Word Processing
Word Processing
Word processor is used to create, edit, and format documents such as letters, reports, resumes, etc. Word
processing software is the most widely used type of application software. It is also called a word processor. Word
processing is used by business organizations, government agencies, and individuals for creating different types of
documents. Some examples of word-processing software are Microsoft Word, Pages, and Word Perfect.
When you open Word for the first time, the Start Screen will appear. From here, you'll be able to create
a new document, choose a template, and access your recently edited documents. From the Start Screen, locate and
select Blank document to access the Word interface.
Like other recent versions, Word 2016 continues to use features like the Ribbon and the Quick Access
Toolbar—where you will find commands to perform common tasks in Word—as well as Backstage view.
The Ribbon
Word uses a tabbed Ribbon system instead of traditional menus. The Ribbon contains multiple tabs, which
you can find near the top of the Word window.
Each tab contains several groups of related commands. For example, the Font group on the Home tab
contains commands for formatting text in your document.
Some groups also have a small arrow in the bottom-right corner that you can click for even more options.
If you're having trouble finding command you want, the Tell Me feature can help. It works just like a regular
search bar: Type what you're looking for, and a list of options will appear. You can then use the command directly
from the menu without having to find it on the Ribbon.
Located just above the Ribbon, the Quick Access Toolbar lets you access common commands no matter which tab is
selected. By default, it shows the Save, Undo, and Redo commands, but you can add other commands depending on
your needs.
The Ruler
The Ruler is located at the top and to the left of your document. It makes it easier to adjust your document with
precision. If you want, you can hide the Ruler to create more screen space.
1. Click the View tab.
2. Click the checkbox next to Ruler to show or hide the Ruler.
Backstage view
Backstage view gives you various options for saving, opening a file, printing, and sharing your document. To
access Backstage view, click the File tab on the Ribbon.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about using Backstage view.
Document views and zooming
Word has a variety of viewing options that change how your document is displayed. You can choose to view
your document in Read Mode, Print Layout, or Web Layout. These views can be useful for various tasks, especially if
you're planning to print the document. You can also zoom in and out to make your document easier to read.
Switching between different document views is easy. Just locate and select the desired document view command in
the bottom-right corner of the Word window.
Read Mode: This view opens the document to a full screen. This view is great for reading large
amounts of text or simply reviewing your work.
Print Layout: This is the default document view in Word. It shows what the document will look like
on the printed page.
Web Layout: This view displays the document as a webpage, which can be helpful if you're using
Word to publish content online.
To zoom in or out, click and drag the zoom control slider in the bottom-right corner of the Word window.
You can also select the + or - commands to zoom in or out by smaller increments. The number next to the slider
displays the current zoom percentage, also called the zoom level.
3. Enumerate the MS Word Screen Elements
File Menu: The File tab will bring you into the Backstage View. The Backstage View is where you manage
your files and the data about them – creating, opening, printing, saving, inspecting for hidden metadata or
personal information, and setting options.
Ribbon: An area across the top of the screen that makes almost all the capabilities of Word available in a
single area.
Tabs: An area on the Ribbon that contains buttons that are organized in groups. The default tabs are Home,
Insert, Design, Layout, References, Mailings, Review, View and EndNote X5.
Title Bar: A horizontal bar at the top of an active document. This bar displays the name of the document and
application. At the right end of the Title Bar is the Minimize, Maximize and Close buttons. Groups: A group
of buttons on a tab that are exposed and easily accessible.
Dialog Box Launcher: A button in the corner of a group that launches a dialog box containing all the options
within that group.
Status Bar: A horizontal bar at the bottom of an active window that gives details about the document.
View Toolbar: A toolbar that enables, adjusts, and displays different views of a document.
Zoom: Magnifies or reduces the contents in the document window.
Quick Access Toolbar: A customizable toolbar at the top of an active document. By default the Quick Access
Toolbar displays the Save, Undo, and Repeat buttons and is used for easy access to frequently used
commands. To customize this toolbar, click on the dropdown arrow and select the commands you want to
add.
Tell Me: This is a text field where you can enter words and phrases about what you want to do next and
quickly get to features you want to use or actions you want to perform. You can also use Tell Me to find help
about what you're looking for, or to use Smart Lookup to research or define the term you entered.
Enumerate the 9 tabs of the ribbon.
Home Tab
The Home tab is organized into commands that fall under these “groupings”: Clipboard, Font, Paragraph,
and Styles. (Visually, there is a vertical line between these sections.) There are additional options (available in a drop
down menu) under each of some of these areas.
Note: Use the term “groupings” as that is the word that JAWS uses.
Insert Tab
The Insert tab is used to insert or add extra features to the document, such as pictures, shapes, pages, symbols, etc.
Icons and text are used to identify these options. Most of these options have a drop down menu for additional
features. The Insert commands are organized by commands that fall into these groupings: Pages, Tables,
Illustrations, Add-ins, Media, Links,Comments, Header and Footer, Text and Symbols.
Draw Tab
The Draw tab enables the user to draw in the Word document. The Draw tab is available with Office 365 and if
available, may need to be added to your ribbon. The Draw tab has options for choosing what you want to do
(draw/eraser), type of pen tool, and draw with trackpad.
Design Tab
The design tab provides format themes, backgrounds, color schemes, page borders, etc. for your document. If you
do not see the Design tab and you would like it in your ribbon, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon and check
the box beside Design.
Layout Tab
The Layout tab enables the user to control the layout, including the page orientation, margins, etc. The Layout
options are organized by commands that fall under: Page Setup, Margins, and Arrangement.
References Tab
The Reference tab enables the user to enter document sources and citations, create a table of contents, add an
index, etc. The Reference tab is organized by commands that fall under these groupings: Table of Contents,
Footnotes, Research, Citations, Captions, Index, and Table Authorities,
Mailings Tab
The Mailings Tab enables the user to merge emails, writing and inserting different fields, etc. and is the least used
tab. The Mailings tab is organized by commands that fall under these groupings: Address, Start Mail Merge, Insert
Fields, Preview, Merge Range, and Finish.
Review Tab
The Review tab is organized by commands that fall under these groupings: Proofreading, Read Aloud, Accessibility,
Translate, Comments, Tracking, Reviewing, Accept, Compare, Protect, Ink, and Resume Assistance.
View Tab
The View tab enables users to switch between different views of the document such as seeing more than one page
at a time, boundaries, grids and rulers. The View Tab now includes accessibility features such as Focus, Immersive
Reader, and Zoom. The View Tab is organized by commands that fall under these groupings: Document View,
Accessibility, Show/Hide, Zoom,
Tell Me
Tell Me is a help textbox that enables users to type in keywords to ask a question about Word.
- Word processing applications are invaluable tools that assist me in completing assignments and writing
essays. The ability to make changes is one of the most useful aspects of doing assignments on a computer.
So, using this word processing software, I can go back and reword things, correct mistakes, add extra
information to clarify issues or provide examples, and reorganize my paper by cutting and pasting a
paragraph from one place in my assignment to another without having to retype it. It's especially useful if
the instructor requests to make changes to my assignment. I can simply start with my existing document and
add to, summarize, make my writing more concise.