Microsoft Word Tricks and Tips

You can use the autocorrect feature in Microsoft Word to add symbols to your document without having to search through the symbols window for them. For example, (c) automatically changes to ©.

The mail-merge feature in Microsoft Word (MS) allows you to write emails in Microsoft Word, and then send them. In MS 2003, this feature was located under the tools button. In the 2007 version, it has been moved to its own tab--Mailings. It is listed under the start mail merge button on the Mailings tab. All you need to do is select the mail-merge wizard feature, which will request your information and walk you through the process.

Sometimes you want to break your documents up into separate segments. One way to accomplish this is by creating a line in your document. MS Word will draw a line across the width of your document with a few keystrokes. Three hyphens and the Enter key will form a normal line. You can also create a bold line with three underscores and the Enter key, and three equal signs and the Enter key will make a double line.

Sometimes MS Word documents include information that you did not expect. For instance, they may have hidden text or private properties, information that you do not want to reveal to other people. Fortunately, it is a simple matter to remove this information. In MS 2007, you can find this feature in the office button under the Prepare tab. Its label is Inspect the Document. This feature gives you an option of what kind of personal information for which you can search. Once you find the information, you can choose whether you want to delete it.

The view tab is one of the most useful feature in Word. It allows you to select different layouts for your document, so you can see what it would look like on the Web for instance. The full screen option, found on the document view section allows you to maximize the document without using the maximize tool. The toolbar also disappears, letting the reader concentrate on the document.

These are a few tips to help you navigate your way around Microsoft Word. While it may take a little bit of time to learn these tools, it will be well worth the amount of time you save in the end.