{"id":72130,"date":"2023-03-01T03:08:27","date_gmt":"2023-02-28T16:08:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elements.blog-cms.envato.net\/?p=39908"},"modified":"2025-12-03T21:13:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T10:13:12","slug":"top-microsoft-word-tips-tricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elements.envato.com\/learn\/top-microsoft-word-tips-tricks","title":{"rendered":"15 Top Microsoft Word Tips and Tricks (Quick to Learn) for 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With our guide to the top Microsoft Word tips, you get an insider’s guide to master the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve always said that the best apps are easy to get started with but have plenty of features to learn. Microsoft Word fits this bill perfectly: user-friendly, but it includes every feature you might need.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tutorial shows you the very best tips for using Microsoft Word<\/a>. Knowing the top tips and tricks of MS Word helps you to reduce the time you spend and move on to the next task on your list. Let’s dive in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 Top Microsoft Word Tips & Tricks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you love learning Word document tricks, you’re in the right place. On Envato Tuts+, we’ve built an incredible learning resource called Learn How to Use Microsoft Word (Beginner Tutorial Guide.)<\/a><\/strong> It includes everything you need to master the app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
Download this premium Word template<\/a> from Envato to follow our Word tips or use your own template.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now let’s sample 15 of the best tips for using Microsoft Word. Many of these will help you jump to full-length tutorials with even more in-depth tips and tricks of MS Word:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tutorial was written using a macOS and Office 365. If you’ve got a different operating system or a different version of Word, your steps may be slightly different.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Tap Into Custom Fonts and Styles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the leading Word tips involves customizing the size and style of your fonts. Word displays text in a default font like Calibri, size 12. But by changing font settings, you can transform the look and feel of your document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing the font size and style works in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. You can change the settings before typing anything.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. You can change the size and style of existing text.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Either way, the options you need are on Word\u2019s Home<\/strong> tab. You\u2019ll see this in the upper left corner of the screen. On the left side of the Home<\/strong> tab, you\u2019ll see the Font<\/strong> group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"font
    Go to the Font<\/strong> group on the Home<\/strong> tab to customize fonts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you\u2019re modifying existing text, click and drag your cursor to select the text that you want to change. Then, you can make changes using the drop-down menus you see in the Font<\/strong> group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Choose a new font style and adjust the size. You’ll see Word updating your text in real time. That makes this one of the most common Microsoft Word tips \u2013 it’s an easy tweak with big results!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Add a Header and Footer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Headers and footers are the text that you often see at the very top or bottom of a Word document. No list of MS Word tips is complete without them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Headers and footers take many forms. Word document tricks include adding page numbers, custom text, or names here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Once again, you\u2019ll need to navigate to the ribbon to add these. In fact, most Microsoft Word tips and tricks involve the ribbon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This time, click on the Insert<\/strong> tab. Then, from the right side of the menu, you\u2019ll see drop-down arrows for Header, Footer,<\/strong> and Page Number.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"drop-down
    Headers and footers let you pack extra text onto your Word documents.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Click on any of them to explore your options. Word displays a theme gallery with an array of designs. Click one of the thumbnails and Word adds the header or footer. You\u2019ll be able to type in custom text like you would elsewhere on your document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Style Text With Headings and Titles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Text style is a common feature in the tips and tricks of MS Word. Tips like this help you make a good impression. Rather than placing title text in the same style as other content, it pays to add headings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"add
    Headings help you style text while making key topics stand out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    To add headings, return to the Home<\/strong> tab on Word\u2019s ribbon. Right of center, you\u2019ll see a window pane with a variety of heading styles. To add headings, scroll through the options by clicking on the arrow button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Headings are listed in order of size: Heading 1<\/strong> is a large heading, Heading 2<\/strong> is slightly smaller, and so forth. Click on a design, then type in your heading text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Use Updating Timestamps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Need tips for using Microsoft Word with a global team in real time? Try adding the date and time to your document so that it updates automatically. This is a popular example of Word document tricks used by collaborators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"insert
