Microsoft Word

Check out these tips and tricks to master Microsoft Word.

Whether you need to create a report, write a letter, update your resume, create a cover page or add a cross reference, Microsoft Word is ready and waiting. Learn how to take your Word document from plain to exceptional.

Find out the tips and tricks you need to know so that you can use Word like a pro!

How to format tables in Word

In a previous post I outlined how to create a basic table in Microsoft Word. Let's go to the next steps and look at how we can format a table with different styling and also add more rows or columns ...
Read More

How to dictate in Word

The Dictate function in Word allows you to use speech-to-text functions to create content using your microphone. Learning how to dictate in Word will provide a quick and easy way to put your thoughts into words and capture ideas efficiently ...
Read More

How to add a header and footer to a document in Word

Add a header and footer to a Word document

When working with long documents you will need to add a header and footer section. The header and footer in Word allows you to add information to the top and bottom of each page within a document. These sections allow ...
Read More

How to convert a document in Word to PDF

Wondering how to convert a document from Word to PDF format? Well many moons ago, Microsoft added this feature directly into the Microsoft products and lots of people didn't notice and still haven't. Whilst there are lots of programs on ...
Read More

How to change line spacing between bullet and number lists

How to change spacing between items in a list in Word

I use bullet and numbered lists a lot. They help me to summarise information and make my text stand out. I like to have my list items spaced apart a little, I don't want them all squashed together. Let me ...
Read More

How to send bulk emails using Mail Merge in Word

For the most part, I find people have heard of a Mail Merge. The process of combining a list of contacts with a letter which you can then merge together and print. Did you know that you can also use ...
Read More

Save time! Pin a file to the Open list in Microsoft Office

At the start of every training course, I show participants through a few really useful features of the Microsoft Office programs. These features save you time during a busy workday. One such feature is AutoCorrect, another is the ability to ...
Read More

Quick Parts – the quickest way to insert reusable information in Word

Today I saw a question on an online forum where a user needed to insert the same name and address quite frequently into a Word document. The user had asked if a drop-down menu in Word would provide a quicker ...
Read More

Insert Excel into a Word document

Did you know that you can insert Excel into Word? That's right, you can have the functionality of an Excel worksheet sitting inside your Word document. This is one of the many functions that I find people aren't aware of ...
Read More

How to convert documents to the latest file format

How to fix “compatibility mode” in Word

Does your document show [Compatibility Mode] in the Word title bar? You'll be happy to know that this is a simple fix. Compatibility mode identifies to the user that a document is not using the most recent file format. Let's ...
Read More

How to disable the Start Screen at startup in Office programs

In recent versions of the Microsoft Office programs, users now see a Start screen appear when any of the programs are launched. This Start Screen gives you quick access to various functions such as any recent files you have opened ...
Read More

How to create a basic table in Word

The ability to create a table in Word allows users to present content on the page in a column and/or row format. Many users associate a table with the “ever so obvious” layout where borders are displayed. Whilst this is ...
Read More

Control hyphenation in Word

A common question I hear is “why are my words breaking across separate lines with a dash connecting them?” It’s a common question on discussion boards online and thankfully it’s a very simple fix. Unfortunately, this issue occurs and is ...
Read More

Compress file sizes of graphics or photos in Word

Quite often when working with long documents using Microsoft Word, you need to be mindful of file sizes. If you are utilising multiple graphics or photos within your document then this will have an effect on the end file size ...
Read More

How to open any Microsoft Office program

How to open any Microsoft Office product

For those starting out using Microsoft Office and even for those familiar with the programs, our computers can sometimes be a treasure trove full of so many programs that it's impossible to find the one we want. Being able to ...
Read More

How to copy formatting using Format Painter

Each of the Microsoft programs includes some basic clipboard options which incorporate the Cut, Copy and Paste functions. Generally users are pretty familiar with these tools. What many users have not utilised is the fourth function in the group called ...
Read More

How to create a cross-reference in Word

When working with long documents in Word, you may find yourself searching for an easy way to link content between different pages. I’ve seen many imaginative ways of performing this function using Microsoft Word but today I want to show ...
Read More

How to customise numbered list alignment in Word

I recently saw an issue arise on a discussion forum where a user asked a question related to the alignment of a numbered list. The solution was a simple one but as the author commented, how would anyone not familiar ...
Read More

How to create a screenshot using Office

For years I have been creating screenshots for various reasons; for use in training courseware; to illustrate to a remote user a button I want them to press; to relay information about a technical problem or error, and the list ...
Read More

Create a Table of Contents in Word

In many aspects of our daily life, we encounter and use a table of contents. Whether it is opening a magazine or reading the newspaper, you will see this feature in many types of reading materials. Microsoft Word has provided ...
Read More

How to create a cover page in Microsoft Word

How to create a cover page in Word

How many countless hours have you spent creating a cover page in Word? When I started working I used to spend a good deal of time creating the perfect heading, adjusting its alignment and location on the page. I would ...
Read More

The Office Clipboard – a hidden treasure

A common feature used within all of the Microsoft Office applications is the cut, copy and paste feature. I personally use this A LOT. The ability to cut, copy and paste within any of the applications and also between different ...
Read More

The best keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word

Today I am going to show you the best keyboard shortcuts for use in Microsoft Word. You may have noticed that I’m a fan of efficiency. If there is an option to do something faster in any of the Microsoft ...
Read More

Introduction to Styles in Word

Today I’m going to provide an introduction to the styles feature available within Microsoft Word. Working with a document is not only about entering the content, but also about making that content easy to read and understand. One of the ...
Read More

Customise the Quick Access Toolbar

At the start of almost every Microsoft course I teach, I discuss the options you have to customise any of the Microsoft Office products. The Quick Access toolbar (QAT) is right up there on my list of favourite ways to ...
Read More

Create PDF file using any Microsoft Office program

Create a PDF file using any Microsoft Office program

Any of the Microsoft Office programs includes the ability to create a PDF file for you. I’m always surprised at how many people are still unaware that this function is now built-in. Quite often people are not aware of this ...
Read More

Create perfect shapes in Word

Microsoft Word includes some very useful shapes which allow you to use your imagination and create your own graphical charts or diagrams. The shapes available include lines, banners, callouts, various types of rectangles and much more. You are then able ...
Read More

How to resize an image correctly using Word

How to resize an image correctly in Word

There are several methods to resize an image in Microsoft Word. In this exercise we will use the resize handles to make changes to an image in your document. One common mistake when working with graphics is that the users ...
Read More

How to use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office includes the powerful Autocorrect feature which helps to reduce typing errors whilst you work. AutoCorrect is set up by default to correct common spelling and punctuation errors. Common typing errors such as irregular capitalisation, or commonly misspelt words ...
Read More