Most people think they need to memorize hundreds of commands inside Microsoft Word before they can work faster.
That’s not true.
There is a hidden built‑in macro inside Microsoft Word that can instantly generate a complete list of commands for you. Once you run it, Word creates a document that shows every command available in the program.
No guessing.
No searching ribbon tabs.
No memorizing.
Just one simple action and everything appears in front of you.
If you prefer watching instead of reading, you can also check the video tutorial below:
Let’s walk through how this works and why it’s one of the most underrated productivity tricks inside Word.
Why Memorizing Word Commands Is a Bad Use of Time
Microsoft Word contains hundreds of commands across many ribbon tabs.
Trying to remember all of them slows people down instead of helping them.
Here’s what usually happens:
• users click multiple tabs searching for one tool
• they forget where features are located
• they interrupt their workflow
• they lose focus while editing
Instead of memorizing commands, a smarter move is to generate the full command list automatically.
That’s exactly what the LISTCOMMANDS macro does.
The Hidden Feature Most Users Never Discover
Inside Microsoft Word there is a built‑in macro called:
LISTCOMMANDS
This macro creates a document that contains a full list of commands available inside Word.
Yes. The entire command library.
Most users never notice this feature because it lives inside the Macros panel.
But once you run it, you instantly gain access to a searchable reference list you can keep forever.
How to Generate the Full Command List in Microsoft Word
Follow these simple steps:
Open Microsoft Word
Go to the View tab
Click Macros
Select View Macros
Type LISTCOMMANDS
Press Enter
Select the first option
Click OK
Word will immediately generate a document that lists its commands.
That’s it.
Now you have your own command reference file.
What Happens After Running LISTCOMMANDS
Once the macro runs, Microsoft Word creates a new document.
Inside that document you’ll see a structured list of commands available in Word.
Depending on your selection, Word may show:
• command names
• keyboard shortcuts
• ribbon tool locations
This becomes your personal command guide.
Instead of memorizing tools, you simply check the list whenever needed.
It works like a built‑in cheat sheet 📄✨
Why This Trick Is So Powerful
Most tutorials teach people shortcuts.
Some teach ribbon navigation.
But very few show users how to generate the entire command list instantly.
This method is powerful because:
• it saves time
• it removes guesswork
• it helps beginners learn faster
• it helps advanced users discover hidden tools
Even experienced Microsoft Word users are surprised when they see this feature.
Who Should Use the LISTCOMMANDS Macro
This shortcut helps almost everyone.
Students working on assignments can quickly explore formatting tools.
Office workers preparing reports can locate commands faster.
Freelancers editing documents can speed up their workflow.
Beginners learning Word gain confidence immediately.
If you ever asked yourself:
“Where is that command again?”
This macro solves that problem.
How This Makes You Faster Without Memorizing Anything
Here’s what changes after using LISTCOMMANDS.
Instead of guessing ribbon locations, you now have a reference document.
Instead of clicking multiple tabs, you search your generated list.
Instead of memorizing commands, you discover them naturally while working.
Over time, your speed improves without effort.
That’s the real advantage.
Extra Tip: Save Your Command List for Future Use
After Microsoft Word generates the command list document, save it.
Store it somewhere easy to access.
Example locations:
Desktop
Documents folder
Cloud storage
USB drive
Now you always have a full Microsoft Word command reference ready anytime you need it.
Think of it as your personal productivity manual 📘⚡
Common Situations Where This Trick Helps Immediately
Here are moments when this macro becomes useful:
When learning Microsoft Word for the first time
When switching between Word versions
When exploring advanced formatting tools
When searching for rarely used commands
When teaching others how Word works
Instead of searching online each time, your command list is already available.
Why Most People Never Hear About LISTCOMMANDS
The feature exists inside Microsoft Word but is rarely shown in tutorials.
Many users only explore ribbon tabs.
Some never open the Macros panel.
Because of that, they miss one of the easiest ways to understand Word’s full command system.
Once you know it exists, everything changes.
Watch the Video Tutorial Version
If you like step‑by‑step visual demonstrations, watch the tutorial here:
The video shows exactly how to run the LISTCOMMANDS macro inside Microsoft Word so you can generate the full command list in seconds.
Try this once and you’ll never feel the need to memorize Word commands again 👍
