And then the darned thing has to be updated every time to edit your document.
This list gives you an overview: if any of these tools look helpful, check out the Manuscript Formatting Guide for screen shots and detailed instructions on how to set up and use the different features. 10 Ways for Writers to Use Microsoft Word More EffectivelyĪfter starting to explain how to use each of these features, I realized I was creating a MUCH longer post than planned. Others are a bit more technical, so that (hopefully) the list will have something to offer even to the experiences Word user. Some are basic, and will help the computer-phobic to make Word operate a bit more efficiently.
Over the years, though, I’ve discovered that Word has a number of time-saving tricks…tricks that convinced even this impatient writer that it was worth my time to learn to use this writing tool more effectively. Why should we? Once you know how to type, format margins, and maybe do a search-and-replace, you’re ready to go. It’s so easy to learn the program’s basics, most of us start using it without taking the time to delve more deeply into its features.
Love it or hate it, this word processing program is the industry standard and, for most of us, a daily tool of the trade.