Improve the Ease of Using Microsoft Word 2007

You may have different uses for Microsoft Office Word 2007. Sometimes, changing the view of your word processor, based on the function you are using the program for, can enhance your manageability of data. On the bottom right-hand corner of your Microsoft Office Word 2007 screen, you will see five buttons; put the mouse over them to see what they are for: print layout, full screen reading, web layout, outline, and draft. Each of these views can be used for different purposes.

Personally, I use “print layout” when I want to see the progress of my writing as I type. If I am trying to stay under or over a certain page count or word count, “print layout” mode shows me the parameters to stay in; I can see my progress as I type. When under this mode, I like to make the top and bottom margins disappear; they take up space and don’t let me see as much of my work at one time. To make the top and bottom margins disappear while you are typing (but not while you print or send to other people), hold the cursor over the very top of the on-screen paper (right below the ruler) until the cursor turns into two arrows. Double-click, and the margins will temporarily disappear while you work. To make them come back, repeat the procedure. This helps me see more of my typing at once, while also ensuring I stick to my page or word parameters.

Next to that is “full screen reading.” I like to use this when I’m simply reading documents. This mode minimizes the amount of scrolling needed while maintaining the original format of the paper. Under this mode, there are many options (see “view options” in the top right corner of the screen) to change the way you look at documents. For example, you can choose to view one or two pages at a time, allow or disallow typing, and more.

Then there is the “web layout” mode. This is my favorite mode for taking notes, typing random brainstormed ideas, and organizing research. “Web layout” allows you to see a full screen of your work while still maintaining all of the same Word functions (such as font changes, footnotes, and symbols). This is a great way to see as much of your typed data as possible without scrolling, though it doesn’t show the format of your typing. Don’t forget, though, that when you print from “web layout” mode, you’ll still get the format you would have under “print layout” – you just can’t see it.

“Outline” hasn’t been a useful mode for me personally, but I can see how others would benefit from using it. This mode automatically bullet-points all of your information. This is likely great for brainstorming ideas, writing task lists, and more.

Finally, “draft mode” can be used for documents that you don’t expect to be final editions. This keeps the basic layout and keeps Word functions, but pushes all of the typing to the left side of the screen, so that the whole right side can be used for comments, changes, etc. To make changes, add comments, and more, click on the “review” tab at the top of your Word 2007 screen (don’t forget that you can make changes in any mode; they are just easier to see all at once in this mode).

So there are several different modes to use when using Microsoft Office Word 2007. Give some of them a try; you’ll notice a great difference in the ease of typing!