Summary
Highlights
Erin introduces a quick-start guide for beginners to Microsoft Word, highlighting ten core skills including creating new documents, text formatting, layout adjustments, adding images, and using the Editor for proofreading, saving and printing files. The tutorial uses Word for Microsoft 365, with similar steps for versions back to Word 2016.
To start a new Word document, open the application by typing 'Word' into the Windows search box. From the Home screen of the Backstage view, select 'Blank Document' or 'Open' to work on an existing file. A new document opens in the Home tab with the cursor ready for typing.
Text formatting options such as font, size, and color can be applied before or after typing. To change existing text, select it by dragging the mouse or pressing Ctrl + A for the entire document. Then, use the menu arrows in the Home tab to choose your desired font, size, and color.
Similar to font changes, text alignment, line spacing, and indentations can be adjusted for new or existing text. Select the text, then use the Align Left, Center, Align Right, or Justify buttons. Use the Line Spacing menu to select spacing options and arrow buttons to adjust paragraph indentations. For a first-line indent, place the cursor at the beginning of the paragraph and press the Tab key.
To add headings, select existing text or choose a heading level before typing from the Styles group. Word offers nine heading levels, with additional levels appearing as higher-level headings are used.
To adjust page margins, navigate to the Layout tab, select the Margins button, and choose an option from the drop-down menu.
To insert an image, place the cursor where it should appear, go to the Insert tab, and select the Pictures button. Choose the image location (This Device, Stock Images, or Online Pictures). After insertion, resize the image using handles and adjust its position relative to text using the Layout Options button (e.g., Square layout).
To add page numbers, go to the Insert tab, select Page Number, and choose a location and design. Close the Header and Footer tab when done. For headers and footers, stay in the Insert tab, select either Header or Footer, choose a design, type your text into the placeholders, and then close the feature.
The spelling and grammar check in Word for Microsoft 365 is called the Editor. Access it from the Review tab by selecting the Editor button (or Check Document in older versions). Review corrections or refinements, select recommended changes, or choose to ignore suggestions. A separate 'Spelling and Grammar' button provides a quicker check without additional refinements.
It's recommended to save your document before printing. Go to the File tab, select Save, and choose a location. 'Browse' opens a Save As window where you can select a folder, enter a file name, and click Save. For printing, reselect the File tab, then Print. Ensure the correct printer is selected, enter the number of copies, and click Print, following any additional prompts from your printer.