Regular use of Powerpoint demands familiarity with hotkeys (shortcut keys) which help save time and effort in creating and delivering presentations. This article compiles the essential Powerpoint shortcuts you need to know.

1. Powerpoint Shortcuts for Editing
Shortcut Functionality
Ctrl + M: Add a new slide
Ctrl + D: Duplicate the current slide
Ctrl + “+”: Subscript (chemistry notation)
Ctrl + Shift + “+”: Superscript (exponential notation)
Ctrl + B: Apply bold formatting to text
Ctrl + I: Apply italic formatting to text
Ctrl + U: Apply underline formatting to text
Ctrl + T: Open the Font formatting dialog box
Ctrl + F: Open the Find dialog box
Ctrl + H: Open the Replace dialog box
Ctrl + K: Insert hyperlink
Ctrl + C: Copy the selected text
Ctrl + V: Paste copied content
Ctrl + Z: Undo the previous action
Ctrl + Shift + <: Decrease font size
Ctrl + Shift + >: Increase font size
F4 or Ctrl + Y: Repeat the last performed action
F7: Spell check
Ctrl + Backspace: Delete a word before the cursor
Ctrl + Delete: Delete a word after the cursor
Ctrl + P: Switch the mouse pointer to a pen tool for adding notes.
Ctrl + S: Save the Slide
Page up/Down: Navigate between slides
2. Powerpoint Shortcuts for Presentation
Shortcut: Functionality
F5: Start the presentation from the first slide
Shift + F5: Start the presentation from the currently selected slide
ESC (or - key): Exit the presentation interface
N (or right arrow or down arrow): Move to the next Slide during presentation
P (left arrow or up arrow): Move to the previous Slide during presentation
Ctrl + N: Open a new Powerpoint window
Shift + F9: Toggle gridlines on/off in the slide
S or + : Toggle automatic slideshow mode
Here is a detailed guide to useful Powerpoint shortcuts for creating presentations. Wishing you success!