Microsoft Word 365 Web Quick Start Guide

Microsoft Word 365 Quick Start Guide 

Introduction to the Word 365 Interface 

  • Word 365 opens to a page showing Create New document options across the top. In most cases you will select Blank Document, but there are a number of template options to choose from. 

  • In the Recommended section you will see documents that you commented on, recently opened or regularly open.  

  • At the bottom you will see all your documents and can toggle between all, recently opened, shared or favorites. 

  • You are also able to search, filter and change the view between list and thumbnail. 

  • You also can upload new documents here as well. Uploads can be accomplished by pressing the upload button or dragging and dropping a word file into the browser window. Note that you will only be able to upload word files when in word. 

 

 

  • Click Blank document at the top left to get started. 

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

 

  • Take note of the Ribbon across the top which organizes commands into tabs. This is your main navigation hub. 

  • Ribbon and Tabs: Home tab includes basic formatting tools. Other tabs include Insert,   Layout, References, etc. 

  • Based on the tab you click at the top, the bottom portion will provide relevant tools. 


 

  • At the bottom of your screen you will find the Status Bar which shows document stats such as word count, page number, etc. 


 

Creating and Saving a Document 

  • To start a new document, go to File > New > Blank document. 

 

  • When using Word on the web your changes are auto saved. 

  • To create a copy of a document, go to File>Create a Copy>Create a Copy Online 

 

Basic Text Formatting 

  • Use the Home tab to format text (bold, italic, underline, font, size, color). 


 

  • Alternatively use the following keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+B – Bold, Ctrl+I – Italic, Ctrl+U – Underline. (If using a mac, replace Ctrl with the command key) 

  • Mini Toolbar: Appears when selecting text for quick formatting. 

 

Inserting Elements 

  • Insert tab allows adding tables, pictures, headers, footers, etc. 

  • Insert > Table: Use grid or Insert Table dialog. 

  • Insert > Pictures: Add images from device or online. 

  • Insert > Header/Footer: Add repeating content at top/bottom of each page. 

  • Other options include insertion of page break, drawing, link, Table of contents, bookmarks, Online video, comment, page numbers, equation, symbol, and emoji. 

 

Using the Layout and Review Tabs 

  • Layout tab: Adjust margins, orientation, line spacing and paper size. 

 

  • Design tab: Set themes and background. 

  • Reference tab: Manage Table of Contents, Footnotes, Endnotes, and Citations 

 

  • Review tab: Spelling & Grammar, Accessibility Check, Track Changes, Comments. 

 

  • View tab: Change layout modes and display settings. 

 

  • Help tab: Access Microsoft’s knowledgebase, contact support, provide feedback, keyboard shortcut cheat sheet 

 

Spell Check and Word Count 

  • Word highlights errors with red (spelling) and blue (grammar) lines. 

Printing and Exporting as PDF 

  • File > Print: Opens Print pane to select printer and settings. 

Uploaded Image (Thumbnail)

 

  • Download As PDF: File > Export > Download as PDF  

 

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts 

  • Ctrl+N: New, Ctrl+O: Open, Ctrl+S: Save, Ctrl+P: Print. 

  • Ctrl+Z/Y: Undo/Redo, Ctrl+C/X/V: Copy/Cut/Paste. 

  • Ctrl+A: Select all, Ctrl+F: Find, Ctrl+H: Replace. 

  • Remember that on a Mac you will need to repolace Ctrl with command. 

Download Word version of this guide

Was this helpful?
0 reviews