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Word Processing: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Mail Merge -- Spreadsheets and Mail Merge
The best part about integrated office suites is being able to port data between components. If you have a spreadsheet you would like to use in a Word mail merge, it couldn't be easier!
Inserting Excel Data into a Word Document
If you need to include Excel data in your Word document, there are two very easy ways to do so: Linking and embedding Excel worksheets. Find out the differences between the two methods and get a quick tutorial on each.
Word Macros -- Working With Word Macros
Don't let macros scare you; Word macros really are easy to use and will save you a lot of time in the long run. Get started here!
Create Word Templates Quickly
Templates will save you a lot of time when you create new documents. If you're looking for a quick way to create a template, or want to make your templates easy to edit, then this tip is for you.
Word Templates -- Introduction to Word Templates
One of the best features of word processors is the ability to create templates which can be used as the basis of future documents. By creating templates in Microsoft Word, you can focus your energy on the document content and leave the formatting up to the template.
Changing the Margins in Word
If you want to create a professional quality document, then it is important to get the margins right. Fortunately, it is easy in Microsoft Word. Find out how it's done!
Excel and mail merge
Once you have your spreadsheet data setup and neatly organized, you're ready to move on to part two of the process: setting up the main document.
Headers and Footers -- Adding Headers and Footers to Your Documents
If you want to print page numbers, file information, titles, or other important information about your document, headers and footers are the best way to go – you can always rest assured they will appear in the correct place in your document. Find out how to add headers and footers to your document.
Mail Merge -- Outlook and Mail Merge
If you keep Outlook updated with information on all your contacts, then you have a great data source to use for mail merges. Find out how it is done.
Creating Footnotes
When you’re working on an academic paper, it is important to cite your references. Adding footnotes in Word is quite easy. Word automates the process so the numbering is always correct. Plus, if you make changes to the document, you don’t need to worry about the placement of the footnotes.
Columns in Word 2007
Like previous versions of Microsoft Word, Word 2007 lets you divide your document into columns. This can enhance the formatting of your document. It is particularly useful if you’re creating a newsletter or similarly formatted document. To learn about working with columns in Word 2007, read this tip.
Word Count in Word 2007
If you’re working on an academic paper, you may need to know if your Word document meets certain length requirements. There are ways to estimate your document’s word count based on the number of lines it contains. However, Microsoft Word makes it easy to get an accurate count of the words in your document. To learn more, read this tip!
Save as PDF Add-in for Word 07
If you need to distribute documents in PDF format, you don't need to purchase Adobe Acrobat. Microsoft Office 2007 can save documents in PDF format. You'll need to download a free add-in from Microsoft. It will allow you to save documents in PDF format. However, you won't be able to edit the PDF documents. To learn more, read this quick tip.
Word 2007 Cover Pages
Word 2007 includes many features to achieve professional looking results when you format your documents. One of the nicest features is the Cover Page Gallery. You can select from a number of preinstalled Cover Page templates. These can be customized to your liking. And, you can save your own cover pages in the Gallery for later use. Find out more about Word 2007's Cover Page Gallery.
Watermarks -- Adding Watermarks to Your Word Document
No doubt you've seen documents with watermarks that say
Insert & Format Text Boxes
Text boxes will give you control over the position of a block of text in your document. You can place text boxes anywhere in the document and format them with shading and borders. Learn more by reading my step-by-step tutorial.
Changing the Paper Size in Word
At some point in time you are going to want to use different sized papers. Find out how to switch between paper sizes and create custom sizes.
Numeric Picture Field Switch
If you're using Excel as a data source and having difficulty getting your Word mail merge to display the correct number of decimal places, this tip is for you. Find out how to use a switch to specify how many decimal places to include in your finished document.
Word Templates -- Saving Your Document as a Word Template
Once you've planned and created a document to use as a Word template, you're ready for the easy part: saving your document as a template.
A4
Definition of A4 paper size.
