Intermediate Word-Processing Skills

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to focus on the parts of word processing that make life easier!

The videos in this section use Microsoft Word 2016. If you use a different word-processing program (or a different version of Word), the specific tools might appear in different places, but you’ll still be able to perform the same activities.

Line and Paragraph Spacing

Having trouble getting things to line up the way you want them to on the page?  This video shows how to simplify the appearance of your text with a couple of clicks.

Spell Check and Grammar Check

Probably everyone’s favorite tool since the invention of computers is automatic spell check.  Grammar check is also quite useful.  Though neither tool is perfect, both will provide you a good leg up in the proofreading process.

Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers

Your instructor will often ask you to include page numbers on your document, along with some specific formatting procedures.  MLA and APA document formats, for instance, both rely upon the use of Headers. See how to insert these easily here.

Track Changes

Some built-in tools allow you to add comments on a draft, which is useful for doing peer review, or making notes to yourself as you build a project. Your instructor might also add notes to your essay document when he grades it, so it’s useful to know how to turn on Track Changes so you don’t miss his input.

Word Count

Many writing assignments you have in college will ask for a particular word count range (such as a 500–750 word essay assignment).  It’s useful to know how to easily locate the word count in a document you’ve created.