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40 Microsoft Word tips and tricks to boost your productivity & make the most out of the application:

Microsoft Word tips and tricks to enhance your productivity and make the most out of the application:


TABLE OF CONTENTS: 

1. Navigation shortcuts.
2. Selecting Text.
3. AutoCorrect.
4. Format Painter.
6. Table of Contents.
7. Page Breaks.
8. Headers and Footers.
9. Track Changes
10. Commenting
11. Find and Replace
12. Page Orientation.
13. Split View.
14. Zoom In/Out.
15. Word Count.
16.Tables
17. Inserting Pictures.
18. Format Pictures.
19. SmartArt.
20. Keyboard Shortcuts.
21. Recover Unsaved Documents.
22. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts.
23. Insert Symbol.
24. Headers and Footers for Sections.
25. Footnotes and Endnotes
26. Change Case:
27. Multilevel Numbering and Bullets:
28. Paste Special:
29. AutoText and Building Blocks:
30. Quick Parts:
31. Split and Merge Cells:
32. View Side by Side:
33. Custom Watermarks:
34. Recover Previous Versions:
35. Read Aloud: 
36. Restrict Editing:
37. AutoSummarize:
38. Smart Lookup:
39. Mail Merge:
40. Accessibility Checker:


1. Navigation Shortcuts:
In Microsoft Word, there are several navigation shortcuts that can help you move around your Document more efficiently. Here are some commonly used navigation shortcuts:

1. Move by Word: Use the Ctrl + Left Arrow or Ctrl + Right Arrow keys to move the cursor one word to the left or right, respectively.

2. Move by Paragraph: Press the Ctrl + Up Arrow or Ctrl + Down Arrow keys to move the cursor up or down by one paragraph at a time.

3. Move to the Beginning/End of the Line: Press the Home key to move the cursor to the beginning of the current line and the End key to move it to the end of the line.

4. Move to the Beginning/End of the Document: Press Ctrl + Home to move the cursor to the beginning of the document and Ctrl + End to move it to the end.

5. Move by Page: Use the Page Up and Page Down keys to move the cursor up or down by one page at a time.

6. Move to Specific Page: Press Ctrl + G to open the "Go To" dialog box, where you can enter a specific page number to jump to.

7. Move by Heading: If you have applied headings in your document using styles, you can press Ctrl + Alt + Heading Number to move to the next occurrence of that heading.

8. Navigate Back and Forward: Use the Alt + Left Arrow or Alt + Right Arrow keys to navigate back and forward to previously visited locations in the document.

These shortcuts can help you navigate quickly through your Word document and save time while editing or reviewing your work.

2. Selecting Text:
Selecting text in Microsoft Word is essential for various editing tasks. Here are several ways to Select text:

1. **Click and Drag:** Position the cursor at the starting point of the text you want to select, click and hold the left mouse button, then drag the cursor over the text you want to highlight. Release the mouse button when you've selected the desired text.

2. **Double-Click:** To select a single word, quickly double-click on the word. Triple-clicking will select the entire paragraph.

3. **Triple-Click with Drag:** Triple-clicking on a word and holding the mouse button down on the third click allows you to select multiple paragraphs by dragging the cursor up or down.

4. **Keyboard Shortcuts:** Use keyboard shortcuts for text selection:
   - To select a word: Double-click on the word or hold the Ctrl key and click anywhere in the word.
   - To select a sentence: Hold the Ctrl key and click anywhere in the sentence.
   - To select a paragraph: Triple-click anywhere in the paragraph or click four times on the left side of the paragraph.
   - To select from the cursor to the end of the word: Hold the Shift key and press the right arrow key.
   - To select from the cursor to the end of the line: Hold the Shift key and press the End key.
   - To select from the cursor to the beginning of the line: Hold the Shift key and press the Home key.

5. **Select All:** Press Ctrl + A to select the entire document.

Using these methods, you can easily select the specific text portions you need for editing, formatting, or copying and pasting in Microsoft Word.

3. AutoCorrect:
AutoCorrect is a feature available in various applications, including Microsoft Word and other word processing software. It automatically corrects common spelling mistakes, typos, and certain abbreviations as you type, saving you time and effort in manually fixing these errors.

When AutoCorrect is enabled, it automatically replaces a misspelled word or abbreviation with the correct one as you continue typing. For example, if you type "teh," AutoCorrect will automatically change it to "the." It can also fix capitalization errors, such as changing "i" to "I" when used as a pronoun.

AutoCorrect can be customized to add your own corrections or turn off specific replacements if desired. It helps maintain consistent and error-free documents, especially for those who often make common typing mistakes.
Keep in mind that while AutoCorrect is beneficial for catching and fixing minor errors, it's essential to proofread your documents to ensure correct grammar, context, and meaning.

