10 Advanced Microsoft Word Features That’ll Make Your Life Easier

Microsoft Word is an essential tool for creating professional documents. But with so many features packed into it, you may be missing out on some advanced options that can save you time and effort.

In this blog post, we’ll cover 10 lesser-known Microsoft Word features that will help streamline your work and boost productivity.

1. Use Styles for Consistent Formatting

Instead of manually formatting each heading, paragraph, table, etc., use Styles in Word. Styles allow you to define formatting once, then apply it consistently throughout your document.

Benefits:

• Apply complex formatting like fonts, sizes, spacing with one click
• Easily update all instances later by modifying the style
• Create visual consistency and polish

How to use:

1. Select text you want to style
2. On the Home tab, open the Styles pane
3. Choose the style you want from the list or create a custom one

2. Compare Two Versions with Document Comparison

Need to see the differences between two versions of a document? Use the built-in Compare feature.

It clearly highlights all additions, deletions, and formatting changes between the old and new documents so you can easily spot what’s changed.

How to use:

1. Open the Review tab
2. Click Compare and select the old and new documents
3. Review differences highlighted in colors

3. Automate Corrections with AutoCorrect

Tired of fixing the same spelling, grammar, or formatting issues repeatedly? Automate the corrections with AutoCorrect.

You can create shortcuts, custom replacements, and quick fixes for common errors that will be applied automatically as you type.

How to use:

1. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options
2. Enter your custom replacements

4. Boost Productivity with Macros

Macros let you record a sequence of actions to play back later with one click.

If you find yourself repeating the same steps for formatting, layouts, templates, etc., use a macro to automate it. This saves time and prevents errors.

How to use:

1. On the View tab, click the Macros button
2. Choose Record Macro, give it a name, description
3. Perform the steps you want to record
4. Click Stop Recording when done

5. Use Field Codes for Auto-Updating Content

Field codes let you insert content that updates automatically when opened.

You can add the last saved date/time, number of pages, document info, calculations, and more. The field will update if the content changes.

How to use:

1. Place cursor where you want the field
2. On the Insert tab click Quick Parts > Field
3. Select the field from the list

6. Customize the Ribbon

Tailor the Ribbon to show only the tabs and commands you actually use. This declutters the interface so your most-used functions are easily accessible.

How to customize:

1. Right-click the Ribbon and select Customize the Ribbon
2. On the right, customize tabs and groups to your needs
3. Rearrange elements by dragging and dropping

7. Use Sections for Better Layouts

Sections allow you to divide your document into segments and apply different page layout settings to each one.

For example, you can have a section with landscape orientation and another with portrait in the same file.

How to add sections:

1. Place cursor where you want to start the new section
2. On the Layout tab, find Sections and click Breaks > Next Page
3. Configure section layout options individually

8. Compare File Versions with Version History

Collaborating with others on a document? You can view or restore older versions of the file with Version History.

It tracks all saves by user so you can see who made what changes and when. Great for document accountability and backtracking.

How to use version history:

1. File tab > Info > Version History
2. Click the version date to preview or restore

9. Password Protect Sensitive Documents

Adding a password to a Word document encrypts the contents so only authorized people can open it.

This helps secure sensitive information like financial data, confidential contracts, etc.

How to set a password:

1. File tab > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password
2. Enter password and confirm

10. Use Language Tools for Better Writing

Take your writing to the next level with built-in language tools:

• Style analysis: Checks wordiness, jargon, passive voice, and more
• Thesaurus: Finds alternative word choices
• Translation: Translates portions of text into other languages
• Readability statistics: Shows reading level and other metrics

How to access:

1. Review tab > Language section
2. Click the tool you want to use

Conclusion

Mastering these advanced Microsoft Word features will help you work faster and smarter.

By customizing the interface, automating corrections/updates, streamlining document layouts, securing sensitive data, and tapping into language tools, you can seriously enhance your productivity.

Give them a try and take your Word skills up a notch!

Keywords: Microsoft Word, features, advanced options, productivity, efficiency, shortcuts, hacks, tips, tricks, guide