QuickTips Index

Using the Insert Table Toolbar Button to Insert a Table in Your Word Document
While there are many ways to insert a table in your Word document, using the Insert Table toolbar button is the quickest. While the table rows and columns will all be the same size, you can easily alter the table after you're done putting your information in the table.

Displaying the Office Clipboard
Many users love the new expanded clipboard that Microsoft has included in recent versions of Word. The problem is, it can be difficult to locate. Here are some tips for displaying the expanded Office clipboard.

AutoFormat -- Changing AutoFormat Options
Many users are frustrated by Word's tendency to apply formatting to document elements such as numbered and bulleted lists. If you would like to stop Word from formatting specific elements as you type, this will show you how.

Saving Your Document Under a Different Name
If you're not familiar with the Save As command in Word, now is the time to find out about it -- it comes in handy when you're modifying old documents.

Changing the Position of Image Watermarks
Unfortunately, your options are limited when you insert an image watermark in Word -- they will always appear centered in the middle of the page. If you're looking to add a little extra creative flair to your document by placing your watermark in an off center position, this tip will show you how to work around the limitations.

Controlling Image Sizes in Word
If you use Word to edit images or if you frequently insert images in your Word documents and don't like the large file sizes, learn how to take some control over how Word handles your images. Find out how to compress the size of the images you insert in Word and how to delete the cropped areas of the images -- it will dramatically reduce file sizes, which is great when you want to transmit your document electronically or if storage space is at a premium.

Save Money on Ink by Using Draft Quality
If you want to save money on ink, you can set Word to print documents in draft quality. With draft quality, the print won't be as dark as normal printing. Because of this you'll save ink -- and money.

Automatically Update Text in Many Documents
If you insert the same text in many documents and dread the thought of going through all the documents to update the text, then this tip is for you. Learn how to insert text as a link in your document so you only have to make your changes once.

Creating Tab Leader Lines
If you’re creating a document that contains columns created manually by using the tab key, you may want to include leader lines as part of your tab formatting. These dashed or solid lines will improve the readability of your document, guiding the readers eye to related information.

Wildcards in Find and Replace
If you're looking for a little more flexibility when you're searching for text within your document, the use of wildcards will help you expand your results while still maintaining control over what is returned.

Turning off Automatic Hyperlinks
If you’re sending your document electronically, hyperlinks can be a great tool, allowing users to open a web page easily. However, if you’re distributing your document in printed form, hyperlinks serve no good purpose and can throw the formatting of your document off. Find out how to stop Word from inserting hyperlinks automatically.

Creating Automatic Backups of Word Documents
You never know when you're going to need to recover the last version of your document, so it is a good idea to keep a backup copy handy. However, it is easy to forget to backup your documents, particularly if you're busy. If this sounds like you, find out how to have Word create automatic backups for you.

Protecting Templates with File Sharing Passwords
If you work in a multi-user environment, you'll want to make sure that the templates you create are safe from unwanted modifications. Find out how to assign a file sharing password to your templates so that only authorized users can alter the template while other users will still be able to access it.

Creating Shortcuts to Your Templates
Word makes it fairly easy to get to your templates by allowing you to open them from the New file dialog box. However, creating a shortcut to your template will eliminate a few steps and allow you to get to your template faster -- perfect for templates you use on a frequent basis!

Using File Folders to Keep Documents Organized
While a good file name is the best thing you can do to keep your documents organized and easy to find, using well named file folders can add a second level of organization. Here are some pointers to help set you in the right direction when it comes to "filing" your word processing documents.

Using Font Formatting Options to Change the Font Case
If you want to change font case in all or part of your Word document for whatever reason, you will be relieved to find that you don't need to retype the text -- you can simply use font formatting options to change font case for you. You have several options on how you can do it, and it will save you a lot of time.

Drag and Drop Copying and Moving
Are you looking for a more intuitive way of moving and/or copying text and objects in your document? Find out how to use your mouse to rearrange your document.

Creating Custom Watermark Text
When you're adding a watermark to your Word document, you're not limited to the options Word provides. Find out how to create your own custom watermark text. Your choices are virtually limitless!

Adding terms to your Custom Dictionary
Adding terms to your custom dictionary doesn’t need to be tedious. In fact, you can add terms from the document window without opening the dictionary dialog box. And, as an added bonus, you can quickly create a custom dictionary the same way.

Inserting a Date Field in Your Document
Inserting the date as a field in your document will ensure that the date on the letters you send is always current. This feature is particularly useful for templates and mail merge documents.

Working With Word's Personalized Menus
Confused by Word's menus? In recent versions of Word, not all menu items appear at first, only the frequently used commands. Get the scoop on how it works and how you can turn off Word's personalized menus.

Inserting Bookmarks in Your Word Document
Of all the tools designed to make your work in Word easier, the bookmark feature is perhaps the most practical and easy to use. The bookmark features allows you to return quickly to portions of your document that need editing. Find out how to use this feature.