
Most Common Bold Text Shortcuts
The most universal keyboard shortcuts for bold text are Ctrl+B on Windows and Linux, and Cmd+B on macOS. These shortcuts work across the majority of text editing applications, word processors, and web-based tools.
Application-Specific Variations
While Ctrl+B and Cmd+B are standard, some applications have unique implementations:
- Code Editors: May use Ctrl+B for build commands instead of text formatting
- Terminal Applications: Often don't support text formatting shortcuts
- Specialized Software: May have custom shortcut schemes
Mobile and Touch Devices
On mobile devices, bold text formatting typically requires:
- Selecting text and using formatting options
- Markdown syntax (*text* or **text**)
- Voice commands on supported platforms
- Gesture-based shortcuts in specific apps