Word 2007: AutoCorrect
Word 2007's AutoCorrect feature is designed to correct common typos as they happen. It also applies special formatting to text. You're probably familiar with AutoCorrect whether or not you know what it's called. AutoCorrect is customizable. You can use this to your advantage. You can assign abbreviations to frequently used names and phrases. Find out how!
Word Table Tutorials
Aligning text in a word processing document can be tedious if you try to do it using tabs and spaces. Fortunately, Word allows you to insert tables in your document. A table will help you align columns and rows of text with ease. For more on working with tables in Word, read these tips!
Word Tutorials
If you're just getting started with Word, this is the place to begin. These introductory Word tutorials will teach you the basics and get you up and going with Microsoft Word.
All About Page Orientation
Sometimes you will want to have both portrait and landscape orientation in the same document. This might seem difficult, if not impossible. Fortunately, however, you can specify different orientations for different sections of your document quite easily.
Edit the Normal Template
Templates can save you a lot of time in Microsoft Word. They include formatting and text that are included in all documents based on the template. If you want to make changes that will be applied to every document you create in Word, edit the Normal template. In Word 2007, this is easier than in previous versions of Word. Find out how it's done!
Controlling Image Size 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.
Printing Envelopes
Word has a special tool to help you create envelopes. Word will format and print the envelope for you in a matter of minutes. But if you want, you can also customize the envelope to suit your needs. Find out how it's done.
Word's Commands
You know that there are a lot of features and commands available in Word, but have you ever wondered what they all are? Find out how to get an exhaustive list of the commands, including where they're located and what shortcut key will activate them.
Using Safe Mode
There are many factors that can contribute to startup problems with Microsoft Word. Fortunately, safe mode provides a quick way to narrow down the factors that are causing you grief. Don't take drastic measures and reinstall Word unless you're sure you have no other options.
Word 2007 Insert Ribbon
Word 2007’s Ribbon will be a startling change for experienced Word users. Instead of the traditional drop-down menus, when you click on a menu, you’re presented with a Ribbon of commands. For new users, this will make learning Word much easier. To learn more about Word 2007’s Insert Ribbon, read this quick walk-through. Find out how to insert headers, footers, and page numbers.
Mail Merge in Word 2007
If you want to customize a letter or document for specific recipients, mail merge can help. It will merge data from a data source with your document. It's perfect for letters, catalogs, labels and more. So get started creating mail merge documents in Word 2007. My tip will walk you through the process of creating mail merge letters in Microsoft Word 2007.
Word Processing Software
Are you in the market for a word processing program? Then don't miss this article! Find out about popular word processing programs, including free Microsoft Word alternatives. You'll get the help you need picking out the right word processor for your needs!
Word 2007 File Compatibility
Word 2007 saves documents in a different format than previous versions of Word. This can cause problems when it comes time to share your documents electronically. But, you can change Word's file save settings. To find out how, read this quick tip.
Advanced Headers and Footers
Word provides a number of different options when it comes to headers and footers. For example, you can specify different headers and footers for the first page of a document or for odd and even pages. But if you want different headers and footers for a portion of your document, things become more complicated. However, it can be done. This article will show you how.
Cross References
If you’re working on a long document such as an academic paper, you may want to refer readers to another part of your document. This is particularly true when it comes to charts and figures. Fortunately, you don't need to manage cross references manually. Word 2007's Cross-reference feature will do it for you. Find out how to use cross references in Word 2007.
Word - - Reveal Codes
Die-hard WordPerfect users who switch to Word always want to know how to reveal codes. While Word has no equivalent feature, recent versions have introduced the Reveal Formatting feature. It pales in comparison to WordPerfect's Reveal Codes feature, but it can prove useful nonetheless.
Normal.dot Start-up Problems
If you're having problems starting up Word, you should check the Normal.dot template. Many start-up problems can be traced back to a corrupt Normal.dot file. Fortunately, it is the easiest start-up problem to fix.
