How to Use Styles in Word Processing
Consider OpenOffice.org Writer, Microsoft Word, Abiword or Google Docs., Start by determining how your document is structured., Find the Styles Task Pane in your word processor., Apply the appropriate style to each section and subsection heading...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider OpenOffice.org Writer
Generally, it will have one (or more) main sections with corresponding titles (headings).
Each main section will have subsections (again, with corresponding titles, also known as subheadings) that go into greater detail. (If you are starting your document from scratch, preparing an outline of headings and subheadings is an excellent way to organize your thoughts!) , In MS Word, click on the Format menu and select Styles and Formatting; most versions of Word will use a similar command.
In lieu of the task pane, you might also use the Styles toolbar; it is a drop-down field in most Word configurations that displays "Normal" by default.
In OpenOffice.org click Format then Styles and Formatting (or press F11) , In the title(s) of your main section(s), place the mouse cursor and select "Heading 1" from the Styles toolbar or task pane.
Notice that the paragraph is converted to a large, bold typeface. , Notice that the Heading 2 copy is not quite as large or bold as the Heading 1 copy. , Unless you are writing detailed technical, scientific or legal documents, you will probably not need to go farther than "Heading 3". (As a practical matter, few people can follow a discussion that uses more than four or five levels of headings.
If your document needs more than four levels of headings, consider breaking the document up into multiple documents.) , Instead, use the Styles toolbar or task pane and apply the styles "List Bullet" and/or "List Number".
You can avoid having to insert bullet characters or numbers that way, and the software will usually even retain and update your numbering as you edit your copy. , This is a clean, tight document that will go through most automated document converters and come out looking as good as when it went in. -
Step 2: Microsoft Word
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Step 3: Abiword or Google Docs.
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Step 4: Start by determining how your document is structured.
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Step 5: Find the Styles Task Pane in your word processor.
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Step 6: Apply the appropriate style to each section and subsection heading
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Step 7: according to its importance or level of detail (as you analyzed in step 1 above).
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Step 8: Apply styles to the next level of detail in the outline: apply the style "Heading 2" to the second level of headings!
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Step 9: Repeat as necessary
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Step 10: going down to the desired level of detail.
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Step 11: If you are including bullet points or numbered lists
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Step 12: do yourself and your coworkers a favor and avoid using the bullet/numbering buttons in the toolbars.
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Step 13: View your logically constructed document!
Detailed Guide
Generally, it will have one (or more) main sections with corresponding titles (headings).
Each main section will have subsections (again, with corresponding titles, also known as subheadings) that go into greater detail. (If you are starting your document from scratch, preparing an outline of headings and subheadings is an excellent way to organize your thoughts!) , In MS Word, click on the Format menu and select Styles and Formatting; most versions of Word will use a similar command.
In lieu of the task pane, you might also use the Styles toolbar; it is a drop-down field in most Word configurations that displays "Normal" by default.
In OpenOffice.org click Format then Styles and Formatting (or press F11) , In the title(s) of your main section(s), place the mouse cursor and select "Heading 1" from the Styles toolbar or task pane.
Notice that the paragraph is converted to a large, bold typeface. , Notice that the Heading 2 copy is not quite as large or bold as the Heading 1 copy. , Unless you are writing detailed technical, scientific or legal documents, you will probably not need to go farther than "Heading 3". (As a practical matter, few people can follow a discussion that uses more than four or five levels of headings.
If your document needs more than four levels of headings, consider breaking the document up into multiple documents.) , Instead, use the Styles toolbar or task pane and apply the styles "List Bullet" and/or "List Number".
You can avoid having to insert bullet characters or numbers that way, and the software will usually even retain and update your numbering as you edit your copy. , This is a clean, tight document that will go through most automated document converters and come out looking as good as when it went in.
About the Author
Heather Hughes
Heather Hughes has dedicated 3 years to mastering lifestyle and practical guides. As a content creator, Heather focuses on providing actionable tips and step-by-step guides.
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