10 Time-saving Tweaks for Word 2007

Many people don't think to customize Microsoft Word. That's a shame. By tweaking Word's settings and options, you can save yourself a substantial amount of time when it comes to editing and creating documents.

Of course, it isn't always easy to know where to start customizing Word. That's because different users have different needs. But, I've put together a collection of tips to help you get started tailoring Microsoft Word 2007 to your needs.

1. Changing the Default File Format

Word 2007 uses the new .DOCX file format. That means your documents are not compatible with earlier versions like Word 2003.

Microsoft does offer a compatibility tool for Word 2003. Users who have the tool installed will be able to open and edit your documents. But, you don't want to assume that others will be able to work with your documents. That's especially true when it comes to important business documents.

Fortunately, you can change Word 2007's default file format easily. You can change the file format every time you save a document. Or, you can tweak Word so documents are automatically saved in the .DOC format. That way, you won't need to worry about file compatibility problems.

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2. Customize the Quick Access Toolbar

With Word 2007, Microsoft introduced the new ribbon interface. The old toolbars and menus have been replaced with a single toolbar that switches between different categories of options.

Long-time users of Word will undoubtedly miss the quick access to their most-used commands. That's why the Quick Access toolbar is so important. It lets you place frequently used commands above the ribbon. That means the commands are always within easy reach.

Customize the Quick Access toolbar now so you don't have to hunt for your favorite tools in Word. This quick tip will show you how it's done.

3. Disable the Mini Toolbar

The Quick Access toolbar isn't the only new toolbar to be introduced in Word 2007. There's also the Mini toolbar. It appears when you are working with text and objects in your document.

Many people will welcome the Mini toolbar. It puts commands right where you need them most--immediately beside the part of your document that you're editing.

For others, the Mini toolbar is a nuisance. It can obstruct the very text you're trying to format. So, you may prefer to disable the Mini toolbar. Fortunately, disabling the Mini toolbar is a snap. Find out how to do it.

4. Turning off Reading View for Email Attachments

By default, Word opens email attachments in reading view. This allows you to read the document more easily. For example, ClearType is used to make text clearer. And, you can adjust the size of the text without making permanent changes to the document.

Unfortunately, reading view does have its drawbacks. Complex formatting may not be displayed correctly. So, you'll want to switch to a different view to edit the document.

For many people, reading view is a real nuissance. And changing document views will slow you down in Word. But, if you don't like reading view, you can disable it. When you open an email attachment from Outlook, a more suitable view will be used to display your document. Learn how to disable reading view now!

5. Editing Word 2007's AutoCorrect Entries

AutoCorrect is one of Word's most valuable features. It automatically corrects misspelled words in your document. But, AutoCorrect can be a source of frustration to many. That's because it can incorrectly change text in a document.

So, to get the most from AutoCorrect, you should customize it. You can remove or edit entries that frequently cause you problems.

But, you can also do so much more with AutoCorrect. For example, you can create special shortcuts. You may frequently type the same names or company names. You can create AutoCorrect entries for these names. You could have Word replace your initials with your full name. Your options are virtually limitless.

6. Customizing Word 2007's Shortcut Keys

Using shortcut keys is one of the best ways to save time in Microsoft Word. You won't need to search through the ribbon and dialog boxes to find the command you need. Instead, you simply press a set of keys. You don't even need to take your hands off the keyboard, allowing you to continue working.

There are countless shortcut keys in Microsoft Word. They can be difficult to remember. Or, you may prefer to assign a shortcut key to a different command than its default.

Fortunately, Word's shortcut keys can be edited. You can create new shortcut keys for obscure commands not yet assigned a key. Or, you can edit existing shortcut keys. It's a great way to get even more out of Word's shortcut keys.

7. Changing the Default File Save Location

By default, Word saves your documents in the Documents folder. This will suit most users just fine. After all, most back up programs automatically back up this folder. And, you never need to look far to find your documents.

But, some users may prefer to store documents in a different location. For example, you may need to store documents on a server so others may access them.

Fortunately, Word lets you set the default file save location. You can change it to a location that better suits your needs. You don't need to worry about changing the location when you save a document. Learn how to change the default file save location now!

8. Showing Formatting Marks in Word 2007

Over the years, many users have switched from WordPerfect to Microsoft Word. And, they virtually all miss one very cool WordPerfect feature: the ability to reveal formatting marks.

Displaying formatting marks has a couple of benefits. First, it allows you to troubleshoot formatting in your document. Second, you can select formatting options just the same as you would text.

Word will display certain formatting marks. You can see formatting marks for spaces, returns, tabs and tables. The feature isn't as powerful as WordPerfect's. However, it will still save you considerable time.

The formatting marks are helpful when you're editing a document. You will be able to spot inconsistencies at a glance--before you print your document.

9. Changing the ScreenTips Settings

Word displays ScreenTips to help you identify buttons and options on the ribbons. It is a valuable tool for those who are new to Microsoft Word. But, they can be an annoyance to those skilled in Word. They can be distracting, or they can hide other commands.

Fortunately, you can turn ScreenTips on or off at will. New users would do well to enable them. Other users can turn them off if they prove to be a nuisance. My tip will help you set your own ScreenTips preferences.

10. Changing the Macro Security Level

Macros are designed to make your work easier in Word. A macro is basically a series of commands. The macro is assigned a shortcut key. So, you can perform complex actions with the press of a button.You can create your own macros to automate tedious work in Word.

Macros can be saved with documents. That's handy if you work in an environment where editing duties are shared between multiple parties. When you email a document, recipients will be able to use the macros.

There is a darker side to macros. Malicious macros put your machine and data in danger. So, Word automatically blocks macros on shared documents to protect you. But, you can set Word's macro security level to allow them. This option should only be changed by experienced users!