Insert & Format Images in Word
You can insert a variety of pictures and images in your Word document. Word will handle all the popular image types, such as jpeg, gif, png, and tiff. There are several easy ways to insert your an image in your document. And, once you've inserted your picture, you have a number of options for changing its appearance. So find out how to spice up your documents with picture now!
Working With Hidden Text
Hidden text can be handy when you're working with Word documents. For example, you can use the feature to reduce clutter while you're working on a document. Or, use it to omit parts of the document when you print it. For more on working with hidden text, read this quick tip.
Resetting Keystrokes and Keys
Changes you make to the keyboard command keys or the shortcut keys don't have to be permanent. If you've made a lot of changes and want to restore them to their default settings, it is quite easy. Just be aware that if you choose to remove the customizations you made to the keyboard, you will lose the shortcut keys you assigned to your macros.
Symbols -- Inserting Symbols the Easy Way
If there is a symbol you use frequently, you don't need to take several steps to insert it in your document each time. Word makes it easy for you to assign a keystroke to it!
Creating Endnotes
When you're working on an academic paper, it is important to cite your references correctly. Word's endnotes feature makes inserting references easy. Plus, it helps you avoid introducing errors in your citations during the editing process.
MS OneNote Review
Chances are if you've heard about OneNote, you're under the impression it is only for use on a tablet pc. Don't let this fool you -- OneNote can be used on any Windows-based computer, and it is a great way for you to get your notes organized before you port them into Word to create a final, polished document.
Word 2007 Footnotes/Endnotes
It is important to cite your sources when working on an academic paper. Fortunately, Word makes it easy for you to cite sources in Footnotes and Endnotes. To learn how it's done, read this tip.
Remove Extra Spacing in 2007
Word 2007 offers many improvements over previous versions of Word. But, Word 2007 does have its annoyances. For example, Word 2007 automatically adds a space between paragraphs of the same style. And, the space cannot be deleted by using the backspace key. To learn how to remove the space -- and stop if from appearing, read this quick tip.
Formatting Academic Papers
If you're workining on an academic research paper, it is important to get the formatting right. Special formatting requirements for research papers can make this difficult. Fortunately, Word has tools to help you perfect your document's presentation.
Headers and Footers in Word
If you want to add page numbers to your document, you should use headers or footers. Page numbering will always be placed in the appropriate location in your document. But, headers and footers aren't just for page numbering. You can also put information about your document such as title and author. Working with headers and footers can be tricky. But my step-by-step tutorial will help get you up and going!
Link to Excel Data in Word
If you're working on business documents or academic papers, you'll want to insert data from Excel into your documents at some time or other. One way to do this is by linking to an Excel spreadsheet. Your Word document will be updated with the latest Excel data. Find out how to link to Excel data in Microsoft Word in my handy step-by-step tutorial.
Word 2007 Bookmarks
If you're working on a long Word document, navigating through it can be a hassle. This makes it difficult if you need to return to a specific location for further editing. But Word 2007 lets you bookmark specific parts of your document. Then, you can easily return to the location. To learn more about using bookmarks in Word 2007, read this article.
Changing the Vertical Alignment
If you want to center the text vertically in your document, you don't have to do it manually or guess where to start typing. Word allows you to change the vertical alignment in the page setup dialog box quite easily.
Word 2007 Shortcut Keys
Word 2007 is substantially different from previous versions of Word. However, many of the shortcut you're familiar will still work in Word 2007. And there is also a handy new system for using shortcuts. To learn more about it, read this quick tip.
Displaying the 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.
Frequently Used Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys will greatly speed up your work in Word. So, if you're not using Word's Shortcut keys, it's time to get started. This quick tip will introduce you to Word's shortcut keys. Learn the most important shortcut keys in Word and how to use them!
