Type, Backspace, and Delete

In Microsoft Word, you create documents by typing them. For example, if you want to create a report, you open Microsoft Word and begin typing. You do not have to do anything when your text reaches the right margin—Microsoft Word automatically continues your text on a new line.

Start a New Paragraph

If you want to start a new paragraph, press Enter. Microsoft Word creates extra space between paragraphs to indicate where one paragraph ends and a new paragraph begins by default.

Capitalize

To capitalize, hold down the Shift key while typing the letter you want to capitalize. If you want to type in all caps, press the Caps Lock key and begin typing. To turn off all caps, press the Caps Lock key again. To create space between words and sentences, press the Spacebar.

Correct Mistakes

If you make a mistake, you can delete what you typed and then type your correction. You can use the Backspace key to delete. A blinking vertical bar marks the insertion point. To change the position of the insertion point, move the mouse pointer to where you want it; then click. Each time you press the Backspace key, Microsoft Word deletes the character to the left of the insertion point. You can also delete text by using the Delete key. First, select the text you want to delete; then press the Delete key.

Delete with the Backspace Key

1. Place the insertion point immediately to the right of the character you want to delete.
2. Press the Backspace key. Word deletes the character to the left of the insertion point.

Delete with the Delete Key

1. Select the text you want to delete.
2. Press the Delete key. Word deletes the text you selected.

I do not want Word to create a blank line when I press Enter. What should I do?

Select all of the paragraphs you have typed. Click No Spacing in the Styles Gallery.

I want Word to format my document the same way it did in Word 2003. What should I do?

1) Choose the Design tab. 2) Click the down-arrow next to the Document Formatting gallery. 3) Hover your mouse pointer over each of the built-in styles until the style name appears. 3) Locate and click Word 2003.