Writing Resources
Microsoft Writing Resources
Writers commonly use Microsoft (MS) Word to write academic papers. MS Word is also the program that Walden prefers students write assignments in and the program that the Writing Center tutors use to provide feedback to students. As such, students will need to learn how to complete various functions in MS Word to format papers and make editing easier.
The Writing Center offers step-by-step instructions for performing various MS Word functions, like fixing formatting, tweaking pagination, and creating a Table of Contents page. Additionally, the Writing Center has created tutorials to accompany these instructions. Similarly, the Writing Center’s blog often addresses technical issues dealing with MS Word.
Please direct technical support questions to the student support team at website. For example, consult MS Word’s website for help saving a MS Word 2007 document as a file compatible with MS Word 1997-2003.
MS Editing Tools
Bubble Comments (handout)
Video: Bubble Comments
Find and Replace Function (handout)
Video: Find and Replace Function
Paragraph Marks (handout)
Video: Paragraph Marks
Spell Check (handout)
Video: Spell Check
Track Changes (handout)
Video: Track Changes
APA Formatting
Double Spacing (handout)
Video: Double Spacing
Hanging Indent (handout)
Video: Hanging Indent
Margins (handout)
Video: Margins
Pagination, Headers, and Running Heads (handout)
Video: Pagination, Headers, and Running Heads
Paragraph Indentation (handout)
Video: Paragraph Indentation
Line and Pararaph Formatting
Capstone Document Formatting
Dot Leaders (handout)
Video: Dot Leaders
Page Breaks (handout)
Video: Page Breaks
Section Breaks (handout)
Video: Section Breaks
Landscape Pagination (handout)
Table of Contents (handout)
Video: Table of Contents
Software Information
The Writing Center created these tutorials using Word 2007 on a PC.
Users with a previous version of Word may still find these tutorials helpful as many instructions are applicable for multiple versions of Word. Specifically, there are only slight differences between Word 2010 and 2007, (i.e., small visual changes).
Mac users may also find these tutorials helpful, but should visit Microsoft’s website for Mac users for further information.
For any further questions about Word, please visit Microsoft’s website.
Microsoft Help
Microsoft Word Help
Microsoft Excel Help
Microsoft Powerpoint Help
For more computer tips, check out the Writing Center's Tech Tips Blogs
Make sure you are using the Writing Center's templates to make formatting your paper easier!
Working on a dissertation or thesis? Make sure to view the archived webinar "Using the Walden Doctoral Capstone Templates"