Are you looking for ways to streamline how you use Microsoft Word for your job? Do you want to ensure that you're cutting downtime as you go to write different documents? If so, then you need to learn a few Mac tips for using Word documents.
At first glance, this might not seem like a good blend. However, Mac has proven its willingness to coexist with the most popular word processor out there by integrating some key features and shortcuts.
See below for an in-depth guide on the best mac tips you can use for creating or editing Word documents.
Share Quickly With AirDrop Feature
Here's the thing about Word documents: they were meant to be shared. Microsoft Word can be used for all sorts of things. People use it to write books, create private files, generate invoices for work, write the framework for a blog article, create scripts for YouTube videos and so much more.
Most, if not all of those documents need to be shared with others. They need to be sent for editing to a teammate or sent over to a coworker who can pick up right where you left off. But what's the best way to do that?
Many people's answer would be to share it on Google Drive, but if you both have Apple devices, then there's an even better answer: the AirDrop feature. This is one of the most overlooked Apple features by far.
All you have to do is go to the "Preview" tab on the toolbar at the top left of your screen. From there, go to "Share", then select "AirDrop". From there, you'll be able to select the device you wish to send the document to.
The document will be sent instantly, allowing for collaboration right then and there. No need for thousands of clicks through Gmail to get to Google Drive.
The Navigation Pane Leads the Way
We've all been sent a Word document or two that instantly overwhelms us the moment that we opened it up. You know what we're referring to: those documents that are too complex for the naked eye to comprehend.
Fortunately, modern technology has us covered there as well. Even if the document doesn't contain a table of contents, the navigation pane feature can help you get to any section of the document with relative ease.
First, you have to unlock it by going to the "View" tab on your screen, then click on the application menu and select "Sidebar". There will be a box next to the "Navigation pane" that you will need to check to unleash it onto your Word window.
After you check that box and exit out, there will be a small browser that shows up on the left side of your Word page. It will contain options for each page of the document, making it easy to simply click on whichever page you'd like to go to.
No more scrolling for five minutes while you try to get from page 2 to page 24. The Navigation pane makes the entire process easier.
Keyboard Shortcuts to Know
Of course, before you can excel in Microsoft Word on your Mac, you need to know the proper shortcuts to make the most of it, here are some of the most vital ones below.
- Command + A: Highlight all items
- Command + X: Cut all the items you've selected
- Command + C: Copy all the items you've selected
- Command + V: Paste all of the items you've either cut or copied
- Command + P: Print the document you have opened
- Command + S: Save the document that you have opened
- Command + F: Find a word or phrase within the document
There are many other keyboard shortcuts out there, but use these to get started. You'll find that you're using these like the back of your hand in no time at all.
With all of the editing that goes into creating a masterful Word doc, these shortcuts will help you reduce time on tedious tasks.
Recover Unsaved Word Documents
We've all been there; we've all had those moments where our Mac shut down unexpectedly or we accidentally clicked out of the window before saving our progress... ouch!
Fortunately, there are ways to recover Word documents on a Mac, even if you didn't intentionally save them. That includes documents you've thrown into the trash or using the AutoRecovery feature to fetch it.
It could end up saving your life one day!
The Power of a Click
It's very tedious to try and highlight a certain word or set of words within the Word document. Heaven forbid if you wish to select the entire thing, you could be scrolling for minutes on end.
Fortunately, all you have to do is know the proper number of clicks for selecting a certain word or the entire paragraph.
If you click two times, then the Word processor will automatically select the word that your cursor is on. If you click three times, then it will select the entire paragraph that your cursor is covering.
Use These Incredible Mac Tips to Your Benefit
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on several key Mac tips for using Word documents, please be sure to use this information to your advantage. There such many other common Mac problems which can be fixed very easily.
Take the time to browse our website for more articles on MacBook tips and other topics that you will find interesting and helpful.