5 useful ways to customise Microsoft Word

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If you are new to Microsoft Word, its layout can feel a little intimidating and distracting. So in this video we take a look at a number of ways you can customise Word, to make it easier to work with.

Note: Two interface changes we like to make to our instance of Word. Are the inclusion of a ruler and the use of format markings. However as these options are a little controversial, in that not everyone likes to have them enabled. We have decided to discuss them in their own video.

Note: All customisation to word is stored in a template file called Normal.dot. So to quickly revert Word back to its default. Close Word, open the location %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates and rename the Normal.dot file to Normal.old. When you reopen Word, a new Normal.dot will automatically be created and any customisation removed.

In order to hide the Search field in Word select File from the menu bar.
Now from the sidebar choose More… and when the quick menu appears select Options.
Next under the heading General select Collapse the Microsoft Search box by default.
When you select OK, the Search field in Word will revert to an icon.

To disable or customise the Quick Access Menu Bar select File – More – Options.
Now from within the Word Options window locate and select Quick Access Toolbar.
You can customise the Quick Access Toolbar by dragging and dropping icons from one column to another.
Alternatively if you want to remove the toolbar from Word, tick the option Show Quick Access Toolbar.
Click OK to update Word.

To hide the Ribbon, locate the up chevron in bottom right corner of the Ribbon.
When you click the chevron the Ribbon will be hidden.
To see the Ribbon, click on the a menu option (for example File, Insert, Design, Layout, References, Mailings, Review, or View).
In order to permanently display the Ribbon, click on the pin icon in the bottom right corner of the Ribbon.

To disable the Mini Toolbar select File – More – Options.
Now from within the Word Options window locate and select General.
Under the heading User Interface Options, locate the option Show Mini Toolbar on selection.
Untick the check box and click OK to update Word.