5 Must-Know Microsoft Word Formatting Hacks

5 Must-Know Microsoft Word Formatting Hacks5 Must-Know Microsoft Word Formatting HacksAbout to format a document in Microsoft Word? Dont overlook these steps that can streamline your work.By now youve picked up so many Microsoft Word tips, tricks andkeyboard shortcuts, you could probably teach a class. Yet, somehow, no matter how expert you become, there are always a few hidden gems left to discover.Laying out and formatting your documents is time-consuming and fiddly work, so the mora secrets you learn, the better. To streamline your Word formatting and whip your pages into shapelike a pro, check out these fivelittle-known Wordhacks1. Insert anywhere?Youre staring at a blank Word document and you need to create a good-looking layout. No need to hit Return and Tab a dozen times to move the cursor around the page. Simply double-click anywhere and youre ready to insert text right there. If you already have your text prepared, paste it. If not, read on to learn how to add placeholder co py.2. Prepare with placeholders?Did you know you can get documents looking immaculate even before you have final text?Using placeholder copy lets you do all your Microsoft Word formattingin advance, then replace the dummy text with the real thing when youre ready.To add random text in English, first decide how many paragraphs (x) and how many lines per paragraph (y) you want to add. Then type =rand(x,y) and press Enter. For example, =rand(2,5) instantly gives you two five-lined paragraphs to play with.To look like a real pro, try using the pseudo-Latin lorem ipsum dummy text that designers prefer to use. Its less distracting than actual words but still has the saatkorn distribution of letters. Just replace =rand with =lorem.3. Lets stay togetherSome words belong together. For example, the last thing your boss wants to see is a line break in the middle of the companys name. You never have to worry about that again thanks to this next one in our lineup of Microsoft Word tips.Instead o f an inserting a regular space between words, press Ctrl+Shift+space to get a non-breaking space. It looks exactly the same to the reader, but it permanently holds the words together for you. The same applies to Ctrl+Shift+- for non-breaking hyphens. (Mac users Replace Ctrl with Cmd.)4. Find and replace formattingFind and Replace isnt just for words. You can use the command to change all instances of Microsoft Wordformatting, too. For example, change bold to underlined, or red to blue. ??Use Ctrl+H to open the Find and Replace dialogue box (Mac users Shift+Cmd+H). Delete any text in the Find box and then click More. (Mac users Click Advanced Find Replace.) Now use the Format option to choose and change any Microsoft Word formatting - from font and paragraph styles to tabs and language. Use one click on Replace All, and formatting throughout your document is fully updated.5. Always the same with AutoCorrect?Are you tired of pausing toitalicize the same reporttitle every time you me ntion it? Use AutoCorrect to automatically format any frequently usedtext.First, select the text and format it (e.g., sekretariatTeam 2014 Salary Guide). Now create an Autocorrect short code for it (e.g., ot2014sg). Access the Autocorrect dialogue box from the File menu at Options Proofing AutoCorrect Options (Mac users Tools AutoCorrect). Just type in your short code and click Add. Now, each time you type the code, it will be replaced with the full, formatted text.These Microsoft Word tips and tricks should save you time and hassle. Dont keep them to yourself- share them withyour coworkers to make everyones jobs a little easier. And if you have any additional pointers, share them in the comments section below.Check back on the blog soon for additional tips when using Microsoft Office programs.Related Posts Microsoft Word Shortcuts 8 Tips Every Admin Should Know Excel Tips and Tricks Formatting Reports Using Pivot Tables 5 Ways to Save Time Using Excel Shortcut Keys