What is Microsoft Word, and what is it used for? As a creative professional, it pays to learn more about Microsoft Word. It helps you build amazing documents with ease.
But what do you know about MS Word? In this tutorial, we’ll answer the question, “What is Microsoft Word, and what is it used for?” We’ll explore key features and help you get started. In moments, you’ll be a master of the Microsoft Word definition and features!
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What Is Microsoft Word?
You may be wondering: what type of program is Microsoft Word? I define Microsoft Word as a word processor. That's an application you use to “process”— format, manipulate, save, print, share — a text-based document.
So, what is MS Word? Microsoft Word is one of the most popular word processors in the world. It’s part of the Microsoft 365 family of productivity apps and services. If you’ve ever used Excel, Outlook, or PowerPoint, then you’re familiar with Microsoft 365 apps.
Word is available on both Windows and Mac computers, as well as an array of mobile devices. There is also a free, web-based version available that you can use on a web browser. It's a great Microsoft Word for beginners option.
With Word being a subscription-based app, it frequently gains new features. One of these is the integration of Microsoft Copilot, which launched in early 2024. Copilot is Microsoft's new AI (artificial intelligence) assistant.
By purchasing a Copilot Pro license, you can use Copilot right inside Microsoft Word! It can help you draft documents, summarize content, make quick edits, and more. Copilot promises to transform the editing workflow that you use every day.
What is MS Word used for with Copilot? We've built a comprehensive overview of Copilot in Word and other Microsoft 365 apps. Check it out here:
How to Get Started Using Microsoft Word (+Top MS Word Features)
What do you know about MS Word? It's okay if the answer is "virtually nothing." We've got you covered with tips that define Microsoft Word learning.
Microsoft Word for beginners may seem daunting. But in fact, the app has gotten more intuitive over the years. It's meant for users of all skill levels to work with easily. So, what is Microsoft Word used for, and how do you get started?
What is Microsoft Word's most important feature? It's hard to choose! Let's get to know some of the key ones.
1. Make Your Way Around: The Microsoft Word User Interface
What is Microsoft Word, and what is it used for? It's a versatile word processor. But how do you navigate it? The key is to understand the user interface and main menus. These are very similar, no matter which version of Word you find yourself working with.
Across the top of the window, you’ll find the ribbon. The ribbon is the nerve center for Word. It contains the critical menu tabs that you’ll use every day. You can see them labeled as:
- Home
- Insert
- Draw
- Design
- Layout
- References
- Mailings
- Review
- View
Across the very top of the screen is the main menu. It stands out, with some of the critical options called:
- File
- Edit
- View
- Insert
- Format
- Tools
- Table
- Window
- Help
By clicking on each of these, you’ll watch the menu items below change. This is where the majority of Word editing features exist.
Some features overlap between the menu and the ribbon tabs. But in general, think of the ribbon as where you’ll control the look and feel of a document. The menu tabs help you share it, print it, and control how Word performs.
Spend some time clicking through these tabs and options. Odds are, you’ll find what you need on the ribbon. Below, for example, is a look at the ribbon’s Insert tab. You can see buttons to add images, page numbers, links, and more.
2. Create a New Document
You could fire up Microsoft Word and create a document from scratch. The interface is intuitive enough to figure out. But if you need it, here’s a quick guide to creating, opening, and saving files:
Earlier versions of Word create files in the DOC file format, a proprietary format. This means only Microsoft Word officially supported files with the DOC extension. But with some reverse engineering, other applications were able to open and save DOC files. That said, they may not fully support all its formatting and features.
Since 2007, Word started saving files as DOCX by default. The X stands for XML standard or Open Office Extensible Markup Language.
DOCX makes for smaller files that are less prone to corruption. It can also be read by any robust word processor, like Google Docs. DOCX is now the standard file format of Word documents. Although Word can save to DOC and other file formats as well (see Exporting to Other File Formats below).
3. Work With Text in MS Word
Microsoft Word shines when it comes to manipulating and formatting text. You can create anything from plaintext pages to opulent designs.
