An overview

When Microsoft Word starts, it automatically opens a new blank document. This document is given the default name of Document 1.

This new blank document is ready for you to enter text and graphics.

Microsoft Word comes with many built-in templates which are designed to help you create professional-looking documents quickly.

In addition, Word allows you to use your own templates which can save you many hours of work and give consistency to your documents.

Create a new blank document

The easiest way to create a new blank document is to left mouse click on the new blank document icon on the toolbar. The new document will be given a default name of DocumentX (where X is a number).

Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut of Ctrl + N

NOTE if this icon does not appear, see troubleshooting.

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New doucument using a template

To create a new document using one of the many built-in templates:

• From the File menu select New

the New dialog box will appear as shown to the right

• click on one of the tabs to observe the templates and wizards which are available

• double click on a template to open a new document OR

• click once on the template and click the OK button

Exercise

• open a new document using the Contemporary Letter template as shown above

• follow the instructions in the letter to add your own information

• save and print the letter