Word Microsoft: For a deeper understanding of the entire MS Office suite and its various constituent programs, please refer to the linked article.
Further details on the features and practical applications of Word are elaborated upon in the subsequent sections.
Key Features of Word Microsoft Docs:
1.
Perform standard actions
such as copy, cut, and paste.
2.
Incorporate headers, and footers, and implement page formatting.
3.
Utilize Mail Merge for
crafting letters, envelopes, and labels.
4.
Access additional features
like dictionaries, Mailchimp integration, and Fax capabilities.
5.
Open and edit PDF files
seamlessly.
6. Insert images directly from your hard drive or the web using the Word Microsoft Insert Toolbar.
Simonyi initiated the creation of Multi-Tool Word, bringing Richard Brodie as the primary software engineer on board. The software was initially announced as Multi-Tool Word for Xenix and MS-DOS in 1983, later simplified to Microsoft Word. The application gained attention when free demonstration copies were distributed in the November 1983 issue of PC World.
Microsoft Word was unique among MS-DOS programs as it was designed for mouse use, featuring a WYSIWYG, a windowed word processor with undo capabilities and formatting options. Despite initial resistance due to its different user interface, Microsoft continually improved the product, releasing versions 2.0 through 5.0 over six years.
The introduction of Word for Windows marked a significant milestone, with subsequent versions being named after their release year. Word 2007 brought a redesigned user interface known as the Ribbon, later integrated into other Office applications. Word 2010 allowed Ribbon customization, introduced a Backstage view for file management, and integrated with online services like Microsoft OneDrive. Word 2019 added a dictation function, while Word 2021 included co-authoring, a visual refresh, tabs, automatic cloud saving, dark mode, line focus, an updated draw tab, and support for ODF 1.3.
For Mac users, Microsoft released Word 1.0 in 1985, and subsequent versions evolved differently from the DOS and Windows counterparts. Word 2021 for Mac introduced real-time co-authoring, automatic cloud saving, dark mode, immersive reader enhancements, line focus, a visual refresh, saving pictures in SVG format, and a new Sketched style outline.
Microsoft Word's native file formats use either .doc or .docx extensions. The newer .docx extension signifies adherence to the Office Open XML international standard. Before this, Word used binary formats, and versions after Word 2007 continued to support DOC files.
The software includes various features like templates, image formats
support (including SVG), WordArt for graphical text effects, macros for
automation, and advanced typesetting features since Word 2010. However,
Microsoft Word faces challenges, such as layout issues before Word 2010 and
limitations in handling technical documents. The program supports bullets and
numbering, AutoSummarize for quick abstract generation, and cross-version
compatibility challenges.