How to Create Microsoft Word Documents Online

Put your documents online with Microsoft Word.

Microsoft Word, the word processing software that is part of the Microsoft Office suite, is a popular word processing programs among modern businesses and students. The program includes advanced spelling and grammar check functions, along with a wide variety of formatting, editing and layout options. Creating a Microsoft Word document online requires an OfficeLive account, which is a free email and file sharing account available through Microsoft's OfficeLive website. You also must have a licensed copy of Microsoft Word on your computer for the online software to interact with.

Instructions

1. Sign up for an OfficeLive account. Click the green "Get started now" button on the OfficeLive website and follow the instructions on your screen. You can sign up for either a personal or small business account, both of which allow access to the online version of Word.

2. Log in to your OfficeLive account and click the "Workspaces" link at the top of the page.

3. Click the link to "Create a new workspace" and select the type of workspace you wish to create from the list provided, such as a school, work or blank workspace. If you don't know which to choose, select "Blank workspace."

4. Click "New" in the upper left corner of your workspace, then select "Word document." If your computer's security system provides a warning box when the system tries to connect with your offline copy of Word, click "OK." Select "Windows (default)" and click "OK" if you are asked to select a type of encryption.

5. Add text, images and formatting to the new document as you would with a regular Word document. Save the document online in your workspace, which will be the default option when you click "Save." You can share online documents with others or keep them private.

Tips & Warnings

• As of 2010, Microsoft OfficeLive only works properly with Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari web browsers.

References

• Ask OfficeLive: Create a New Workspace
• Microsoft: OfficeLive