How to Use the Letter Wizard in Word 2003

Your business letters and personal correspondence need a proper format and professional layout to make their best impression. With Word 2003's Letter Wizard you can create letters that will meet a high standard. Read on to learn how it works.

Things You'll Need

• Word 2003
• Computer

Instructions

1. Open a document you wish to make into a letter in Microsoft Word 2003. This will be the body of your letter.

2. Click "Tools," then "Letters and Mailings," then "Letter Wizard."

3. Click the "Format" tab.

4. Check "Date line" if you want to include a date. The current date will automatically appear. Choose a date format from the drop-down menu.

5. Select "Include header and footer with page design." This option will be grayed out if you do not have a header or footer.

6. Choose a page design from the drop-down menu on the left. Pick options and preview them until you find one that suits you.

7. Choose a letter style. Examine the preview to see how your text will appear.

8. Accommodate for a pre-printed letterhead. If you are using stationery with a letterhead, check the "Pre-printed letterhead" box, and then fill in the dimensions. Do this so the letter won't print over your letterhead.

9. Click the "Recipient Info" tab. Fill in the recipient's name and mailing address. Choose a salutation at the bottom. You can choose from stock salutations within the drop-down menu. You also can designate the salutation style from among Formal, Informal, Business and Other.

10. Click "Other Elements." Choose whether to add optional elements to your letter. Select "Reference line" if you are replying to a letter. Use "Mailing instructions" if the letter is certified or confidential. Choose "Attention" or "Subject" if you want to include those lines. The last section is for "Courtesy copies"--include additional addresses to which you'd like to send copies of the letter.

11. Click "Sender Info." Enter the sender's name and address. Check "Omit" next to "Return address" if you'd rather leave it out of the letter.

12. Choose from the drop-down menu of closings. Enter your job title, company name and typist's initials, if applicable (your initials if you are preparing this letter for someone else). If you have enclosures (other than the letter), check "Enclosures" and indicate the number.

13. Click "OK."

14. Preview and print. Click "File," "Print Preview" and then review the letter to for mistakes or omissions. Click "Print."

Tips & Warnings

• The options in the drop-down menu are only suggestions. Feel free to use your own words.

• You can choose names from your address book if you keep contacts in Microsoft Outlook. Click the "Address Book" icon instead of typing in names.

• The Letter Wizard doesn't guarantee impeccable formatting. If you don't know which format to use, try searching for a handbook or tutorial on the Internet.