11 Tips to Ramp Up Your Microsoft Word Game
11 Tips to Ramp Up Your Microsoft Word Game
Microsoft Word is one of the most popular applications used by millions of people around the world. It is an indispensable part of most business environments.
Whether you are a beginner or advanced user, Microsoft Word can be used to create a variety of documents for business and personal use. The list includes business correspondence, memos, flyers, social media messages, mailing lists, reports, newsletters, conference/seminar materials, and more. You can easily and quickly share, edit, and print the documents.
There are several practical reasons why companies rely on Microsoft Word, but it is also worth acknowledging that few have explored its full capabilities. There are a lot of lesser-known features that can enhance your workplace productivity. Word features promising productivity-enhancing software, which many people are unaware of. Below are 11 tips to make the most of the software to enhance your productivity.
11 Tips to Make the Most of Microsoft Word
#1 Switch to an Online Workspace
One of the most appealing things about Microsoft Word is that you do not need to download and install the software on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. You can easily log in to your Microsoft account and use Word online without needing a copy of the software installed.
The online version of the program gives you the flexibility to work on different devices when you are on the move. The online version is also handy for those with limited device storage space as Word installation can take up a significant amount of space.
#2 Collaborate Efficiently
Microsoft Word allows you and your team to edit the same documents simultaneously. You will just need to save your file to OneDrive and then use the Share function to start collaborating on the same files. Anyone with the link can edit the files either on Word online or using the desktop app.
#3 Integration with Dictate
If you are doing quite a fair bit of writing throughout the day, you will find that this can cause both physical and mental fatigue. You can use the Microsoft Garage add-in for Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook to convert what you dictate into text. Using advanced speech recognition technology, you can take a break from writing.
#4 Establish Editorial Control
The Track Changes feature lets you monitor all the edits in your document. This allows you to review any changes made before accepting the changes. Use the Review tab and click on it to see all changes made by other team members. You can either accept or suggest the latest changes in the document. This improves collaboration and prevents messy file sharing with multiple versions.
#5 Linked Notes
If you find yourself struggling to meet article deadlines, you can try to keep your ideas and thoughts in the OneNote app. You can jot down short notes, keep track of ideas and quotes for your reference when you are ready to start writing. Use the Linked Notes function to place OneNote at the side of your screen. You can immediately refer to the notes without the need to switch to a different program, which helps you stay organised and focused.
#6 Research with Smart Lookup
Word’s Smart Lookup feature allows you to conduct online research while writing a document. You need not open a new browser to do a quick search. Highlight a word or a phrase, right-click and select “Search
#7 Use Convenient Zooming to Protect Your Vision
One of the largest barriers to successful work is eye strain due to staring at your screen for too long. To tackle this issue, use the zoom feature. Search for the slider on the lower-right part of the screen to find the ideal setting. Alternatively, press the Window and Plus keys on your keyboard to change the zoom level. Using the setting that is most comfortable for you can help with eye fatigue.
#8 Use Icons
It is common for people to focus on the visual appeal of your document. Use Word’s Icons to display your key phrases and headers to make it visually appealing. This is an uncomplicated way to draw the reader’s attention to valuable information without cluttering the document. Besides that, it can also help to improve the readability of your files – which will make it easier for your readers to find the information they need.
#9 Format Your Files
Use the Styles feature to customise your documents. You can use ready-made text formatting options or create your own styles for your regular use. Save your preferences so that all your documents are uniformly formatted.
#10 Look Up Images
If you are looking for a photo to illustrate your article, you can easily use the look-up image function without the need to open a web browser. All you need is to place your cursor on the section you would like to insert an image, navigate to the Insert tab and choose Online pictures. Select a suitable image and it will be added to your document.
Remember to only use images that are CC0 (Creative Common Zero) licensed to prevent any legal implications. Always check the licensing of images if you are using them in any of your writing projects.
#11 Edit Your PDF
You no longer need to download and install PDF editing software to edit your PDF files. Word now has a PDF editing feature to allow you to quickly make changes in your document. Do remember that you will need to convert your PDF file to a format that is compatible with Word.
Use Microsoft Word to excel in your work
Microsoft Word is an essential tool to improve communication and collaboration in your business. It allows you and your team to effortlessly generate documents to communicate with customers and co-workers.
When using Word, utilise the above-mentioned 11 tips to speed up document creation. You can increase productivity and complete your task faster with the built-in features within the program itself.
If you would like to know more tips on how to improve your productivity when using Microsoft Word, drop us a chat and we will share more tips with you.
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