As a frequent Microsoft Word user, you likely rely on familiar tools like mail merge or font formatting. Yet, even power users often miss powerful hidden gems that streamline workflows. Drawing from years of professional document creation, we've curated 10 underutilized features to enhance efficiency.
Microsoft Word's depth rivals a Swiss Army knife. Building on popular tips, here are 10 more essentials you might have overlooked.
Writing essays, case studies, or research papers? The Researcher tool accelerates fact-finding.
Access it via the References tab > Researcher in the Research group. Enter a keyword in the sidebar; it pulls Bing-powered web results.
Click results to preview, then use the + icon to cite and insert text directly. Update your bibliography via References > Bibliography > Update citations and bibliography.
Available in Word 2016+ for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Make documents inclusive using the Accessibility Checker, which flags issues like missing headings or alt text.
Go to Review tab > Check Accessibility. Review errors in the sidebar and apply fixes on-site.
Essential for shared docs. Explore full rules via the sidebar link: Read more about making documents accessible.
Enhance tutorials or references by inserting videos. Insert tab > Media > Online Video. Search Bing/YouTube or paste embed code.
Resize, rotate, or reposition as needed.
Review revisions efficiently with Compare or Combine. Review tab > Compare.
Customize labels and settings for multi-author projects.
Create visuals without Excel: Insert > Illustrations > SmartArt. Choose from processes, hierarchies, etc.
Edit text, resize, or rearrange. Best Flowchart Templates for Microsoft Office offers more templates.
Proofread hands-free: Position cursor, Review > Read Aloud. Control speed/voice via toolbar.
Ideal for error detection. Read Aloud is a significant improvement on Microsoft's previous text-to-speech offerings.
Improve readability: View > Learning Tools. Options include:
Pair with Read Aloud.
Optimize defaults: File > Options > Advanced. Key areas:
Apply per document or globally. 10 Microsoft Word Default Settings You Can Optimize for more.
Tailor your interface: File > Options > Customize Ribbon/Quick Access Toolbar. Add/remove commands.
Reset anytime. See How to Optimize Office 2016 Ribbon for details.
Right-click status bar > Customize Status Bar. Toggle word count, zoom, Caps Lock, etc.
These tools are one click away. This is how you can get Microsoft Word for free. Share in comments which you've overlooked!
