How do I select all text in Notepad?
Jun 21, 2025 am 12:11 AMThe fastest and most common way to select text in Notepad is to use keyboard shortcuts. Press Ctrl A on Windows system to immediately select all content in the document, regardless of file length; this shortcut key is also applicable to other programs such as Word, browser and code editor. If you prefer mouse operations, you can click on the upper left corner of the text and drag the selection, or click "Edit" → "Select All" through the menu bar, but this method is difficult to operate accurately in long files. If the shortcut key fails, it may be due to keyboard layout, third-party program interference, Notepad abnormality or file corruption. It is recommended to switch keyboard layout, close conflicting software, or restart Notepad. In addition, different versions of Notepad (such as Notepad) may have slightly different behaviors and it is necessary to confirm the program used.
To select all text in Notepad, the quickest and most common method is to use a keyboard shortcut. This comes in handy whether you're planning to copy, delete, or format the entire content.
Use the Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest Method)
The most efficient way to select everything in Notepad is by using a simple keyboard combination:
- On Windows: Press Ctrl A
This command tells Notepad to highlight all the text currently in the document. It works no matter how long the file is — whether it's a few lines or several pages.
If you're new to this, just remember: "A" stands for "All," and "Ctrl" is usually the modifier key on Windows systems. This shortcut also works in many other programs like Word, browsers, and code editors.
Use the Mouse and Menu (Alternative Way)
If you prefer not to use the keyboard or are on a device where keyboard input is limited (like some touch-based settings), you can do it manually:
- Go to the top-left corner of the text area
- Click and drag down to highlight everything
Or:
- Open the Edit menu at the top of Notepad (you may need to press
Alt
first to reveal the menu bar) - Click on Select All
It's worth noting that the mouse method gets tricky with very long files, as it's easy to miss parts of the text or accidentally scroll while selecting.
What If the Shortcut Doesn't Work?
Sometimes, users report that Ctrl A doesn't work in Notepad. Here are a few possible reasons and fixes:
- The keyboard layout or language settings might interfere — try switching back to the default layout.
- Some third-party apps or macros might override standard shortcuts.
- If Notepad is frozen or the file is corrupted, restart Notepad and reopen the file.
Also, if you're using a different version of Notepad or a modified version (like Notepad ), the behavior might vary slightly, so double-check the program you're using.
Basically that's it. It's a straightforward action, but knowing the right method for your situation makes it much smoother.
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