Microsoft Word Templates

How to Edit a Document using MS Word

As one of the top office suite software solutions in the world, Microsoft Word is relatively easy to use. In the steps below, we’ve outlined a step by step guide on how you can get started on editing any document using Microsoft Word.

1. Get a Microsoft Word Software License

Before you can edit in MS Word, you need an authorized licensed copy of the Microsoft Word software or the Microsoft Office installation pack. Another option is to subscribe to Office 365. It is a monthly or annual subscription to entire Microsoft Office software (including MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Excel, etc) that allows you to download the different software on your computer or access the software’s online version.

2. Create a New Document

Once you have installed the MS Word software, open the program. It will redirect you to a welcome screen where you can choose a Blank document or any of the pre-made Word templates. Choose the academic or legal document template that best fits your project.

3. Open an Existing Document

Once you are already in Microsoft Word, you can also edit an existing document. To do this, go to the menu bar and look for File. Then, click Open. A dialog box will open begin searching through the documents stored on your computer.

4. Familiarize Yourself with the Menu Bar

If this is your first time using Microsoft Word, make sure to study the tool’s menu bar first. This is the set of options in the top portion of the screen. The File menu option is where you can Save, Save as, Print, and Exit the screen. The Edit menu option provides the basic word processing options like Cut, Copy, Paste, and other text formatting options. The Insert menu option lets you add images, WordArt, videos, audio clips, symbols, tables, etc. The Design menu option allows you to format and style the page or any element added to the page. The Review menu consists of options to check spelling and grammar, track change, add comments, etc. The Layout menu option lets you decide on the margins of the page, letterheads, header and footer styles, pagination, etc.

5. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

Once you get the hang out of editing your documents in Microsoft Word, don’t forget to memorize different keyboard shortcuts that you can use in MS Word. For example, Ctrl + S allows you to quickly save a copy of your entire document, and Ctrl + V is the shortcut for pasting anything you’ve copied or cut.