    User the Insert Date and Time<\/strong> function to add automatically updating info to your page.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    To add the date and time to your Word document, go to the Insert<\/strong> tab. On the right, you\u2019ll see a calendar-and-clock button labeled Insert Date and Time<\/strong>. Click it, and you\u2019ll see an array of options listed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    These show dates and times displayed in many formats. Choose the one you like best by clicking it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    By default, this information is static. To update in real time, check the Update Automatically<\/strong> box, then click OK<\/strong>. These MS Word tips help keep your files current.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Change the Color Palette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    As you\u2019ve already seen, color and design styling is a hallmark of the best Word document tricks. By changing your Word document color palette<\/a>, you transform how any file looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This time, you\u2019ll want to go to the Design<\/strong> tab on Word\u2019s ribbon. You\u2019ll see a wide window with a selection of style layouts. Just to the right, you\u2019ll see the Colors<\/strong> drop-down menu. Click on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"color
    Changing the color palette helps add your own styling to any Word document.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    The Colors<\/strong> menu appears, with tons of pre-built colors. These are expertly designed to provide stylish, complementary color schemes. Click on any of them, and you’ll see Word update your document with your newly chosen colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Adjust the Page Layout With Margins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Margin adjustments are one of the top tips and tricks of MS Word. Margins control how close text comes to the edge of your page. By adjusting them, you can transform how your Word doc looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Margins live on the Layout<\/strong> tab. Click Layout<\/strong>, and you\u2019ll see a Margins<\/strong> drop-down menu. Click it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Margins
    Control how text fits on a page by making adjustments on the Margins<\/strong> menu in Word.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Normal margins are the default. The Normal<\/strong> setting is 1 inch of spacing on all four sides of your page.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You\u2019ll see some other preset options, like Narrow, Moderate<\/strong>, and more. Create your own custom margins by clicking Custom Margins<\/strong> at the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On the Document<\/strong> window, you can add your desired settings. Click OK<\/strong> when you\u2019re finished. This is one of the best Word tips and tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    To use a border to bracket your Word margins, keep learning with this tutorial<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Place Text in Columns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Tips for using Microsoft Word should help you get the most out of the app. That helps you create beautiful, readable documents that look great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    By using column layouts, you can arrange text in a magazine-style layout. Follow these Word document tricks if you need a layout like that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"column
    Columns style your documents in the design of a newspaper or magazine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    To add columns, return to the Layout<\/strong> tab on the ribbon. Near the left side, click Columns<\/strong>. You\u2019ll see Word display a series of preset designs. You can add a single column, two columns, three, and so on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Need more control? Click More Columns<\/strong>. Here, you can customize the number of columns on each page. You can also control the width, spacing, and more. When you\u2019re finished, click OK.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Add and Edit Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Word tips don\u2019t only involve words! Don\u2019t forget to add images to make your documents more compelling. To add photos, go to the Insert<\/strong> tab on the ribbon. Then, click on the Pictures<\/strong> drop-down menu. If you’ve got a photo you want to use, click Picture from File.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Browse to an image file, click it, then choose Insert.<\/strong> Word adds the image to your document, wherever your cursor is positioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"insert
    Don’t forget to add images to truly bring your MS Word files to life. (Image source: Envato<\/a>.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Then, you can make edits. Click Picture Format<\/strong> on the ribbon, and you\u2019ll see an array of style, size, and layout effects. Plus, you can move the image around by clicking and dragging. Also, the corners can be pulled to resize each photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9. Check Spelling and Grammar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    All the Microsoft Word tips and tricks in the world won\u2019t help you impress if you’ve got errors in your document. Spelling and grammar mistakes are very off-putting, but they\u2019re also very easy to make. That\u2019s why it\u2019s key to check your spelling and grammar before sharing your files with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"spellcheck\"