4. Format Painter:
The Format Painter is a tool commonly found in various software applications, including Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It allows you to copy the formatting (such as font style, size, color, etc.) from one part of the document or object and apply it to another. To use the Format Painter, simply select the text or object with the desired formatting, click on the Format Painter icon, and then click on the target text or object where you want to apply the same formatting.

1. Select the text with the desired formatting that you want to copy.
2. Look for the "Format Painter" icon in the "Home" tab of the ribbon. It looks like a paintbrush.
3. Click on the Format Painter icon to activate it.
4. Your cursor will now have a paintbrush symbol attached to it.
5. Highlight the text where you want to apply the copied formatting. Word will instantly apply the same formatting to the new selection.
6. If you want to apply the formatting to multiple areas, double-click the Format Painter icon, and it will stay active until you click it again or press the "Esc" key.

This feature is helpful when you want to maintain consistent formatting across different parts of your document.

5. Quick Styles:
Quick Styles, also known as Quick Style Sets, are pre-designed collections of formatting options available in Microsoft Word. They allow you to quickly apply a unified and professional look to your documents. These styles include combinations of font styles, sizes, colors, paragraph spacing, and more.

To use Quick Styles in Microsoft Word:

1. Select the text you want to format or place the cursor in the paragraph you want to format.
2. Go to the "Home" tab on the ribbon.
3. Look for the "Styles" group, which contains various Quick Style options.
4. Click on the dropdown arrow to view the available Quick Style Sets.
5. Choose a style that suits your document's requirements.

Once you apply a Quick Style, it will automatically update if you modify the style set or theme of your document. This feature saves time and helps maintain a consistent look throughout your document.

6. Tables of Contents:
Use headings and styles to generate a Table of Contents automatically.
A Table of Contents (TOC) is a list of the main sections and their corresponding page numbers in a document. It is a helpful navigational tool that allows readers to quickly find specific sections or topics within a lengthy document, such as a book, report, or thesis.

To create a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word:

1. Ensure that your document has properly formatted heading styles. Use the "Heading 1," "Heading 2," etc., styles to define the hierarchy of your sections.

2. Place your cursor at the location where you want to insert the Table of Contents.

3. Go to the "References" tab on the ribbon.

4. Look for the "Table of Contents" group.

5. Click on the "Table of Contents" button to open a dropdown menu.

6. Choose one of the pre-designed Table of Contents options. You can select "Automatic Table 1," which includes page numbers, or "Automatic Table 2," which only includes the section names.

The Table of Contents will be inserted into your document, and it will automatically update if you make any changes to the headings or page numbers in your document. To update the Table of Contents manually, right-click on it and select "Update Field."

Remember to keep your headings consistently formatted using Word's built-in styles for the Table of Contents to work correctly and efficiently.

7. Page Breaks:
Use Page Breaks (Ctrl + Enter) to control where a new page starts in your document.
Page breaks are used in word processing software to force content to start on a new page. They are useful when you want to control the layout of your document and ensure that certain sections or content appear on separate pages. Page breaks are especially handy for creating a new page for chapters, sections, or headings.

In Microsoft Word, you can insert a page break in the following ways:

1. Place your cursor where you want the content to end, and then press "Ctrl + Enter" on your keyboard.
2. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon, look for the "Pages" group, and click on "Page Break."

Once you insert a page break, the content following it will automatically start on a new page. This helps in organizing your document, especially for reports, essays, or any content that requires distinct sections.

8. Headers and Footers:
Headers and footers are areas at the top and bottom of each page in a document, where you can add consistent information, such as page numbers, document title, author name, date, and other details that you want to appear on every page. Headers appear at the top margin, while footers appear at the bottom margin of the page.

In Microsoft Word, you can add headers and footers to your document by following these steps:

1. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.
2. Look for the "Header & Footer" group.
3. Click on "Header" to choose a predefined header layout, or click on "Edit Header" to create a custom header.
4. The cursor will move to the header area, and you can start typing or insert elements like page numbers, images, and text.
5. Similarly, click on "Footer" to choose a predefined footer layout, or click on "Edit Footer" to create a custom footer.
6. The cursor will move to the footer area, and you can start typing or insert elements like page numbers, copyright information, etc.

Headers and footers can be different for odd and even pages, and you can also have a different first page header/footer for documents with a title page. These options can be adjusted in the "Header & Footer Tools" Design tab that appears when you are working in the header or footer section.

Using headers and footers helps maintain a professional and organized appearance for your document, especially for longer documents like reports, theses, and manuals.

9. Track Changes:
"Track Changes" is a feature in Microsoft Word (and other word processing software) that allows you to keep a record of all edits made to a document. When enabled, any changes made to the text, formatting, or layout will be tracked and displayed with various indicators, such as different colors for insertions, deletions, and comments.

