Tips for Modifying and Printing MS Word Documents

The files I create are designed to be ready to print and use immediately. However, some people want to take a few minutes up front to customize a file to better fit their unique life. I love this and highly encourage it! The more precisely a files fits your need, the happier you’ll be with it and more effective you’ll be using it!  So, here are some helpful tips for modifying the MS Word documents I sell:

Editing

First, keep in mind that there are at least three ways to do any given thing on a computer. Below are some tips for when you’re not sure where to start or are stumped!

• To change a word, simple click in it, use the delete or backspace button and type in a new word. If your word(s) are no longer visable,  consider changing the font or the size of the font.
• To change the font, font size, or font color, highlight the word, right click, and choose “font.”
• To change a background color, click in the area to be changed, right click, and choose “borders and shading.”
• One of my favorite tools in Word is the “Format Painter (circled in green below). Once you get one word or phrase in the right font, color, size, etc, highlight it, click the format painter, and then click on a word or phrase you want to be in the same font, color, size, etc.
•  Word has a nifty little thing that used to be called “reveal code” but is now called “Show/Hide.” In my version of word, when I’m on the “home” tab (toolbar) it shows up as a button within the “paragraph” box that looks like two vertical lines with a swirl on top. (It’s the shorthand symbol for “paragraph” in editing I believe.). If you’re working in a different version, try looking up “show/hide” on the help menu. When you click this, it shows paragraph marks and other hidden formatting symbols. So very often I’m working on a file trying to figure out why it’s not doing what I expect, only to realize that there is some strange formatting present!!
• Most of my documents are made using tables. Even if you don’t see the lines, keep in mind that the table is behind the scenes, influencing everything you do!

Printing

• I print all my files at home, however, if you add many ink-intensive elements, you’ll probably find it’s cheaper to take the file to a copy center and have them print the file in color for you.
• If you love color printing (like me), I highly suggest HP’s Instant Ink program. (This affiliate link should give you a free month if you want to try it out!) I print everything for just 3 cents a sheet, even full color!
• I like using paper that is at least 24lb and 96 bright so I don’t see through to whatever I’ve printed on the back side. For something like a greeting card, I suggest 100lb cardstock.

Cutting

• If your file requires cutting, keep in mind that printers do not always print perfectly square on the paper. So sometimes you’ll want to cut according to guide lines provided instead of square with the edge of the paper. For example, when printing flashcards, look only to the faint guide lines and ignore the original edges of your paper.