Microsoft Office Word Basics

Microsoft Office Word Processor

• Word documents are the files created and edited in Microsoft Word.
• New documents can be created either blank or from a template.
• Existing documents can be opened.
• Documents can be saved with their existing or new file names and locations.
• Documents are saved in .docx format by default.
• AutoRecover saves documents automatically every 10 minutes to a temporary folder; if a document is closed unexpectedly, it can be restored.
• To change views for editing or reviewing, there are several options available within the program
• MS Word has scroll bars for moving up, down, or across the document window.
• The title bar displays the current document name.
• The status bar shows page, word, and zoom information.
• Other features include the Ribbon for common commands, the Quick Access Toolbar for frequently used commands, and the Ruler for formatting.
• The Backstage View functions allow accessing document options for saving, opening, printing, sharing, and more.
• There is a "Tell Me" feature for searching for commands or options
• Exporting a document to other formats like PDF is possible.

Learning Competencies

• Identify the parts and functions of the MS Word interface.
• Demonstrate skills in using MS Word interface parts to create a document.
• Identify steps in creating, opening, and saving a document in Word.
• Demonstrate skills in creating, opening, and saving a document.

The Microsoft Word Interface

• The Start Screen appears when opening Word for the first time.
• Users can create new documents, select templates or recently edited documents, or directly access a blank document.
• Documents are listed sequentially according to opening dates.

New Blank Document

• A new blank document window will appear.

Templates

• Templates are predesigned documents, often preformatted to aid speed and aesthetics.
• Numerous templates are available to choose from, ranging from calendars to business document structures.

Open File

• This is how you open an existing Word file.
• The "Open File" window helps select and open existing files.
• Users can either choose files from their computer or from OneDrive

Saving Documents

• Save saves the current document.
• Save As creates new versions of existing documents

AutoRecover

• Word automatically saves documents to a temporary folder.
• If Word crashes or the document is closed without saving it can be restored.

Document Views & Zooming

• Word has various views depending on the user's needs
• Views include Focus, Read Mode, Print Layout and Web Layout.
• Zooming options allow users to view the document at different magnifications.

Switching Document Views

• Switching between different document views is simple, with the necessary tools usually located in the bottom-right corner of the Word window. Possible switching options are: Focus Mode, Read Mode, Print Layout or Web Layout.

Zooming In and Out

• Zooming in or out is easily achieved by dragging the zoom slider or using the '+' or '-' commands. The percentage displayed indicates the current zoom.

Exporting Documents

• Word documents are typically saved as .docx files.
• Users can export documents to various file types .pdf or Word 97-2003
• This allows users to share documents with individuals who may or may not have Word saved in the .pdf format.