2.4: Basic Formatting Commands
Formatting refers to the appearance of a document. A confusing layout can be frustrating to read and difficult to understand. Documents that are organized and properly formatted are not only easier to read, but you probably want to highlight the data and information you want your audience to see clearly. For example, you may want to showcase how you and your team were able to achieve a difficult sales goal. In this section, we demonstrate how to use Microsoft Word and Google Docs to format documents as you want them to appear.
As we noted in the previous section, while some of these videos present commands or features of Google Docs or Microsoft Word, both programs share most of these same basic commands.
How to Format Your Text
Watch this video to learn about some basic Microsoft Word tools you can use to change the format your text, such as font size, bold, italics, strikethrough, subscript, superscript, and underline.
Using Themes, Fonts, and Colors
Watch this video to learn how to use colors, fonts, and themes to change the appearance of your document.
Character Spacing
Watch this video to learn how to use Microsoft Word's character spacing options.
Using Styles
This video demonstrates how to use style commands to easily change the appearance of the text in your document. This formatting technique which is available in Google Docs and Word is especially useful when you create multi-page documents. Your materials will look more organized and are easier-to-read when the font type and spacing for each different level of header shares the same style.
More Tips for Formatting Multi-page Documents
Watch this video to learn some techniques for organizing multi-page Microsoft Word documents, such as using different types of headings, a table of contents, headers, and page numbers. We explore headers and footers in more detail at the end of Unit 3.
Collaborating with Google Docs
While this tutorial is intended to prepare teachers who plan to use Google Docs to share materials and editing commands with their students, the principles apply to the workplace as well.
More Advanced Google Docs Tools
This tutorial reviews advanced Google Docs features for making documents more visually appealing, such as adding new fonts to your toolbox, inserting media and tables, and using Google's explore panel to find additional resources.