- 1). Use the FIle menu to create, open, save and print files. Word allows you to read various file formats and also save in different formats. Aside from Word's proprietary .docx and .doc files, you can read and edit .html, .txt, and .rtf files. If you're using an Apple computer, you can also save your files as .pdf. Word also allows you to preview your document before printing.
- 2). Begin typing. You can change the font, color, and shape of your text using the Format menu and by using the myriad options available under the menu bar. In later versions of Word, these options are available in what is called the Ribbon. You can customize these options, but by default, they should contain visual options as well as commands for editing, creating tables, columns and formatting paragraphs.
- 3). Use the Insert menu to insert automatic text (page numbers, footnotes, headers, etc) as well as to insert pictures and other elements. You can quickly create charts and tables using this menu. Experiment with the different options. Some people use these options every day; others never. It's best to find out for yourself.
- 4). Perform spell-check, use the dictionary, and do word counts from the Tools menu. If your document undergoes multiple edits, you can use the Track Changes feature to see what changes you have incorporated over various drafts.
- 5). Create tables by using the Tables menu. This is handy for creating various lists or tabulating data. You can also use tables in conjunction with Microsoft Excel.
- 6). Look at your document in various views by using the View menu. The View menu also contains a list of the various menus and Ribbon items that you can bring into or out of the screen.
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