How to Use MS Word

Microsoft Word is a popular, powerful word processing program. While the most common use of Word is probably typing up documents on a plain, white document, this MS Office application has numerous other uses as well. Let's walk through the most basic ways to use Word, as well as some more advanced uses of the program.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word version 2000 - 2007

Instructions

1. 

   Create a Word document. Open Microsoft Word by clicking the Word icon on your desktop or clicking the "Start" button, pointing to "Programs" or "All Programs," clicking the "Microsoft Office" folder and selecting "Microsoft Word." A new, blank Word document will open. Use your keyboard to type directly into the document.

2. 

   Format the font. If you have not typed any text yet, you can make changes to the default font before you get started. If you have already started typing, select your text by clicking your mouse button and dragging it over the text. In Word 2007, you can make changes in the "Font" group of the "Home" tab of the ribbon. If you are using Word 2003 or earlier, these selections will be on the "Formatting" toolbar. Change the type of font, or alter the font size, color and other effects.

3. 

   Research a word. Press the "Alt" key on your keyboard, hold it down, and use your mouse to click on the word you want to look up. Word will present several entries including dictionary and thesaurus.

4. 

   Create a table. In Word 2007, go to the "Insert" tab of the ribbon. Click on "Table" and then select "Insert Table." In Word 2000 through 2003, point to "Insert" on the "Table" menu and then select "Table." Select the options you want from the "Insert Table" dialog box, or click the "Auto Format" button to choose a table design.

5. 

   Use Word templates. Microsoft offers hundreds of free templates, so there is probably one to suit your needs. Click the "Office Button" in Word 2007, or the "File" menu in older versions, and then click "New." Browse templates already installed on your computer, or search for them in the "On Microsoft Online" search box.

Resources

• MS Word Templates Online