    Don’t forget to add images to truly bring your MS Word files to life. (Image source: Envato<\/a>.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    To begin, go to the Review<\/strong> tab, once again found on the ribbon. On the left side, click Spelling & Grammar.<\/strong> Word will analyze all the text on your document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If errors are found, you\u2019ll see a window appear. Errors will appear highlighted, and you\u2019ll have options to correct them. You can check suggestions or choose to ignore an identified error if it isn\u2019t valid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    There’s more power inside this feature, so make sure to check out our tutorial that includes more spelling and grammar tips<\/a> and tricks of MS Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    10. Save Your Document as a PDF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s face it: Word files are meant for sharing.<\/em> Word document tricks for sharing help ensure that anyone can view your documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Keep in mind, not everyone has Word installed on their computers. It\u2019s a good idea to share Word files in PDF format,<\/a> which is far more accessible.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"save
    Need to share your document with a broader audience? Choose PDF format when you save your file.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    To save a Word file as a PDF, go to the File > Save<\/strong> As menu. Give your file a name, then click on the File Format<\/strong> drop-down. From your listed options, click PDF<\/strong>, then click Save<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You now have a PDF copy of your file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Your PDF copy won\u2019t be editable in Word when you share it. But it’ll be readable on a vast array of devices.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As the perfect complement to this Word tip, let’s explore the opposite <\/em>step: importing PDF documents into Word. Jump to the tutorial below for MS Word tips on importing and editing a PDF in Word<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11. Sign Your Name<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"add
    You can personalize your document by adding your signature to it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    A cool Microsoft Word tip is that you can sign your name on your Word Document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, click on the Insert<\/strong> tab above the toolbar. Next, in the Lines<\/strong> section, click on the Scribble<\/strong> option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After you click on Scribble<\/strong>, your cursor turns into a drawing tool. Finally, drag your mouse to sign your name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    12. Protect Your Document With a Password<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"password
    If you’re sending sensitive information, you can password protect your document. (Image Source: Envato<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you’re sending a sensitive Word document, then a helpful Word trick can be to password protect your Word document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, click on the Review<\/strong> tab above the toolbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Next, you\u2019ll see a Protect<\/strong> button in the toolbar. You can choose how you want to protect your document when you click this button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A window appears if you click on the Protect Document <\/strong>option. In this window, you can make your password to protect the document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    13. Eliminate Distractions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"focus
    Put your Word document in focus mode to help eliminate distractions. (Image Source: Envato<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you get distracted easily, this Microsoft Word tip could help you. Microsoft Word has a Focus <\/strong>mode. To turn on the Focus <\/strong>mode, click on the View<\/strong> tab. Next, click on the Focus<\/strong> button in the toolbar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    14. Add Filler Text<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"add
    Add filler text to preview what it looks like. (Image Source: Envato<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If you want to check what a font looks like or want filler text, try this Word trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First, click on the spot where you want filler text. Next, type =Lorem()<\/strong> and press Enter<\/strong>. In the parenthesis, you need to specify how many paragraphs of filler text you want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After adding the number in the parenthesis, nonsense words appear and will be structured like normal sentences. You can edit and format this text like any other text to preview what your changes might look like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    15. Dictate to Type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"dictation
    Turn speech into text with Microsoft Word’s dictation tool. (Image Source: Envato<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Another Word tip is to use the Dictate<\/strong> button to type. This button is in the toolbar under the Home<\/strong> tab. It looks like a microphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After you click on the Dictate<\/strong> button, you can turn your spoken words into text. You may need to go back and edit some of the text for accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Best Source for Microsoft Word Templates (With Unlimited Use)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    You’ve just looked at our list of 15 Word tips and tricks. But there’s another resource that you should know about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Much like our selection of MS Word tips, Envato is built to save you time<\/a>. Thanks to unlimited downloads, you’ve got everything you need to work effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"envato
    Templates on Envato give you MS Word tips<\/a> built into easy-to-use designs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    With a subscription to Envato Elements, you’ll unlock all the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n