4 Free MS Word Alternatives
Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing program on the market. But, that doesn't mean you have to spend hundreds of dollars on it. There are plenty of free alternatives to Word. And, these free programs can open and save Word documents. Check out my top picks for free Microsoft Word alternatives.
Change the Case Quickly
Word provides a relatively easy way to change the font case. But if you use the Format menu to change the font case, there's a quicker way to do it.
Inserting Bookmarks
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.
Troubleshoot a TOC
Word’s automatic Table of Contents feature comes in handy when you’re working on a long document. The Table should update automatically when you edit your document. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Find out how to solve the problem.
Create Macros in Word 2007
Macros are a great way to save time in Word 2007. By creating your own macros, you can automate frequent tasks in Word, no matter how complicated they are. Get started using macros today! My step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating a macro in Word 2007. It's easier than you think!
Word to PDF in Mac
Mac users are all too aware of compatibility issues when sharing documents. The PDF format is the best way to share a document with other users. In addition to being a cross-platform format, PDF files won't compromise security -- they don't carry viruses. Recent versions of the Mac OS has built-in support for PDF. This means you don't need extra software to create PDF files. Find out how it's done!
Font Case in Word 2007
From time to time, you may want to change the font case of text you typed in Microsoft Word 2007. Maybe you had the Caps Lock key activated. Or maybe you want to change the text to all caps. You could retype the text, but that is time consuming. Fortunately, there is an easier way to change the font case in Word 2007. Find out how it's done!
Mail Merge -- Introduction to Mail Merge
Mail merge may have a bad name because of direct mailers, but the fact remains that it is one of the most useful word processing features.
Inserting Comments
In part one of the tutorial on document collaboration and review, we'll focus on the comments feature. It allows you to insert comments on specific portions of a document without incorporating the comment into the body of the document. While it is particularly handy for email collaborations, it can also come in handy for single users who simply want to insert notes and reminders in their documents.
Creating Charts
Word has a handy feature that allows you to create charts from table data in your existing document. It ensures that your charts are formatted nicely with a minimum of effort. You don't need to go to a graphics program to create charts for your professional documents.
Line Numbers in Word 2007
Line numbering can help you refer to specific parts of your document. So you may want to number the lines in your document. Fortunately, Word 2007 makes it easy to add line numbering to your document’s margins. It is ideal for legal documents. Read this tip to learn about adding line numbers to your documents.
Create a Mac Word Template
If you find yourself creating the same document over and over, you can save some time by creating a document template. Fortunately, creating a template in Word for Mac is simple. Just follow these few steps...
Fix Word's File Associations
Have you ever had difficulty opening a Word file? Perhaps it opens from Word's Open dialog box, but not when you click on it in Windows. The problem is most likely with Windows' file associations. Fortunately, it can easily be fixed.
Troubleshooting Word
Persistent problems with Word can often be traced back to one of two things: the Normal.dot template or a problem with a Windows registry entry for Word. Fortunately, they're both easy to fix. This tip will show you how to troubleshoot problems with Word's registry entry.
Special Characters -- Inserting Special Characters
If you've ever searched for a symbol or character and couldn't find it on the keyboard, then this article is for you. There are many different special characters you can insert into your document if you know where to find them.
Using Styles in Word
When you're working on a long document, it is important to achieve consistent formatting. Unfortunately, this can be difficult when you use intricate formatting. But Word's Syles feature will help you apply the necessary formats with a few clicks of the mouse. Find out how to use the Style feature in Word.
Insert Excel Data in Word
One of the benefits of an office suite like Microsoft Office is the ability to share data between programs. For example, you can embed Excel data in your Word 2007 documents. This is handy for both business users and students. Embedding Excel Data in a Word document isn't too difficult. My tip will walk you through the process!
Password Protection
Working with sensitive information? Worried that prying eyes may want to read what you're up to? Then you might want to think about assigning password protection to your documents.