To use Track Changes in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the "Review" tab on the ribbon.
2. In the "Tracking" group, click on "Track Changes" to enable it. The button will turn blue when it's active.
3. Make the edits you want to the document. As you make changes, they will be marked with specific indicators, such as colored underlines or strikethroughs.
4. You can also add comments to provide feedback or explanations by selecting the text and clicking on "New Comment" in the "Comments" group under the "Review" tab.

Once Track Changes is enabled, you can see all the changes made by you and others in the document. You can accept or reject each change individually, and you can also navigate through the changes using the "Previous" and "Next" buttons in the "Changes" group.

Track Changes is particularly useful for collaborative editing, proofreading, and reviewing documents. It allows multiple people

10. Commenting:
Commenting in word processing software, like Microsoft Word, is a way to leave notes or feedback within the document without altering the actual content. Comments are useful for providing suggestions, explanations, or general remarks to collaborators or reviewers.

To add comments in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the "Review" tab on the ribbon.
2. In the "Comments" group, click on "New Comment." Alternatively, you can right-click on the selected text and choose "New Comment."
3. A comment box will appear in the right margin of the document. Type your comment inside the box.

The comment will be associated with the selected text, and the corresponding area will be highlighted with a colored indicator to indicate the presence of a comment. Multiple people can add comments, and each person's comments will be distinguished by their initials.

You can edit or delete comments by right-clicking on the comment indicator and selecting the appropriate option. Additionally, you can navigate through comments using the "Previous" and "Next" buttons in the "Comments" group under the "Review" tab.

Comments are especially helpful for collaborative work, document review, and providing context or clarification for specific parts of the document. They allow for easy communication and discussion within the document itself, making it a valuable feature for group projects and revisions.

11. Find and Replace
"Find and Replace" is a powerful feature available in word processing software, including Microsoft Word. It allows you to quickly search for specific text or formatting in a document and replace it with new content.

To use Find and Replace in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the "Home" tab on the ribbon.

2. Look for the "Editing" group.

3. Click on "Find" or use the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl + F" to open the "Find" pane on the left side of the document.

4. Type the text you want to find in the "Find what" field.

5. To replace the found text with new content, click on the "Replace" tab in the "Find" pane.

6. Type the replacement text in the "Replace with" field.

7. You can use the "Find Next" button to locate the next occurrence of the search term or "Replace" to replace the current occurrence. If you want to replace all occurrences at once, use the "Replace All" button.

8. If you want to find and replace with certain formatting options, click on the "More >>" button to expand additional search options, including format-specific search and replace.

Using Find and Replace can save a lot of time when you need to update repeated content or correct mistakes throughout your document. It is particularly useful for large documents, where manual search and replace would be time-consuming and prone to errors.

12. Page Orientation:
Page orientation refers to the direction in which the content of a document is displayed on a page. There are two main page orientations: portrait and landscape.

1. Portrait Orientation: In portrait orientation, the page is taller than it is wide. The content is aligned vertically, with the top of the page at the narrower end. This is the default page orientation for most documents and is commonly used for documents like letters, reports, and essays.

2. Landscape Orientation: In landscape orientation, the page is wider than it is tall. The content is aligned horizontally, with the wider end at the top. Landscape orientation is often used for documents with wide tables, charts, graphs, or images, as it allows more horizontal space to accommodate such elements.

To change the page orientation in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the "Layout" tab on the ribbon.

2. Look for the "Page Setup" group.

3. Click on the "Orientation" button.

4. Select either "Portrait" or "Landscape" from the dropdown menu.

Changing the page orientation can significantly impact the layout and formatting of your document. It's essential to choose the orientation that best suits the content and design requirements of your document to ensure readability and visual appeal.

13. Split View:
Split view is a feature in various software applications that allows you to view and work on multiple parts of the same document or multiple documents side by side within the same window. It's particularly useful for comparing, referencing, or editing content from different parts of a document or different documents simultaneously.

In different software, the implementation of the split view feature might vary, but the general idea remains the same. Here's how to use split view in Microsoft Word:

1. Open the document you want to work with in Microsoft Word.

2. Go to the "View" tab on the ribbon.

3. In the "Window" group, click on the "Split" button.

4. The document window will split into two parts with a vertical bar in the middle.

5. You can scroll and navigate each part independently. This allows you to see different sections of the same document simultaneously.

6. If you want to remove the split view, simply click on the "Remove Split" button located next to the "Split" button in the "View" tab.

Using split view can be beneficial when you need to refer to one section of a document while working on another section, comparing content from different parts of the document, or copying and pasting information between different documents efficiently. It helps improve productivity and makes it easier to work with complex documents.

14. Zoom In/Out:
Zoom in and zoom out are features available in word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, that allow you to adjust the magnification level of your document. Changing the zoom level helps you view the content more clearly, especially when working with detailed documents or when you want to see a broader overview of the page.

In Microsoft Word, you can zoom in and out using the following methods:

1. Using the Zoom Slider: At the bottom-right corner of the document window, you'll find a zoom slider. Drag the slider to the right to zoom in and to the left to zoom out.

