To emphasize text in a document, one might use capital letters, however this is often interpreted as equivalent to shouting. A better alternative is to use small caps when you want to emphasize text.
The difference between regular and small caps is their size. Small caps are of the same height as lowercase letters. Regular caps are larger.
3 Ways to apply small caps in Microsoft Word:
- Change existing text to small caps using the Fonts menu.
- Change existing text to small caps using keyboard shortcuts.
- Type continuously in small caps.
We will show you the above in simple, step-by-step instructions.
Let us begin.
Method #1: Change Existing Text to Small Caps Using the Fonts Menu
The fonts menu gives you an immense selection of options to apply to your text. This would usually be the right place to apply changes to text, until you get proficient and remember different keyboard shortcuts.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open your Word document.
Select the text you want to change to small caps by clicking and dragging over them with your mouse.
Step #2: Change to small caps
Click on the Home tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
Click on the small down arrow next to the section Font.
This opens the Font dialog box.
Or:
Click the right button on your mouse.
A shortcut menu will appear.
Select Font…
This opens the Font dialog box.
Click on the Fonts tab at the top.
Under Effects, click and select the Small caps checkbox.
Click on the OK button at the bottom.
This closes the Font dialog box.
Word applies the small caps to your selected text.
Method #2: Change Existing Text to Small Caps Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can make any repetitive task easy to do, saving you loads of time. Once you get to know them, you can easily apply them.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open your Word document.
Select the text you want to change to small caps.
Step #2: Change to small caps
On your keyboard, press CTRL, then SHIFT, and then K.
Release the keys.
Word will change your selected text into small caps.
Note: You can use this keyboard shortcut repeatedly to toggle between small caps and lowercase letters for the selected text.
Method #3: Typing Continuously in Small Caps
This method is useful when you want to type a new sentence, all in small caps.
Step #1: Open a Word document
Open your Word document.
Navigate to the location where you want to start the new sentence.
Step #2: Change to typing in small caps
On your keyboard, press CTRL, then SHIFT, and then K.
Release the keys.
Or:
In place of keyboard shortcuts, you can also turn on small caps in the Fonts dialog box as explained in Method #1.
Whatever you type now will be in small caps.
Step #3: Revert to regular typing
Once you have finished typing in small caps, press the keys CTRL, then SHIFT, and then K on your keyboard.
Release the keys.
Or:
You can also turn off small caps in the Fonts dialog box as explained in Method #1.
Whatever you type now will be in lowercase letters.
Conclusion
Typing in normal caps is tantamount to shouting. Instead, draw attention to important text by using small caps.
We have shown you two methods of converting your text into small caps and you can also type in small caps. Use these methods to your advantage.