Microsoft Word Features You Didn’t Know You Could Use

Microsoft Word is one of the most widely used word processing programs, but many users only scratch the surface of what it can do. Whether you use Word for work or personal projects, you will find plenty of hidden features to make your life easier. Here are Microsoft Word features you probably didn’t know about but should start using today!

Hidden Microsoft Word Features to Boost Your Productivity

1. Smart Lookup:

Ever find yourself needing to look up the meaning of a word or check a quick fact while writing? With Microsoft Word’s Smart Lookup feature, you don’t need to open a browser or leave your document. Simply highlight the word or phrase you want more information about, right-click and select "Smart Lookup." It opens a sidebar where Word pulls definitions, web results, and other relevant information from Bing. It is perfect for staying focused on your work without hopping between apps or windows!

How to Use It:

Highlight a word or phrase.

Right-click and select Smart Lookup.

View results in the sidebar.

2. Proofread Like a Pro

Proofreading your work by reading it aloud can be tedious, but Word can do it for you. The Read Aloud feature lets you listen to your document, making it easier to catch mistakes like awkward phrasing or missing punctuation. Listening to your document can provide a fresh perspective on your writing and help you spot errors you may have missed during regular proofreading.

How to Use It:

Go to the Review tab.

Click Read Aloud under the Speech section.

Use the playback controls to adjust speed or pause.

3. Remove Backgrounds from Images

Inserting images into Word documents is common, but did you know you can remove the background of an image directly in Word? This feature is useful for making your images blend seamlessly into your document without distracting backgrounds. Whether you’re creating a flyer, report, or resume, using clean, professional-looking images can make a big difference.

How to Use It:

Insert an image into your document.

Click on the image, then go to the Picture Format tab.

Select Remove Background, and use the tools to fine-tune what you want to keep or remove.

4. Translate Text

If you work with documents in multiple languages or need to translate text quickly, Word’s built-in Translator tool can be a lifesaver. This feature allows you to translate a selection of text or your entire document into another language with just a few clicks.

How to Use It:

Highlight the text you want to translate.

Navigate to the Review section and click the Translate option.

Choose your target language, and Word will translate the selected text or the entire document.

5. Quick Parts

Do you often find yourself typing the same phrases or inserting the same blocks of text into multiple documents? Word’s Quick Parts feature allows you to save these snippets for easy reuse. Whether it’s a commonly used phrase, a signature, or a disclaimer, you can insert these saved blocks of text with just a few clicks.

How to Use It:

Highlight the text you want to save.

Access the Insert tab, then click on Quick Parts within the Text group.

Select Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery, and name your snippet for future use.

Wrapping Up!

Microsoft Word is full of features that can streamline your workflow and improve productivity. Want to learn them in a better way? Contact us for Microsoft Word training, and we will guide you in the best way possible!