2. Using the Zoom Percentage Dropdown: On the bottom-right corner of the document window, you'll also find a zoom percentage dropdown. Click on it, and select the desired zoom level from the list or type a specific percentage.

3. Using Keyboard Shortcuts: To zoom in, press "Ctrl" and "+" (plus) keys together. To zoom out, press "Ctrl" and "-" (minus) keys together. To return to the default zoom level, press "Ctrl" and "0" (zero) keys together.

4. Using the Zoom Dialog Box: Go to the "View" tab on the ribbon, look for the "Zoom" group, and click on the "Zoom" button. A dialog box will open, allowing you to specify a custom zoom percentage.

Adjusting the zoom level in your document is helpful when you want to focus on specific details, read the text more comfortably, or get a better overall view of your document layout. It's a flexible feature that makes it easier to work with documents of various complexities and sizes.

15. Word Count:
Word count is a feature in word processing software that calculates the total number of words in a document. It's a useful metric for assessing the length and complexity of a document and is commonly used in academic, professional, and creative writing.

In Microsoft Word, you can find the word count of your document by following these steps:

1. Go to the "Review" tab on the ribbon.

2. Look for the "Proofing" group.

3. Click on the "Word Count" button.

A dialog box will appear, displaying the word count for the entire document, along with additional information like the number of characters, paragraphs, and pages. If you only want the word count for a specific selection, you can select the text before clicking the "Word Count" button to see the word count for the selected portion.

Word count is particularly important in various writing scenarios, such as academic essays (where there might be a word limit), professional reports, or when tracking progress in writing projects. It helps writers and editors manage their work and meet specific requirements for the document length.

16. Tables:
Tables are a common way to organize and present data in a structured format. They consist of rows and columns, forming cells where you can input text, numbers, or other information. Tables are widely used in various applications, including word processing software like Microsoft Word, spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, and web development.

In a table, each row represents a set of related data, and each column represents a specific attribute or characteristic. This format makes it easy to compare and analyze data, especially when dealing with large amounts of information.

Tables can be used for various purposes, such as:

1. Data organization: Tables can be used to arrange data neatly and facilitate easy reading and understanding.

2. Comparison: Tables are useful for comparing different data points or variables side by side.

3. Calculation: In spreadsheet software like Excel, tables enable complex calculations and formulas using the data in the cells.

4. Scheduling: Tables can be used to create calendars, timetables, or project schedules.

To create a table in Microsoft Word:

1. Place your cursor in the document where you want to insert the table.
2. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.
3. Look for the "Table" group.
4. Click on the "Table" button and select the number of rows and columns you want in the table from the grid that appears.
5. The table will be inserted, and you can start filling in the cells with your data.

Tables are versatile tools that help you present information in an organized and visually appealing manner, making it easier for readers to comprehend and analyze the data.

17. Inserting Pictures:
To insert pictures into a document in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor at the location in the document where you want to insert the picture.

2. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.

3. Look for the "Illustrations" group.

4. Click on the "Picture" button. A dialog box will open, allowing you to browse your computer to select the picture you want to insert.

5. Select the image file and click on the "Insert" button.

The picture will be inserted into your document at the cursor's location. You can then resize and reposition the picture as needed using the resizing handles and alignment options. Additionally, you can apply various formatting options to the picture, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, or adding borders.

For advanced picture editing, you can also double-click the picture to open the "Format Picture" pane on the right side of the screen, where you can access more extensive image editing tools and effects.

Adding pictures to your document can enhance its visual appeal, making it more engaging and informative for your readers. You can use pictures to illustrate concepts, add visual examples, or enhance the overall design of your document.

18. Format Pictures:
To format pictures in Microsoft Word, you can use various tools and options to customize their appearance and enhance their visual appeal. Here are some common formatting options:

1. Resize: To resize a picture, click on the picture to select it, then drag any of the corner handles inward or outward. You can also right-click on the picture, select "Size and Position," and set specific height and width values.

2. Crop: To remove unwanted parts of a picture, select the picture, go to the "Format" tab on the ribbon, and click on the "Crop" button. Then, drag the handles to crop the image as desired.

3. Rotate and Flip: You can rotate or flip a picture by selecting it, going to the "Format" tab, and using the "Rotate" and "Flip" options.

4. Picture Styles: In the "Format" tab, you'll find the "Picture Styles" group, offering various pre-defined styles for borders, shadows, reflections, and more.

5. Picture Effects: Under the "Picture Effects" option in the "Format" tab, you can add artistic effects, such as shadows, reflections, and 3D effects.

6. Color Corrections: The "Color" option in the "Format" tab allows you to adjust the brightness, contrast, and color tone of the picture.

7. Artistic Filters: In the "Artistic Effects" option, you can apply artistic filters to the picture, giving it a more creative look.

