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How to Select Text from the Cursor to a Specific Character in Word
07 May 2026
Useful tips about working in Word
In addition to the well-known Alt + mouse-click text selection trick, Word offers another lesser-known feature: Selection Extension mode.
If you need to select text from the cursor to a specific character—especially if that character is difficult to locate or is currently outside the visible screen area—press F8, then type the character. Word will extend the selection from the cursor to the next occurrence of that character.
If you need to select text up to the second, third, or subsequent occurrence, simply press the same character repeatedly until you reach the desired one.
If you go too far and need to step back, press Shift + F8.
To exit Selection Extension mode, press Esc.
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