There are 15 hidden features in Microsoft Word that you seldom ever use.

There are 15 hidden features in Microsoft Word that you seldom ever use.

Among the tools that the majority of us believe we have mastered, Microsoft Word is one of them. In the event that we are feeling very daring, we are able to bold text, add bullet points, and maybe even enter a table. On the other hand, underneath its well-known exterior lurks a treasure trove of features that are seldom seen, but once they are found, they have the potential to completely transform the way you perform your job.

In the event that you are a student, a writer, an office worker, or even simply someone who utilizes Word on occasion, these less well-known capabilities may assist you in writing more quickly, cleaning up your formatting, and working more efficiently.

It is quite likely that you are not making use of the top 15 hidden features that are available in Microsoft Word; yet, it is imperative that you do so.

1. The Navigation Panel, often known as Your Document GPS
Have you ever found yourself lost in a lengthy document? Select “Headings” from the navigation pane after pressing the Ctrl and F keys simultaneously. You will be able to see a live outline of your paper, which will allow you to hop between categories in an instant. Excellent for publication in eBooks, reports, and research papers.

2. The History of the Clipboard Includes More Than Just One Copy
Word is able to keep many objects on its clipboard, which allows it to reduce the amount of time spent copying and pasting information. You may cycle through or open the Clipboard Pane by continuously pressing Ctrl + C, followed by pressing Ctrl + Shift + F3. This can be done by clicking the little arrow located on the bottom right of the clipboard box, which is located under the “Home” tab.

3. Directly translate text in real time
Choose any section of text, then right-click on it, and choose the Translate option. The choices you make will immediately be converted into the language of your choosing, and Word will open a side window to enable this. Ideally suited for international communications or information that is multilingual.

4. Raise your voice and let the word to read to you
Tap the Read Aloud button located under the Review tab. The artificial intelligence voices that Word uses to read your work to you are surprisingly natural. For the purpose of proofreading, identifying problematic phrases, or just providing a rest for your eyes, it is an incredible tool.

5. Calculator That Is Hidden Within Word
Did you know that You may use Word to answer your mathematical problems? The Calculate command may be activated by modifying the Quick Access Toolbar on your interface. After the program has been activated, you may highlight an equation such as “23+57*3” to have the result shown in the bottom left bar. Sorcery.

6. A Researcher Tool that Includes an Integrated Academic Assistant
Simply go to References > Researcher, and Word will assist you with locating credible sources, quotations, and citations from sources like as journals and the internet without requiring you to leave the program. Particularly well-suited for scholarly writers, bloggers, and students.

7. You may get instant context without using Google by using the Smart Lookup feature. To use it, right-click on any word or phrase and choose Smart Lookup. A sidebar on the side of the screen pops up with definitions, summaries from Wikipedia, and articles that are connected. Put an end to continually moving between tabs.

8. Focus Mode, a Writing Area Free of Distractions or Interruptions
When you choose View > Focus, Word will bring up a tidy, uncluttered interface that does not include any ribbons or pop-up windows. You, your keyboard, and your ideas are all that are heard. Wonderful during periods of intense labor or when you are working under a time constraint.

9. The History of Versions: A Trip Through Time
Have you ever wished that you could erase a significant adjustment that you made the day before? When you choose File > Info > Version History, Word will display all of the previous versions of your document that have been saved. You may easily compare prior versions or even restore them if you so want.

10. The Document Inspector That Is Hidden
Take a look at the document you want to share by going to File > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document. It will look for metadata, hidden comments, past modifications, and personal information that you may not want to disclose to customers or the general public once it has been reviewed.

11. Typing Less and Getting More Done with Custom AutoCorrect
Navigate to the File menu, then choose Options, then Proofing, and finally AutoCorrect Options. There are shortcuts that you may configure, such as entering “addr” to automatically expand into your complete address or “ty” to automatically expand into “Thank you!” In the long run, this will save hours.

12. Style Sets provides professional formatting with only the click of a button.
Use Style Sets, which can be found under the Design tab, rather than individually designing each and every heading. Make a single selection from a clean set, and Word will give your complete document an appearance that is professional. You even have the ability to make and save your own.

13. Characters and formatting marks that are being concealed
To access concealed characters like as spaces, tabs, and line breaks, you may access them by clicking the ½ symbol located in the Home tab. In the event that you are attempting to clean up a cluttered document or address formatting difficulties, this is an absolute godsend.

14. Built-in Templates That You Most Likely Neglect to Use
Most of the time, when we start Word, we immediately go to the “Blank Document” tab. However, if you browse down a little bit, you will discover hundreds of free templates for a variety of documents, including resumes, invoices, reports, mailings, calendars, and more. created by a trained professional and prepared for use.

15. Line of Digital Signatures
Are you in need of sending a paper for signature? Locate the Signature Line option under Insert > Text. You have the option of adding a line that asks someone to digitally sign their name and date for the document. In addition to printing and scanning, it is a really cool alternative.

Concluding Remarks: Throughout the Entire Process, You Have Been Underusing Word
There is more to Microsoft Word than simply a typing tool. It is a powerful and intelligent workplace that is filled with features that may help you save time, increase your productivity, and make your papers look their best. What is the most enjoyable aspect? It’s simply that you were unaware that you already had access to all of this information.

As soon as you begin to investigate these hidden treasures, you will immediately perceive Word in a whole different light. Whether you are writing a report, a book, a résumé, or even just a daily to-do list, these tools will make the process more intelligent, more efficient, and more pleasurable for you.