8. Wrap Text: You can control how the text flows around the picture using the "Wrap Text" option in the "Format" tab.

These formatting options provide you with a wide range of possibilities to enhance and customize the appearance of pictures in your document. Remember to use them wisely to create a visually appealing and professional document.

19. SmartArt:
SmartArt is a feature in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel that allows you to create and customize graphical representations of information. It provides a variety of pre-designed diagrams and layouts, making it easier to visually communicate complex ideas, processes, and relationships.

To insert SmartArt in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.

2. Look for the "Illustrations" group.

3. Click on the "SmartArt" button.

4. A gallery will open, showing various SmartArt graphic categories. Choose the category that best suits your content, and then select a specific layout from the available options.

5. Click "OK" to insert the selected SmartArt graphic into your document.

Once you have inserted the SmartArt, you can add text to the individual shapes or elements within the graphic. You can also customize its appearance using various formatting options, such as changing colors, resizing, and adding effects.

SmartArt is a powerful tool for creating visual aids in your documents and presentations, helping your audience better understand complex information and data. It is commonly used for illustrating processes, hierarchies, timelines, and other types of visual representations.

20. Keyboard Shortcuts:
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that perform specific actions or commands in software applications, including word processing software like Microsoft Word. Using keyboard shortcuts can significantly speed up your work and improve productivity, as it allows you to perform tasks without the need to navigate through menus and ribbons with the mouse.

Here are some common keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word:

1. Ctrl + S: Save the document.
2. Ctrl + C: Copy selected text or item.
3. Ctrl + X: Cut selected text or item.
4. Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text or item.
5. Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
6. Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
7. Ctrl + B: Bold the selected text.
8. Ctrl + I: Italicize the selected text.
9. Ctrl + U: Underline the selected text.
10. Ctrl + P: Print the document.
11. Ctrl + F: Open the "Find" dialog to search for text.
12. Ctrl + H: Open the "Find and Replace" dialog.
13. Ctrl + A: Select all text in the document.
14. Ctrl + N: Create a new document.
15. Ctrl + O: Open an existing document.

These are just a few examples of the many keyboard shortcuts available in Microsoft Word. Learning and using keyboard shortcuts can significantly improve your workflow and save time.

21. Recover Unsaved Documents:
In Microsoft Word, there is a feature that automatically saves a temporary copy of your document at regular intervals, which can be useful in case of unexpected system crashes or accidental closure of the application. If you encounter a situation where your Word document was not saved, you may be able to recover it using the "AutoRecover" feature.

To recover unsaved documents in Microsoft Word:

1. Open Microsoft Word.

2. Go to the "File" tab on the ribbon.

3. Click on "Open" from the left sidebar.

4. In the Open dialog box, look for the "Recent Documents" section at the bottom.

5. Click on "Recover Unsaved Documents."

6. A list of unsaved documents will be displayed. Select the one you want to recover.

7. Click on "Open" to open the unsaved document.

If the above method doesn't work, you can check the default AutoRecover file location to find the temporary files manually. To do this:

1. Go to the "File" tab on the ribbon.

2. Click on "Options" at the bottom of the left sidebar.

3. In the Word Options dialog box, go to the "Save" section.

4. Note the "AutoRecover file location." It will show you the path where temporary files are saved.

5. Navigate to that location in Windows File Explorer.

6. Look for files with the extension ".asd" (AutoRecover files).

7. Find the file that corresponds to the document you want to recover.

8. Double-click on the ".asd" file to open it in Word.

Please note that the AutoRecover feature may not be enabled by default in all versions of Microsoft Word or may be configured to save the temporary files at different intervals. Therefore, it's essential to check your Word settings to ensure AutoRecover is active and to know the location where temporary files are saved. Additionally, it's crucial to regularly save your documents manually to avoid losing data in case of unexpected issues.

Remember that Microsoft Word has many features and capabilities, and mastering them can significantly improve your document creation and editing experience. Experiment with these tips and tricks to find what works best for your workflow!


22. Custom Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize your own keyboard shortcuts for frequently used commands under the "Customize Ribbon" settings.

However, you may be able to customize keyboard shortcuts at the operating system level or use third-party software to remap keys and create custom shortcuts for various applications, including Microsoft Word. Keep in mind that modifying keyboard shortcuts at the system level can affect other applications as well.If you want to create custom keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Word, you can explore third-party applications or tools designed for this purpose. Some third-party applications allow you to assign custom keyboard shortcuts to specific commands or macros within Microsoft Word.Always exercise caution when modifying keyboard shortcuts, especially at the system level, as it may lead to unintended consequences or conflicts with other software. It's a good idea to back up your system or create restore points before making any changes.For the most up-to-date information on custom keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Word, I recommend checking the official Microsoft Office support documentation or community forums.

23. Insert Symbol
To insert symbols in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

1. Place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol in your document.

2. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.