Turn a Word Doc Into a PDF
Creating a PDF document from a Word file is easy once you have the correct software installed. But many people don't know how to do it. That's because they're looking in the wrong place for the option. Find out how simple it is to create a PDF file!
Customize Word 2007 Shortcuts
Shortcut keys greatly improve your efficiency in Word 2007. But, the default shortcut keys aren't always how you would like them to be. Fortunately, you can customize Word 2007's shortcut keys. You can change a default shortcut key or assign a shortcut key to a command that currently doesn't have one. To learn more, read this quick tip.
Disabling Keys or Keystrokes
If you keep hitting a command key accidentally or if you want to remove a specific shortcut key from Word, you can do so quite easily. I would recommend that you use this feature sparingly if you share a computer with someone else, or they might think there's a problem with the keyboard!
Customizing AutoCorrect
Word's AutoCorrect feature is designed to correct common typos as they happen. It also applies special formatting to text. You're probably familiar with AutoCorrect whether or not you know what it's called. AutoCorrect is customizable. You can use this to your advantage. You can assign abbreviations to frequently used names and phrases. Find out how!
Word 07's Macro Security Level
Word macros can pose a security risk to your computer. So, macros are disabled by default in Word 2007. This is a hassle if you rely on macros to speed up your workflow. Fortunately, you can change Word's macro security level. To find out how, read this quick tip!
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.
6 Time-Savers for Word 2007
Are you looking for new ways to save time in Microsoft Word? Word 2007 provides plenty of ways to save you time. And, chances are, you're not using these features to the best of your benefit. So look no further! I have six great, overlooked time-saving features for Word. And, you can get up and going with them in no time. Start saving time in Microsoft Word 2007 now!
Page Setup Quick Start
If you want to create professional quality documents with Microsoft Word, then learning to use the Page Setup tools is a must. The quick guide will point you to the page setup tutorials, so you don't have to go searching for them.
Word 2007 File Save Location
Your Word 2007 documents are stored in the My Documents or Documents folder, depending on which version of Windows you're using. But maybe you prefer to save your files in a different location. In that case, you can change Word 2007's default file save location. It will save you time and help keep you organized.
Open Office Writer -- Creating Templates in Open Office Writer
One of the best features of word processors is the ability to create templates which can be used as the basis of future documents. By creating templates in Open Office Writer, you can focus your energy on the document content and leave the formatting up
Changing 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.
Watermarks -- Using Images for Watermarks in Word
The watermark feature in Word does not limit you to text. You can use this feature to add images such as a family crest or company logo to your document, enhancing the appearance of your document. Find out how.
Excel and Word Data Files
You created a mail merge data source in Word, but then you realize the data has a second purpose and you’d like to convert it to an Excel spreadsheet. Don’t despair, the solution is simple.
Introduction to Word
If you're just getting started in Microsoft Word, then this is for you. I'll show you everything you need to know, starting with the components of the window.
Running a Macro at Word Start
An AutoExec macro will run everytime Word starts. This can be a handy tool for certain macros -- particularly if you're looking for as much automation as possible. Find out more on AutoExec macros.
Microsoft Office 2007 Editions
Microsoft frequently releases different versions of its popular Office suite. Microsoft Office 2007 is no different. However, this time around, Microsoft has more versions of the suite than ever. To decide which is right for you, see what is in each version.
Smart Quotes
If you’re using Word as an HTML editor – the old fashioned way, not the WYSIWYG way! – or if you simply don’t like the way quotation marks appear in Word, then this is required reading.
Using the Mail Merge Wizard to Create Form Letters
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Microsoft Word -- Working With Versions of Your Documents
Once you've learned how to create versions of your document, it is inevitable that you will want to access previous drafts of your document. Find out how to view, recover, and delete them.
Quick Parts
Quick Parts is new to Microsoft Word 2007. So many people are unfamiliar with this feature. But, it is one with which you should become acquainted. It helps you insert preformatted snippets of text in your document. For example, Quick Parts can insert page numbers, footers, watermarks and more! Learn more about it now.
