Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Beginning Formatting Word Documents

Every word processor has the same basic tools. These tools may have slightly different names, or be located in slightly different locations, but they are essentially the same. Here are a few:

Margins:

Margins are required around the edges of a document (top, bottom and sides) both for printing, and to include white space. White space increases the readability of a document, and makes it more attractive.

Columns:

Columns are a useful tool in organizing information. The columns tool in most word processors are best used when the entire document is organized in columns. When you want only a portion of the information in columns it is best to use tables to make multiple columns. Make a table with no borders and the "lines" won't print.

Page Breaks:

Often the breaks in a document do not align with the actual pages of the document. It is better to add breaks and leave a little extra space then to have oddly spaced breaks forced by the page size. When adding a page break do not just hit "return" until you get to the next page (this is a formatting nightmare) choose "insert" --> "break" from the menu.

This is a rough beginning format, you are going to have to do a lot more, but this should get it readable.

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