3. Look for the "Symbols" group.

4. Click on the "Symbol" button. A dropdown menu will appear.

5. From the dropdown menu, you can choose one of the following options:
   - "Symbol": This will open a dialog box with various symbols you can select from.
   - "More Symbols...": This will open the "Symbol" dialog box, where you can browse and select from a more extensive collection of symbols, special characters, and emojis.
   - "Equation": If you need to insert mathematical symbols or equations, you can use this option to access the Equation Editor.

6. After selecting the symbol, click "Insert" to add it to your document.

If you frequently use specific symbols, you can also add them to the "Symbol" gallery for quick access:

1. Follow steps 1 to 4 above.

2. Click on "More Symbols..." to open the "Symbol" dialog box.

3. Select the symbol you want to add to the gallery.

4. Click on the "AutoCorrect" button.

5. In the "AutoCorrect" dialog box, type a unique character combination in the "Replace" field. This will be the shortcut to insert the symbol.

6. Click "Add" and then "OK."

Now, whenever you type the character combination you defined, Microsoft Word will automatically replace it with the corresponding symbol from the gallery.

Using the "Symbol" feature, you can easily add a wide range of special characters, symbols, and other non-standard characters to your documents.

24. Headers and Footers for Sections:
In Microsoft Word, you can have different headers and footers for different sections of your document. This is useful when you want to display varying information or formatting on different pages or parts of your document.

To create headers and footers for different sections:

1. Place your cursor at the beginning of the section where you want to start a new header or footer.

2. Go to the "Layout" tab on the ribbon.

3. Look for the "Page Setup" group.

4. Click on the "Breaks" button.

5. Select the appropriate section break option from the dropdown menu. For example, you can choose "Next Page" if you want to start a new section on the next page.

6. Repeat the above steps for each section where you want to have a different header or footer.

7. With the cursor in the new section, go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.

8. Look for the "Header & Footer" group.

9. Click on "Header" or "Footer," depending on whether you want to edit the header or footer.

10. Select one of the predefined header or footer options, or choose "Edit Header" or "Edit Footer" to create a custom one.

11. You can now add different content, such as text, page numbers, images, or any other information, to the header or footer for that section.

By using section breaks and customizing headers and footers for each section, you can create a more versatile and organized document, especially when dealing with complex documents like reports, books, or manuals.

25. Footnotes and Endnotes:
Footnotes and endnotes are used in word processing software, like Microsoft Word, to provide additional information, comments, or references without disrupting the main text of the document. They are commonly used in academic writing, research papers, and other types of formal documents to cite sources, explain terms, or offer commentary.

The main difference between footnotes and endnotes lies in their placement:

1. Footnotes: Footnotes are located at the bottom of the same page where the corresponding reference or comment is made in the main text. They appear as small superscript numbers in the text, and the full note is displayed at the bottom of the page.

2. Endnotes: Endnotes are placed at the end of the document, typically on a separate page or section. Like footnotes, they are indicated by small superscript numbers in the main text, but the full note is presented at the end of the document.

To add footnotes or endnotes in Microsoft Word:

1. Place your cursor at the location in the main text where you want to add the footnote or endnote reference.

2. Go to the "References" tab on the ribbon.

3. In the "Footnotes" group, click on the "Insert Footnote" or "Insert Endnote" button, depending on which you want to use.

4. A superscript number will be added in the text, and the cursor will move to the corresponding area at the bottom of the page (for footnotes) or the end of the document (for endnotes).

5. Type the text for your footnote or endnote in the area provided.

Once you've added footnotes or endnotes, Microsoft Word will automatically handle the numbering and formatting for you. You can customize the appearance and format of footnotes and endnotes using the "Footnote & Endnote" dialog box or by adjusting the settings in the "References" tab.

Footnotes and endnotes provide a clean and organized way to include additional information in your document, maintaining a smooth flow of the main text while still citing sources and providing explanations.

26. Change Case:
In Microsoft Word, you can easily change the case of text, converting it to uppercase, lowercase, or other variations. This feature is especially useful when you need to modify the text's appearance without retyping the entire content.

To change the case of text in Microsoft Word:

1. Select the text you want to modify. You can select a single word, a sentence, a paragraph, or the entire document.

2. Go to the "Home" tab on the ribbon.

3. Look for the "Font" group.

4. Click on the "Change Case" button. It looks like the letter 'A' with an arrow above it.

5. A dropdown menu will appear with different options to change the case:
   - Sentence case: Capitalizes the first letter of each sentence.
   - lowercase: Makes all the selected text lowercase.
   - UPPERCASE: Makes all the selected text uppercase.
   - Capitalize Each Word: Capitalizes the first letter of each word.
   - tOGGLE cASE: Inverts the case of each letter (e.g., Hello becomes hELLO).

