How to Format Text in Word 2003

Formatting text in Word 2003 can be as simple as changing the font or as extensive as applying a style that affects your entire document. Read on.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word 2003
• Computer

1. Start Word 2003 and open a document that has text that you want to format. Highlight the text by clicking and dragging with the mouse while holding down the left mouse button. Release when you have reached the end of the text.

2. Go to "Format" in the top toolbar and scroll down the menu to "Reveal Formatting." Click on this to bring up a sidebar that lists information about the formatting for that section of the text. The information is arranged under bold-faced headings that can be expanded by clicking on the check boxes next to each heading.

3. Find the aspect of formatting that you want to change on the sidebar. For example, if you want to adjust the alignment of the text, look under the "Paragraph" heading and click on "Alignment."

4. Make major changes to the format of a document by clicking the "Theme" option in the "Format" menu. Themes are sets of fonts, font colors and backgrounds that can be applied to the text with a single click of a mouse. Word 2003 has dozens of predefined themes that can make your document look like a no-nonsense business report or a just-for-kicks handout.

5. Save your work before closing Word 2003. If you forget, the application will prompt you to save when you exit.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have set Word 2003 to reveal the formatting, you can select other sections of text in the document without closing the sidebar. If you want to close the "Reveal Formatting" sidebar, check the "X" located at the top of the sidebar.
• Many of the more basic formatting options, like the font size and type, can be accessed directly from the toolbar.
• Save your work often just in case your computer crashes.