Word Processing

Word Processing

1. Templates and Wizards

   • Word processing packages come with a range of templates
     • E.g. letters, invoices and reports
   • They can be customised to suit the needs of the user without having to design them from scratch
   • Some have extra function such as: A built in calculations of total invoices Links to a customer database
   • Wizards allow the user more control over the document
   • Allowing them to change the layout, font and colours. The final document can be customised
   • If a standard template is used then there is a risk that it’ll look similar to other people's work. It is important to customise the template to give a unique look

2. Proofing Tools

   • Spell check
   • Other functions to improve the quality of language
     • Grammar checking, Thesaurus, Word count, Level-of-language, analysis tools

3. Styles

   • Help keep the document consistent
   • Setting a headline style means this can be applied to all headings of the same level
     • Saving time if changes need to be made And making mistakes less likely
     • Tables of contents can be automatically built using these styles

4. Layout Tools

   • Basic tools
     • Columns, Tables, Background watermarks, Borders, Shading
   • Key words can also be marked so that an index is automatically created
   • Footnotes can also be setup if necessary
   • Fields can be used to add page numbers or other details such as, file name, location automatically

5. Shared projects/track changes

   • Long documents such as books are often worked on by teams of people
   • It can be difficult to keep track of people’s contribution
   • Word processors can be set to track changes Changes and comments can appear in different colours The original author can see both versions and then accept or deny changes

6. On-screen forms