This is Appendix A of Getting Started with OpenOffice.org 3.x, produced by the OOoAuthors group. A PDF of this chapter is available from Documentation at OpenOffice.org.

Introduction

You can use OpenOffice.org (OOo) without requiring a pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, by using its built-in keyboard shortcuts. Tasks as varied and complex as docking and un-docking toolbars and windows, or changing the size or position of objects, can all be accomplished with only a keyboard.

OOo has a general set of keyboard shortcuts, available in all components, and a component-specific set directly related to the work of that component (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw and Base). This document describes the general set: the component specific shortcuts are fully described in the appropriate appendix of the relevant component guide.

For help with OOo's keyboard shortcuts, or using OOo with a keyboard only, search the OOo Help using the “shortcut" or “accessibility" keywords.

In addition to using the built-in keyboard shortcuts listed in this Appendix, you can define your own. See Chapter 14 (Customizing OpenOffice.org) for instructions.

Some of the shortcut keys may be assigned to your desktop system. Keys that are assigned to the desktop system are not available to OOo. Try to assign different keys either for OOo (described in Chapter 14), or for your desktop system (see your system’s documentation).