Word 2003 - - Guides
If you're looking for guides for Microsoft Word, I've assembled a collection of the best books out there. Whether you're just getting started and want to learn the basics or you're a seasoned pro who needs a complete reference guide, there's something here for you.
Inserting Table the Easy Way
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.
The Word 2007 Window
The Word 2007 window differs substantially from earlier versions of Word. For those new to Word, it is more intuitive. Many of the commands and options have been moved out into the open. But for experienced users of Word, it is a new way of looking at Word. Find out more about the Word Ribbon, a new feature of Word 2007.
Applying a Border to Your Doc
Used wisely, a border can add a nice, refined effect to your documents. Fortunately, it is easy to specify a pre-defined border or a custom border for your document. You simply need to know where to look to find the border options. This quick guide will show you how it's done.
The Date Field
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.
Using AutoText
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Proofing Mail Merge Documents
As with any document you create, it is important to proofread your mail merge documents for errors. With mail merge, however, there are some mistakes that are easy to introduce into your document. Find out what to look for when you’re reviewing your work.
Using Macros to Format Text
One of the best uses for macros is to format your text. Read this quick tip to find out how you can create a macro that will apply customized formatting to a select part of your document.
Free PDF Converter for Word
If you're looking for a pdf converter for Word, look no further: This free download is your best bet if you need the ability to save files in pdf format and don't want to spend a lot of cash.
Word 2008: Track Changes
When you're collaborating on a document, it is important to see changes others have made. Mac Word's Track Changes feature will help you with this. You'll immediately see the changes. Plus, Track Changes gives you the option of accepting or rejecting changes quickly. Find out how to get started!
Applying Colors to Tables
Word allows you to apply a background color to specific portions of your table or to the entire table. This is helpful if you want to highlight a portion of your table. For example, if you’re working with sales figures, you may wish to apply a different color to a column, row, or cell containing totals. Find out how!
Changing the Page Orientation
Ever wondered how to get your document to print across the long side of the page? Find out how right here.
Replacing Font Formats
If you've ever wanted to replace specific font formatting in Word and have done it manually, you know that it can be a tedious process. Fortunately, you can use Word's Replace dialog box to automate the process.
TOC Intro
A Table of Contents is an essential part of a long document. Unfortunately, many people create their own Table of Contents manually, rather than use Word's built-in feature. Using Word's Table of Contents feature has many benefits. Find out what they are and how to use the feature!
Changing Where Files Are Saved
By default Word saves your files in the My Documents folder on your hard drive. While it is easy enough to change this in the Save dialog box, if you always want to save your documents in a particular folder, it makes a lot of sense to customize Word to accomodate this. Find out how it is done!
Checking Spelling and Grammar
If you're working on a long document, it can be a hassle scrolling through to find all the places where Word has tagged your spelling and grammar, fortunately, Microsoft has built in a feature that will take you one by one through the errors. What more could you ask for?
Microsoft Word -- Saving Drafts of Your Documents
There is an easy way to save different versions of your Word documents without cluttering up your hard drive with countless drafts of the same document. Find out how to use the Versions feature in Microsoft Word.
Removing Extra Breaks in Word
It isn't uncommon to want to change the formatting of your Word document after you've created it. Changing a document's formatting in word is usually fairly easy. You simply select the text you'd like to change. Then you apply the new formatting. But, you can run into complications. For example, you may not have used the formatting options to specify the spacing between paragraphs or lines of text. Instead, you may have inserted extra returns. Don't worry -- there is an easy solution.
Data Source Options
You have numerous options when you create a data source for use in mail merge. It really can be overwhelming at times. If you need help deciding which program to use to create the data file, here’s some advice that will help you make a wise decision.
