The Basics of Microsoft Word Getting Started and Formatting your paper

What is Microsoft Word? Microsoft Word is a very common word processing system. This program is very useful for typing papers and other text-based documents. Microsoft Word is a very common word processing system. This program is very useful for typing papers and other text-based documents.

Opening Microsoft Word Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner. Select “All Programs” Select “All Programs” Select “Microsoft Office” Select “Microsoft Office” Microsoft Word should be one of your choices. Microsoft Word should be one of your choices.

Other ways to open Word Sometimes there is a link directly on the desktop. You can double click this link. Sometimes there is a link directly on the desktop. You can double click this link.

Check your Font Size and Style Make sure that settings are correct! Most teachers will tell you what they prefer. Make sure that settings are correct! Most teachers will tell you what they prefer.

Font Size & Style: Microsoft Word 2007 Your current font settings are displayed here Your default font settings can be changed here

Font Size and Style

Changing font appearance Once you have selected your Font, you can make more changes. Once you have selected your Font, you can make more changes. These options are often used for titles and citations These options are often used for titles and citations

Font Appearance in Word 2007

Examples of Bold, Italic and Underlined text

How to Double-space Click the “Format” button at the top of the screen. Click the “Format” button at the top of the screen. Select the “Paragraph” option. Select the “Paragraph” option. Double spacing is one of the “Line Spacing:” options. Double spacing is one of the “Line Spacing:” options.

Double Spacing in Word 2007 Click Here to set line spacing To double space, select 2.0 from the drop down list

Example of a double- spaced paper

Checking your Margins Most teachers will prefer one inch margins around the edge of your paper. Most teachers will prefer one inch margins around the edge of your paper. Click “File” then select “Page Setup” Click “File” then select “Page Setup” Make sure all four sides are set to 1” Make sure all four sides are set to 1”

Margins and Page Layout in Word 2007 Select the Page Layout Tab Click “Margins”, Normal setting is 1”

How to align your text Your Teacher will let you know what information they want in your header These icons will allow you to change or verify your text alignment. It is currently set to the default ‘align left’ setting.

More alignment: Centered Text You need to change alignment for your title. The icon that centers is now highlighted.

Formatting your Paragraphs Notice that the alignment has been moved back to the left side. Using the tab button will create the proper indent every time.

Word 2007 has the same icons on the Home Tab of the program Text Alignment: Word 2007

Header and Footer You can use a Header and Footer to add information that needs to be on each page of your document. You can use a Header and Footer to add information that needs to be on each page of your document. –Examples: Page Numbers, your name, date, etc.

Basic Features of Headers and Footers

The easiest way to insert your name and page number is to select the page number option that you want. When the page number comes up, type your name next to the number. Headers and Footers in Word 2007

Including Lists and Numbers Microsoft will help you create and organize lists. Microsoft will help you create and organize lists. Bullets are good for lists that do not need to be numbered. Bullets are good for lists that do not need to be numbered.

Including Lists and Numbers Bullets are good for lists that don’t have a specific order. Bullets are good for lists that don’t have a specific order. –Example: groceries Numbers are good for lists that go in a specific order. Numbers are good for lists that go in a specific order. –Example: instructions on how to change oil.

Including Lists and Numbers: Word 2007 These buttons allow you to format either bulleted or numbered lists

Using Spell Check In the “Tools” menu, select “Spelling and Grammar”

Spell Check in Word 2007 The Spell Check option is on the Review Tab in Word 2007

Saving your Work In Word 2003, Click “file” then “save as”. If you have a flash drive, make sure that drive is selected by clicking “my computer” then your removable disc. In Word 2007, the file menu has been replaced by the circular icon in the top left corner, but the process is the same.

Summary Ask your teacher or the librarian if you have any questions about Microsoft Word. Ask your teacher or the librarian if you have any questions about Microsoft Word. Visit Microsoft’s official site if you have more questions: Visit Microsoft’s official site if you have more questions: –Microsoft Word Help and How-to Microsoft Word Help and How-toMicrosoft Word Help and How-to