6. Select the appropriate option from the dropdown menu to apply the desired case change to the selected text.

Microsoft Word will instantly modify the case of the selected text based on your chosen option.

Using the "Change Case" feature in Word helps save time and ensures consistent text formatting, especially when dealing with large amounts of content. It's a handy tool for maintaining a uniform appearance throughout your document.

27. Multilevel Numbering and Bullets:
Multilevel numbering and bullets in Microsoft Word allow you to create structured lists with different levels of indentation. This feature is helpful when you need to organize information hierarchically, such as in outlines, agendas, or step-by-step instructions.

To create multilevel numbering and bullets in Microsoft Word:

1. Place your cursor where you want to start the list.

2. Go to the "Home" tab on the ribbon.

3. Look for the "Paragraph" group.

4. Click on the "Numbering" button for numbered lists or the "Bullets" button for bulleted lists. The first level of numbering or bullets will be applied.

5. Type the first item of the list and press "Enter" to move to the next line.

6. Press "Tab" to indent and create a new level (sublist) of numbering or bullets. Press "Shift + Tab" to go back to the previous level.

7. Type the next item and continue to indent or outdent as needed to create the desired structure.

You can also customize the appearance and style of the multilevel numbering and bullets:

1. Right-click on the list.

2. Choose "Adjust List Indents" from the context menu.

3. In the "Adjust List Indents" dialog box, you can modify the indentation and spacing for each level.

4. Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Using multilevel numbering and bullets helps you create organized and visually clear lists, making it easier for readers to understand the hierarchy and relationships between list items. This feature is a valuable tool for creating professional-looking documents with structured content.

28. Paste Special:
"Paste Special" is a feature available in various software applications, including Microsoft Word, that allows you to choose how you want to paste copied content into your document. It provides more control over the content and formatting when pasting from the clipboard.

In Microsoft Word, you can access the "Paste Special" options by following these steps:

1. Copy the content you want to paste into your document.

2. Place your cursor at the location where you want to paste the content.

3. Go to the "Home" tab on the ribbon.

4. Look for the "Clipboard" group.

5. Click on the small arrow at the bottom right corner of the "Clipboard" group. This will open the Clipboard pane.

6. In the Clipboard pane, click on the "Paste Special" button (it looks like a clipboard with a gear icon).

7. The "Paste Special" dialog box will appear, presenting you with various options to choose from:
   - Paste: You can choose to paste the content with its original formatting (default option).
   - Unformatted Text: This option pastes the content as plain text without any formatting.
   - Picture: If you copied an image, you can use this option to paste it as a picture.
   - HTML Format: If the content was copied from a web page, this option pastes the content in HTML format.
   - and more, depending on the content and formats available on the clipboard.

8. Select the desired option and click "OK" to paste the content into your document.

Using "Paste Special" is particularly useful when you want to paste content from other sources without bringing along unwanted formatting or when you want to integrate content from different applications in a specific way. It gives you more control over how the pasted content will appear in your document.

29. AutoText and Building Blocks:
AutoText and Building Blocks are two features in Microsoft Word that allow you to store and quickly insert reusable pieces of content, such as text, graphics, tables, or other document elements. These features are beneficial for saving time and maintaining consistency in your documents, especially when you frequently use specific content that requires formatting or customization.

1. AutoText:
AutoText is a quick way to insert frequently used text or content with predefined formatting. You can create your own AutoText entries and give them unique names for easy retrieval. To use AutoText, follow these steps:

   - Select the text or content you want to save as an AutoText entry.
   - Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.
   - In the "Text" group, click on the "Quick Parts" button.
   - Choose "Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery."
   - In the "Create New Building Block" dialog box, give the entry a name and specify other options if needed.
   - Click "OK" to save the AutoText entry.

   To insert an AutoText entry:
   - Place your cursor where you want to insert the AutoText entry.
   - Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.
   - In the "Text" group, click on the "Quick Parts" button.
   - Select the AutoText entry from the "Quick Parts" gallery.

2. Building Blocks:
Building Blocks are a more advanced version of AutoText, allowing you to store and organize reusable content with rich formatting, such as headers, footers, cover pages, and more. Building Blocks are grouped by categories and can be accessed from the Building Blocks Organizer. To use Building Blocks, follow these steps:

   - Select the text or content you want to save as a Building Block entry.
   - Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.
   - In the "Text" group, click on the "Quick Parts" button.
   - Choose "Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery."
   - In the "Create New Building Block" dialog box, give the entry a name, specify the category, and add a description if needed.
   - Click "OK" to save the Building Block entry.

   To insert a Building Block entry:
   - Place your cursor where you want to insert the Building Block entry.
   - Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.
   - In the "Text" group, click on the "Quick Parts" button.
   - Select the Building Block entry from the "Building Blocks Organizer."

Using AutoText and Building Blocks can significantly improve your productivity by allowing you to reuse content easily and consistently in your documents. It is especially helpful for standardized elements like legal disclaimers, company logos, headers, and footers.

