Microsoft has certainly changed the Microsoft Office interface, but the features you’ve always depended on are still there. Yes, there’s still easy access to formatting options, but as you can see, there’s a lot more to it than that. Here’s the Home tab. Notice there are many more tabs to access. Each of these tabs offers just as many features and options. [See Image 1]
Microsoft Office 2007 makes it easier than ever to complete common tasks like changing a font or font size. But the changes to Word and other Office 2007 applications are more than just a reordering of tools. The tools are easier to access and located in more intuitive places. This new interface helps you, the home user, be more creative and productive, and to do it all in less time.
The five new features that you’ll use and appreciate the most include:
* A new uncluttered interface with Web-like navigation options. Note you can move among the tabs quickly and easily. Tabs are selected automatically when a specific task is being performed, like inserting a table or reviewing text.
* The Ribbon, which contains tabs, to keep all tools applicable to the task you are performing immediately accessible. Here, the Insert tab is selected. Note you can insert pictures, files, shapes, equations, symbols, and more. [See Image 2]
* Contextual tabs offer specific sets of commands that only appear when a specific and defined type of data is being edited. For instance, in Excel, clicking an existing chart opens a new contextual tab with options for chart editing. Here, a chart is shown in Word. [See Image 3]
* Galleries, combined with Live Preview, let you create a professional looking presentation, document, or spreadsheet easily. Click any Gallery Option to see what the style selected will look like before actually applying it. Just hover the mouse over the style to view. Here, Heading 1 is selected. [See Image 4]
Tip: You can create your own Quick Style and add it to the Styles list.
* The interface is extensible. This means that software designers and developers can add their own contextual tabs, interface tabs, and Galleries. This means, that in the future, the developers of your favorite programs may choose to integrate them with Office 2007. You’ll be able to work more efficiently between the programs.