Word 2007 and Symbols
At some point or other, you will need to insert symbols or special characters in your Word 2007 document. Unfortunately, symbols and characters like foreign currency symbols don't appear on your computer keyboard. That means you'll need to do a little extra work to insert them in your document. To find out what you need to do, read this quick tip!
Copying Formatting
If you want to apply the same formatting to different portions of your document and you're not using a template or styles, there is a shortcut. Word's Format Painter will help you copy and apply your formatting with a few clicks.
Password Protect Mac Documents
These days, it is important to keep your personal data private. You can do that in Word for Mac by assigning a password to your sensitive documents. Mac Word's password feature is easy to use and will give you extra peace of mind. It is a must if you share a computer.
Turning AutoComplete On or Off
If you find the AutoComplete feature obtrusive, you're not alone. Find out how to enable or disable this feature.
Word 2007 Styles
Styles can improve the appearance and readability of your document. Styles will help you apply formatting consistently throughout the document. To learn more about styles in word 2007, read this quick article.
Turning on/off the Task Pane
Although the Task Pane introduced to Word in 2002 provides quick access to certain commands, many users may find that they would prefer to free up the screen space so they have more room to work on their document. Find out how to turn it on or off and choose whether you want it to open with Word.
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.
Form Data & Excel
Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn't provide a quick option for transferring data from your Word forms into Excel. It can be done quite easily, though, once you know how to do it.
A Guide to the Formatting Toolbar Buttons
Wondering what the buttons on the formatting toolbar do? Click here to find out.
Word Processing Glossary
Confused by all the jargon? Here are defintions for all the word processing terms.
List Word 2007 Shortcut Keys
You know that there is an abundance of commands and shortcut keys in Word 2007. Learning them all is a time-consuming process. But, you can get a little help. Print a list of shortcut keys. You can then refer to it when you're having trouble finding a command. It's a real time-saver!
Create a Table of Contents
A table of contents is essential for lengthy documents like annual reports, books, and other types of documents. Creating a table of contents manually is a tedious process. But, Microsoft Word 2007 includes handy tools to help you create a table of contents for your document easily. My step-by-step tutorial will show you how easy it is to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word 2007.
Creating Charts in Word 2007
Charts are an important part of many business documents and academic papers. They present data in an easy-to-understand manner. Fortunately, creating a chart in Word 2007 is easy. Word 2007 will walk you through the process of creating a chart. For help getting started, read this quick tip!
Microsoft Word -- Saving Word Settings and Customizations
If you have made a lot of changes to the settings in Word, it is a good idea to save your settings to a file. This tutorial will show you how to do it.
Word's Safe Mode
If you're experiencing problems with Word, you may want to start it in safe mode. Safe mode is also good protection against exploits not yet patched by Microsoft. You'll have to create a shortcut to Word's safe mode, but it is easy. Find out how now!
Inserting Symbols in Word 2008
Word 2008 makes it easy to insert symbols and special characters in your documents. That is, if you know where to look for the special characters option. If you need a little extra help working with symbols and special characters in Word 2008, read my tip!
Word 2007 Dictionaries
The dictionary is one of the more helpful features in Word 2007. It will alert you to misspelled words in your documents, cutting down on the time you spend proofing your work. But, many people find it annoying. That's because the dictionary isn't complete. Fortunately, you can create your own custom dictionary and add your own terms to it. This is helpful if you often use specialized terminology. Find out how it's done!
14 Mail Merge Tips
Mail merge is one of the most convenient features in Word. These 14 tips and tutorials are will help beginners to mail merge and experienced users alike.
Searching for Files
Windows doesn't have very powerful search abilities. Fortunately, Word has a search feature that compensates for this. It's easy to use, and best of all, it searches more than just Word files.
Show or Hide Text Boundaries
If you've ever wanted to the editable area in your Microsoft Word documents and don't like using the rulers to estimate it, there is a very simple solution. The option to show or hide text boundaries will eliminate the guess work.