What is MS Word's set of features for text? Below are a few tutorials on the basics of working with text:
How to Convert Speech to Text in Microsoft Word
How to Add Headers, Footers, and Page Numbers in Microsoft Word
How to Change the Default Font in Microsoft Word (+ Best 2023 Font Styles)
How to Work With MS Word Spelling & Grammar Checker (Troubleshooting)
4. Go Beyond Text
Almost any document can benefit from the added impact of visuals. Read these articles to learn how to add and format pictures, as well as go beyond the basics with your layouts.
How to Quickly Add, Move, and Format Pictures in Microsoft Word
How to Make Awesome Page Layout Designs in Microsoft Word (+Video)
If you're a frequent Microsoft Word user, you’ll appreciate keyboard shortcuts for your frequently used commands. Find out more below:
5. Print in Microsoft Word
You can print to standard-sized paper as well as custom sizes. Print on matte, glossy, or photo paper. You can even print large documents, such as a banner, by printing them on separate sheets that you then piece together.
To print a document:
1. Go to File > Print....
The Print dialog opens.
Select your printer. Then, choose the printer settings you want to use, including which pages to print, how many, and print quality.
2. Click Print.
6. Export to Other File Formats
Microsoft Word isn’t just for making printed documents!
Thanks to the exporting feature, you can export your document to other file formats. The most common one is a PDF, which you can upload to a website, email, or share in other ways.
Follow these steps to export your document:
1. Go to File > Save As....
The Save As dialog appears.
2. Choose a file format.
Give your document a name. Then, click on the File Format drop-down menu to display all the different formats you can export to. Select the format you want to use, then click Save.
5 Ways to Work With Your Premium Template
Customizing your template is a way to add a personal touch to your template. In this tutorial, we'll use the CV Resume Word Template.
Here's what the template looks like without any edits made:
Let's get started on some customizations:
1. Insert a Headshot Image
There's an image area that you can add your image to in this template. Add an image by clicking on the Insert tab in the top left corner of your window. Next, click on the Insert Picture button located below the toolbar.
When you click on Insert Picture, a menu drops down. Select the correct option for you depending on where your image is located. Once you've located your image, double-click. You can resize and move the image as needed.
2. Add Your Information
To add your information, you need to delete the text that is already there. To delete text, highlight the text that you want to get rid of.
After the text is highlighted, press Delete on your keyboard. Next, click on the Insert tab in the top left corner of your window. Then, click on the Draw a Textbox button below the toolbar on the right side of your window.
Finally, click on where you want to add the textbox and draw a diagonal line to add the text box. Now, click in the text box and start typing.
3. Use the Spelling and Grammar Check
Bad spelling and grammar can cause an employer not to hire you. Microsoft Word has a helpful feature that'll check spelling and grammar for you.
To begin using the spelling and grammar check, highlight all the text that you want to check for errors. Next, click on the Review tab. The first button on the left side of the window under the toolbar is the Spelling & Grammar button. Click on the Spelling & Grammar button.
When you click on the Spelling & Grammar button, it'll check the highlighted text for errors. When it’s done, a pop-up window pops up. Click on the correct spelling of the word and click on the Add button.
Keep repeating the previous step until every error is fixed. Then click on the Close button.
4. Change the Font
Changing the font is the easiest way to customize your Microsoft Word template.
First, highlight the text that you want to change the font of. Next, click on the Home tab in the toolbar. The Home tab is the first option in the toolbar on the left side of your window.
Then click on the arrow next to the font menu. Clicking on the arrow next to the font menu causes a menu of fonts to drop down. Choose the font that you want from the drop-down menu.
5. Delete an Object
Don't forget: Microsoft Word templates are flexible. That means that you can easily remove objects that you don't need. Let's learn how to delete objects.
Deleting an object that you don’t want can help you open up your Microsoft Word template layout. To get rid of an object, click on the object that you want to delete. When the object is collected, click the Delete key.
What Is Microsoft Word Used For?
Now you're ready to learn how to use MS Word. Use it to create many kinds of business and personal documents. Here's just a sampling of how to use it:
For Business or School
Microsoft Office Word is a great tool for creating business documents. Of course, you could design business and school documents from scratch. Or you could get a head start using a professionally designed template.
