Word Processing Basics

How to Create, Edit, and Print a Microsoft Word document

Last Updated: 2007

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ContentsIntroductionPart 1: Keyboard Basics Review: File ManagementPart 2: Formatting TextPart 3: Tools

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IntroductionWhat Are Word Processors?

Why use Word Processors?DraftsLayoutColourImagesFlexibility

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Kinds of Word ProcessorsWordPadCorel WordPerfectMicrosoft Word

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Part 1: Keyboard Basics

TabCaps LockShiftEnter / ReturnSpace BarBackspaceArrow KeysPractice Moving Your CursorKeyboard Exercise

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Keyboard Basics ReviewArrow KeysSpace BarTabEnter/ReturnShiftCaps LockBackspace

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Review: File ManagementThree Ways to Open a File

Double Click on the Desktop IconOR

Find Microsoft Word on the Start MenuOR

Double Click on a Word file

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Document: Write HereTitle BarMenu BarToolbarsFind the cursor (the flashing vertical line). Your text will appear here when you type. Buttons

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Part 2: Formatting Your DocumentMoving Text: HighlightingCutting & Pasting / Dragging & DroppingThe ClipboardPage SetupFontUndo - Redo

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Moving Text: HighlightingClick and Hold DragLift

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Moving Text: Cut and PasteCut:Highlight the TextGo to the Edit MenuChoose Cut

Paste:Move your cursor to where you want to put the text.Go to the Edit Menu Choose Paste

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The ClipboardCut or copied text goes to the Clipboard and stays there so that you can use it and reuse itIt is a way of moving text from one application to another.

The Clipboard can hold up to 24 itemsIf you copy a 25th item, the first item in the Clipboard is deleted

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Page SetupUnder the File Menu, click on Page Setup.You can change margins, page orientation and paper size.

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Font

You can change the font type and size by using the Format menu and clicking on Font

or you can use the shortcuts in the Format toolbar

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Undo/RedoDid you make a mistake?Dont panic!

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Undo & Repeat

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Saving a FileSave vs. Save As

Use Save AsWhen you are saving your file for the first time ORWhen your are saving your file to a new place ORWhen you are saving your file under a new name

Use SaveWhen you have made a change to your document

Remember: Save your file OFTEN !

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Saving a File

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Save your work!!

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Part 3: Tools Spell CheckerSpell CheckerFinds (potential) spelling errors in your documentCompares each word against the words in the built-in dictionariesHighlights a word if it cant find a match

May highlight words that are actually spelled correctly because they are not in the built-in dictionaryCannot identify a misspelled word if it correctly spells another wordE.g., from vs. form; there vs. their

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Part 3: Tools Spell CheckerTo check your file for spelling mistakesGo to the beginning of your documentClick the Spell Checker button in the toolbar

The Spelling & Grammar Window will appear if Word encounters a spelling problem

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Part 3: Tools Spell CheckerTo add a word to the dictionaryRight-click the highlighted wordClick Add to Dictionary

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Part 3: Tools - PrintingPrint Preview

Printing

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Part 3: Tools - PrintingShows you what your file will look like on the printed pageSaves time and moneyProcess:

Go to the File menuClick Print Preview

(See handout, p. 3)

One of the great things about Word is that it gives you the option to preview what your document will look like when you print it. You can look at this preview and if it doesnt look how you want it to, you can make changes before printing. This saves both time and paper. Its like building a model of a house before building the house itself. You can see if there are any problems before putting the money into the final version.

To see the print preview, go to the File menu and left click on Print Preview.

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Part 3: Tools - Printing

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Part 3: Tools - Printing

Close

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Part 3: Tools - Printing

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Printing a Selection

Highlight the text you want to printChoose Print from the File menuClick on the circle beside SelectionClick OK

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Part 3: Tools - PrintingFinal Exercise: Print Your Letter

Print PreviewDo you like the formatting?

PrintHow many pages do you want to print?Do you want to print the entire file or just a selection?

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Conclusion

Any questions?HandoutsUpcoming training programsLibrary resourcesProgram evaluation forms

(See handout, p. 3)

One of the great things about Word is that it gives you the option to preview what your document will look like when you print it. You can look at this preview and if it doesnt look how you want it to, you can make changes before printing. This saves both time and paper. Its like building a model of a house before building the house itself. You can see if there are any problems before putting the money into the final version.

To see the print preview, go to the File menu and left click on Print Preview.