Change the Office Assistant
If you like the animated office assistant, but you’re getting a little tired of Clippit, Microsoft has included a whole gallery of assistants for you to choose from. My personal favorite is Rocky the dog.
The Function Key Commands
If you are unfamiliar with the function keys and what they do, then it is time to learn how to use them and increase your proficiency in word! This quick tip will show you how to have Word display the commands associated with the keys.
The If...Then Function
To cut down the editing time you need to spend on your finalized mail merge documents, Word includes an If...Then feature that will allow you to insert text in your document based on the contents of a mail merge field. This is particularly useful when you want to include text to take the place of a field that doesn't contain data.
Word and Outlook -- Inserting Outlook Contact Information in a Word Document
You can use the address book feature in Word to insert names and addresses in your documents and save yourself some time. Learn how to find the address book feature and put it to work for you.
WordPerfect Templates -- Introduction to WordPerfect Templates
One of the best features of word processors is the ability to create templates which can be used as the basis of future documents. By creating templates in WordPerfect, you can focus your energy on the document content and leave the formatting up to the template.
Format Painter
Definition
Retain Formats in Mail Merge
Getting the formatting right when you use an Excel data source for mail merge can be extremely frustrating. There are ways to correct the formatting by using switches in the field codes, but it can be a time-consuming and frustrating exercise. Fortunately, there is an easy way to circumvent the use of switches and still have your data appear as you would like it.
Working With Columns
Formatting your document with columns can create a professional look. Plus, if you're working on a brochure, columns are a necessity. Find out all you need to know about working with columns in Word. It's easy!
Displaying Word Shortcut Keys
Shortcut keys can save you a lot of time when you're working in Word. If you don't know the shortcut keys for the commands, don't fret. You can have Word display the shortcut keys in the ScreenTips. Here's how!
Prevent Data Loss
While data loss affects everyone who uses a computer, it is especially problematic for those who use word processing software. There is nothing more frustrating than losing the important documents that you've spent so much time creating. Unfortunately, the most effective thing you can do to stop data loss is to prevent it -- here are some tips to get you started.
Word and the Web
Word isn’t the best program for working with HTML. But it does provide built-in tools for creating Web pages. And, when you’re working on a document, you can use Word’s HTML capabilities to insert links to documents and Web pages. To learn more, read these tips.
Protecting a Word 2008 File
It isn’t uncommon for Word documents to contain sensitive information. Maybe your document contains personal data such as bank account numbers. Or, maybe it contains information about your business. In either case, you’ll want to protect your work from prying eyes. Find out how it's done!
Word Templates Online
Microsoft offers a variety of templates on the Office web site. If you’re looking for help formatting your document, the Office site is a good place to start. Fortunately, Microsoft makes things easy by allowing you to download templates from within Word.
Macro Security Level
If you have macros from a trusted source but that are unsigned, you can use this tip to change the macro security level in Word. Of course, you should use an abundance of caution when changing this setting.
Inserting a Table in Word 2007
Tables are a nice way to arrange data in a Word document. Readers will be able to read the data easily. And, it will lend a pleasing, polished look to your document. Fortunately, inserting a table in your Word 2007 document doesn't need to be difficult. My tip will show you how to do it the easy way!
Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
Creating top-notch documents with your word processing software doesn't need to be difficult. Follow these basic rules, and you're guaranteed a great looking document every time.
Finalize Documents
Word 2007 has a handy feature to prevent changes from being made to your documents. It is called Mark as Final. This will prevent accidental edits and additions to the document. But, the Mark as Final feature can be disabled by anyone, if needed. To learn more about Mark as Final in Word 2007, read this tip.
Inserting Hyperlinks
If you want to link to other documents or web pages in your Word document, you can do so quite easily. This tip will show you how!
A Guide to the Standard Toolbar Buttons
Wondering what the buttons on the standard toolbar do? Click here to find out.
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!
Explore Word Processing
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