Microsoft Word, by default, is based on the Normal template document. Within a normal template document, a Normal style is applied to text by default. This Normal style sets text in the default font, uses left alignment and single spacing, and turns on the Window/Orphan control. In addition to this normal style, other pre-designed styles are available in a document based on the Normal template document. These styles can be displayed by clicking the down-pointing triangle to the right of the Style button on the Formatting toolbar.

A style is a collection of formats (e.g., font style and size, spacing and alignment) you can assign to selected text in a document. Styles allow you to format your documents quickly and consistently. Styles can be changed and/or applied to text in a document in three ways:

Formatting with AutoFormat

The quickest way to apply styles to text is with Word's AutoFormat feature. The advantage to using AutoFormat is that Word automatically applies the styles without you having to select them. The disadvantage is that you have less control over the styles that are applied.

• Click Format on the Menu Toolbar.
• Select and click on AutoFormat to open the AutoFormat dialog box.
• Make sure that the AutoFormat now option is selected.
• Click OK.
• This applies formatting to the open document.

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• Changing AutoFormat Options

  Word follows certain rules for formatting text with AutoFormat. You can make changes to these rules. To do this:

• Click the Options button at the AutoFormat dialog box or click Tools and Then AutoCorrect.
• At the AutoCorrect dialog box, click the AutoFormat tab. Either method displays the AutoCorrect dialog box.
• At the AutoCorrect dialog box with the AutoFormat tab selected, remove the check mark from a check box if you do not want the option active, or insert a check mark if you want the option active.

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Formatting Text with the Style Gallery

Another method you can use to apply styles is to select a new template at the Style Gallery dialog box. The Style Gallery dialog box applies styles form other template documents. At the Styles Gallery dialog box, the template documents are displayed in the Template list box. The advantage to this is that you can preview you document as it will appear if formatted with various templates, and then apply the desired template. The disadvantage is that you have less control over the selection of styles.

• With the document open you wish to apply a style, click Format on the Menu toolbar.
• Select Theme.
• At the Theme dialog box, click the Style Gallery button (located at the bottom of the dialog box).
• At the Style Gallery dialog box, click on a theme in the Template list box.
• Click OK.

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• Create Your Own Style

  To create your own style, select the text on which you want to base your style and apply the desired formatting. With the text still selected, click the Style box (not the pull-down arrow) in the Formatting toolbar. Type your own name for the style and press Enter to add the name to the Styles list.

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Templates

A template is a basic document design that can include page size and orientation, font sizes and styles, tab settings, page margins, and text. Select "New" from the "File" menu. There are numerous tabs (e.g., "Memos" and "Letters & Faxes") with various template options.

Option 1:

Choose the "Template" option button in the "New" dialog box to create your own template by modifying an existing one.

After making your changes, choose the Save button. By default, your new template will be saved in the Templates folder.

Type the name of your new template in the "File Name" text box and choose the Save button.

To use your template, choose "File/New" and pick your template, which will be listed under the General tab in the dialog box.

Option 2:

You may also create your own template from scratch. To save the Word document as a template, change the "Save as Type" drop-down menu in the "Save As" dialog box from ".doc" to "Document Template (*.dot)".

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Macros

A macro is a series of Word commands and instructions that you group together as a single command to accomplish a task automatically. Instead of manually performing a series of time-consuming, repetitive actions in Word, you can create and run a single macro that accomplishes the task for you.

Steps for recording a macro:

• On the "Tools" menu, point to "Macro", and then click "Record New Macro".
• In the "Macro name" box, type a name for the macro.
• In the "Store macro in" box, click the template or document in which you want to store the macro.
• In the "Description" box, type a description for the macro.
• If you don't want to assign the macro to a toolbar, a menu, or shortcut keys, click OK to begin recording the macro.

  To assign the macro to a toolbar or menu, click "Toolbars". In the "Commands" box, click the macro you are recording, and drag it to the toolbar or menu you want to assign it to. Click "Close" to begin recording the macro.

  To assign the macro to shortcut keys, click Keyboard. In the Commands box, click the macro you are recording. In the Press new shortcut key box, type the key sequence. Click "Close" to begin recording the macro.

• Perform the actions you want to include in your macro.
• To stop recording your macro, click the "Stop Recording" button.

  NOTE: The macro recorder cannot record mouse actions in a document window. You must use the keyboard when recording such actions as moving the insertion point or selecting, copying, or moving text. However, you can use the mouse to click commands and options when you're recording a macro.

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• Running a Macro

  Use the Shortcut Keys or the toolbar you assigned to the macro. Or, on the "Tools" menu, point to "Macro", and then click "Macros". In the "Macro name" box, click the name of the macro you want to run. Click "Run".