You can also find templates to help you create the following:
- letter
- report or paper
- proposal
- newsletter
- brochure
- catalog
- poster
- flyer
- postcard
- sign
- banner
- resume
- business card
- invoice
- receipt
- product packaging
- mailing label
For Personal Purposes
There are also many personal uses of MS Word. Here are just a few:
- invitation
- card
- gift tag
- recipe card
- place card
- certificates
Microsoft Word, what is it used for? As you can see, Microsoft Word comes in very handy for both your personal and professional lives.
5 Top Microsoft Word Templates from Envato Elements in 2024
Envato Elements has most of the templates you’ll need for any project in MS Word. Here are five different types of premium templates that can be used in Microsoft Word:
1. Word Resume
Edit this resume in Microsoft Word and in Adobe InDesign.The design of this template is minimal and modern. This template comes with an easy-to-use picture placeholder. Everything can be easily edited as needed.
2. Product Catalog
If you’re looking for a product catalog, consider this one. Here are some features of this MS Word template:
- US letter size (8.5" x 11")
- 12 pages to add information on
- can be edited in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign
This template includes a customer feedback page, membership information page, bestsellers, and more.
3. Flower Word Wedding Invitation
Another use for templates in Microsoft Word is an invitation template. The Flower Word Wedding Invitation is a premium invitation template. This template has a simple and elegant design. The size of this template is A4 paper size, which can be folded and put in an envelope or passed out like a flyer.
4. Business Brochure
Another template useful in Microsoft Word is a brochure that can be used to give any type of information. Here are some highlights of this template:
- both US letter size (8.5" x 11") and A4 size (8.27" x 11.69")
- 16 pages you can add information on
- edit it in Microsoft Word and Adobe InDesign
You can easily edit everything in this template to fit the project you’re working on.
5. Clean and Minimal Business Invoice
The Clean and Minimal Business Invoice can be edited in Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Word. This template has a professional and clean look. The size of this template is US letter size (8.5" x 11"), meaning it can be easily mailed in an envelope. This template comes with some icons at the bottom of the page.
How to Get Microsoft Word Help and Support
Microsoft Word brings powerful word processing tools to your fingertips. But more features also mean more complexity. Fortunately for us, Microsoft provides a Help & Learning page. Here, you’ll find Microsoft Word for beginners resources, access to a community of other users, and a way to get support.
Go to the Next Level With Word Templates
As a creative pro, you've got many demands on your time. Don’t waste it doing design work from scratch! Thanks to premium Microsoft Word templates from Envato Elements, you don’t have to.
With premium templates, you’ll enjoy full layouts made for you. All you've got to do is drop in your own content. You’ve learned about Microsoft Word for beginners. Templates are a remarkable tool for Word users of all skill levels.
The Elements offer is powerful: unlimited downloads. For a flat monthly rate, you can download and use as many premium Word templates as you want. And that’s not all. You’ll enjoy fonts, stock photos, music, graphics, and more. All are included in the unlimited downloads offer.
Now, Envato Elements makes it easier than ever to find the perfect digital content for your next project. That’s thanks to the new AI-powered search tool. How does it work? Simply describe your project in a few words. Elements will search the vast library and find the perfect content for your own needs. It only takes a few seconds.
What are you waiting for? Join Envato Elements today and get started.
Get Started On Your Next MS Word Document Today
For users of all skill levels, Microsoft Word continues to be very popular. In this tutorial, we answered the question: what is MS Office Word? And we explored key features, tips, and ideas for how to use Word. What do you know about MS Word? So much more!
As a creative professional, you can see how useful Microsoft Word is. It’s loaded with features to help your work look its very best. The intuitive interface is easy to learn and work with. Microsoft Word for beginners has a quick learning curve, so you can be up and running in no time. Plus, the app helps you work more efficiently. You can make amazing documents in moments!
So, what are you waiting for? Join Envato Elements and choose your own premium Word template. Then, get started with Microsoft Word today! It’s a winning combination for creatives like you.
Editorial Note: This post was originally published in April of 2020 It’s been updated with help from Sarah Joy and Andrew Childress. Sarah and Andrew are freelance instructors for Envato Tuts+.
