Move cursor one word right
To jump forward one word: press Ctrl+→ on Windows, or Option+→ (⌥→) on Mac. Hold Shift too to select the word as you go.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move cursor one word right | ⌥→ | Ctrl+→ | |
| Select word to the right | ⌥⇧→ | Ctrl+Shift+→ | |
| Move to end of line | ⌘→ | End | |
| Move down one paragraph | ⌥↓ | Ctrl+↓ |
Jump forward a word on Windows
Hold Ctrl and press → to move the cursor to the start of the next word. Add Shift (Ctrl+Shift+→) to select text one word at a time going forward.
Jump forward a word on Mac
On macOS press ⌥→ to move one word right, and ⌥⇧→ to select it. Remember ⌘→ jumps to the end of the line, not one word — that is the Mac equivalent of End.
Where it works
Word-right navigation is consistent across browsers, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Notes, and code editors, making it one of the most transferable editing habits between Windows and Mac.
FAQ
How do I move the cursor one word right on Windows?
Hold Ctrl and press the Right arrow (Ctrl+→). Each press jumps to the start of the next word.
What is the move-word-right shortcut on Mac?
Press Option+Right (⌥→). On Mac, Option handles word movement, while ⌘→ jumps to the end of the line.
How do I select a word to the right?
Add Shift: Ctrl+Shift+→ on Windows, or ⌥⇧→ on Mac, extends the selection one word at a time.