30. Quick Parts:
Quick Parts is a feature in Microsoft Word that allows you to save and reuse frequently used content, such as text, images, tables, headers, footers, and more. It includes AutoText and Building Blocks, as mentioned in the previous response.

To access Quick Parts in Microsoft Word:

1. Select the content you want to save as a Quick Part or place the cursor where you want to insert a Quick Part.

2. Go to the "Insert" tab on the ribbon.

3. In the "Text" group, you'll find the "Quick Parts" button.

4. Click on the "Quick Parts" button to open the dropdown menu.

From the "Quick Parts" menu, you can:

- Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery: Save the selected content as an AutoText or Building Block entry for future use.

- Insert Quick Part: Insert a saved Quick Part at the current cursor location.

- Organize Quick Parts: Open the Building Blocks Organizer to manage and organize your saved Quick Parts.

- Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery...: This option allows you to save the selected content as a new Quick Part with a specific name and description.

- Building Blocks Organizer: Access the Building Blocks Organizer to view, edit, and manage all your saved Building Blocks.

Quick Parts is a powerful feature that saves time and effort, particularly when working on repetitive or structured documents. It enables you to maintain consistency in your work by reusing standardized content elements and layouts. Whether you need to insert boilerplate text, company logos, or custom headers and footers, Quick Parts simplifies the process of using and managing these reusable elements in Microsoft Word.

31. Split and Merge Cells:
In Microsoft Word, you can split and merge cells in a table to reorganize and customize the layout of your data. These actions are particularly useful when working with complex tables or when you need to adjust the table structure.

1. Split Cells:
To split a cell into multiple smaller cells:

- Place your cursor in the cell you want to split.

- Go to the "Layout" tab on the ribbon (this tab is visible when you have a table selected).

- Look for the "Merge" group.

- Click on the "Split Cells" button.

- In the "Split Cells" dialog box, specify the number of rows and columns you want to create by splitting the cell.

- Click "OK" to split the cell.

2. Merge Cells:
To merge multiple cells into a single cell:

- Select the cells you want to merge. They must be adjacent cells within the same row or column.

- Go to the "Layout" tab on the ribbon.

- Look for the "Merge" group.

- Click on the "Merge Cells" button.

Merging cells combines the selected cells into one, and the content from the upper-left cell will be retained while the content from other cells will be removed. The merged cell will span the size of the selected cells.

Please note that when you split or merge cells, it can affect the overall structure of your table, so it's essential to be careful and review the changes after performing these actions. Splitting and merging cells can help you create more flexible and organized tables, especially when dealing with data that requires specific arrangements or when you want to enhance the visual layout of your table.

32. View Side by Side:
The "View Side by Side" feature in Microsoft Word allows you to view two separate documents side by side within the same window. This feature is particularly useful when you need to compare or reference information from two different documents simultaneously.

To use the "View Side by Side" feature:

1. Open the two documents you want to view side by side in Microsoft Word.

2. Go to the "View" tab on the ribbon.

3. Look for the "Window" group.

4. Click on the "View Side by Side" button. It looks like two horizontal windows side by side.

5. The two documents will now be displayed next to each other within the same window.

You can make changes to either document, and both will be updated in real-time, allowing you to compare content, copy and paste information between the documents, or perform other tasks more efficiently.

To return to the regular view (single document view), click on the "View Side by Side" button again, or use the "Arrange All" button in the "Window" group to choose a different layout for multiple documents.

The "View Side by Side" feature is an excellent tool for multitasking and working with multiple documents simultaneously, especially when you need to keep track of information from various sources or reference data from one document while working on another.

33. Custom Watermarks:
In Microsoft Word, you can create custom watermarks to add text, images, or other content that appears faintly in the background of your document. Watermarks are often used to indicate the document's status (e.g., draft, confidential) or to add branding elements to the pages.

To create a custom watermark in Microsoft Word:

1. Go to the "Design" tab on the ribbon (Note: In older versions of Word, the "Watermark" feature may be under the "Page Layout" tab).

2. Look for the "Page Background" group.

3. Click on the "Watermark" button. A dropdown menu will appear.

4. Select "Custom Watermark" from the dropdown menu.

5. In the "Printed Watermark" dialog box that appears, choose whether you want to add a text watermark or a picture watermark.

   For Text Watermark:
   - Select the "Text watermark" option.
   - Type the text you want to use as the watermark in the "Text" box.
   - Customize the font, size, color, layout, and other options as desired.
   - Click "OK" to apply the text watermark to the document.

   For Picture Watermark:
   - Select the "Picture watermark" option.
   - Click on the "Select Picture" button to browse and choose the image you want to use as the watermark.
 


This post first appeared on INFO SITE VISION, please read the originial post: here

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40 Microsoft Word tips and tricks to boost your productivity & make the most out of the application:

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