Thursday 16 April 2015

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO DO WITH OFFICE... BUT DIDN'T KNOW HOW

EVERYTHING YOU
WANTED TO DO WITH OFFICE...
BUT DIDN'T KNOW HOW

You use Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint on a daily basis and are still be trying to figure out where things are and how they work, using only 10% of the applications power. Below are 101 customizations and tweaks to help you harness the power of productivity, and customize MS office to work for you.
The difference between an Microsoft Office beginner and advanced user is all about knowing how to use the individual applications, and knowing how to use them well. Wondering how to use your everyday Office applications effectively?
The best way is to customize them. When you learn how to customize an application the way you want it--especially when it’s a productivity tool like an Microsoft Office program, you increase your productivity and effectiveness by leaps and bounds.
All you need is a guide on getting the best customizations out there. Read on and make the leap from Microsoft Office beginner to expert with the following list of resources, tips, tricks and tutorials.
word MICROSOFT WORD
Streamline Document Formatting – It’s faster and easier to tweak a few things here or there to make a document truly your own. Start tweaking your own documents with a complete document theme.

  • streamlineHow the use themes in Word 2007
    A document theme is a set of formatting choices that let you apply a consistent look to a document. This tip shows you how to set themes for both Word and Excel.
  • How to Modify a Theme in Word 2007
    Once you’ve selected a theme,  use these four simple steps to make it your own.
  • Working with Themes in Word 2007
    Themes and Styles are closely connected in Word. You can make changes to both and create your very own default theme.
  • Customize a Document Theme
    When you want to customize a document theme, start by changing the colors, the fonts, or the line and fill effects. It’s up to you.
Keyboard shortcut/Cheat sheets – Your work can be full of repetitive tasks and processes.  Keyboard shortcuts are designed to save the time you spend on executing them.  With these keyboard shortcut cheat sheets it won’t be long until you’ve memorized—or even created, your  own.

Editing – Next to content, formatting is the biggest priority. Make the look of your document support the meaning of your words, whether it be a numbered list, custom fonts and text or paragraph formatting.  Here are the essentials on how to edit a few basic document formats the easy way.

  • editingChanging Font Case in Word 2007
    To start, you may want to be efficient with the basics, like changing the font case of text you typed. This tip shows you how to do it quickly by using the interface in Word 2007.
  • Tab Key, Bulleting, Numbering, Undo, Redo, and Printing
    We all know that documents can be more than just paragraphs and sentences. Learn how to modify the formatting defaults for common Word tasks and make your document format diverse.
  • Formatting Text
    Want to create your own style? This tip shows you how by formatting text--selecting a font typeface, choosing the font size, applying effects, adjusting colors and more. A handy tip for any user looking to create a unique and professional look.
  • How to Format Paragraphs in Word 2007
    Word 2007 includes many of the old Word 2003 functions you’re used to.  The major difference between both versions is how they’re accessed. The function for formatting paragraphs is one of them. Find out how.
  • Set a table format for your entire Word document
    Got an entire document full of tables? Need them all reformatted in the same style? This tip shows you how to access, customize and apply  a default style to all the tables in your document.
Importing Fonts – Nothing can change the look and feel of your Word document better than a new font. These links show you how and where to get them for Windows.

  • importingHow To Install TrueType or OpenType Fonts in Windows
    Whether you download fonts from the Internet or have a CD full of typefaces, in order to use them in your word processor or other programs you’ll have to know how to install them. Here’s a tip on how to install TrueType or OpenType fonts for use in Windows.
  • How to Install or Remove a font in Windows
    Need to install a font into Windows but not sure how?  This tip shows you how to do it for Windows XP versions so it’s available for use in Word.
  • Download and Install Custom Fonts to use with Office
    When the fonts you use start to feel old and overused, try out a new one. This link directs you on how to work with fonts--where to find more, how to download them and install them on your computer.
Exporting to Different Doc Types – If you know when, where and how your readers will need the information in your document, you can save it in a way that makes it extra easy for them to find and use.

  • exportingChange the Default File Format in Word 2007
    Migrating to the latest version of Word? One thing you should know is that it saves to its .docx native format by default, which most users still can’t view. Here’s how to save documents so others can view them too.
  • Save a file
    With at least seven different save location options and many different versions, there’s more to keeping your document safe than clicking one button. Find out how to save your files quickly and efficiently in all types of format.
  • Convert DOC (MS Word Documents) to PDF Format
    Convert your documents without purchasing any software. This link presents 3 quick and easy ways to do it.
General Word Tips and tricks – Any one of these tips could quickly become your favorite productivity booster.

  • generalCustomize Microsoft Word 2007 for Maximum Efficiency
    By changing the program to work the way you want it to, you'll get more work done with less aggravation. These tips help you eliminate the most time consuming tasks with a few essential pointers.
  • How to View a Word 2007 Document in Two Windows
    When editing a long document, you may want to show it in two windows for some fast cutting and pasting work. Customize your window  view quickly with this tip.
  • 10 ways you can tweak Word 2007 to fit your working style
    There are a number of ways to tailor the program so that it fits everyone’s style of doing things. From modifying screen tips and changing the colour of Word to tailoring the status bar and the hiding the Word Ribbon, this list of tips will have one that’ll make Word suit your working style.
  • Customize Your Status Bar in Word 2007
    Want to see more information in your status bar, but not too sure how to set it up? Check out this quick pointer on how to see exactly what you want in your Word window.
  • Microsoft Word 2007 Tips, Tricks, and Tutorials
    Find the fastest ways to do things. Here’s a huge list of links ranging from tagging documents and adding watermarks to inserting characters and customizing macro security settings  with dozens of stops in between.
excel MICROSOFT EXCEL
Interface Customizations – Make Excel look and feel the way you want it to right from the start. Learn how to manipulate and customize its interface, start up, toolbars and more. These links will get you started with Excel on the right foot.

  • interfaceExcel Toolbar: Menu bars and other things
    Find out how to redact and secure hidden text and how to block error messages. This page shows you how to access the most needed customizations in Excel.
  • Customize Toolbars & Menus in Excel
    Need to remove or add buttons to fit your needs and work preferences? Want specific items in your Excel menus? Check out these handy tips and related links.
  • Excel 2007: The Office Button Replaces the File Menu
    Changes in what you do with a spreadsheet have led to changes in how you save them as well. Figure out how to do that with these essential customization tips.
  • Starting and Exiting Excel
    If you use Excel on a regular basis, you may want to access it quicker. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 provides several methods for starting and exiting the program.
  • Display or hide sheet tabs in Excel 2003
    Organize your Excel window the way you need it when you work. Here’s what you can do to keep your worksheets well organized within your workbook.
Formatting Text & Numbers in Spreadsheets  -- The meaning of your data is greatly improved when you know how to present it. With these links you can find out how to quickly manipulate and customize the look and formatting of the numbers and text within your spreadsheet.

Templates – Having an Excel template will keep you from constantly wasting time on  reinventing a new look and feel for your spreadsheet.

Macros and Calculations – Dealing with a large amount of Excel data often requires repetitive calculations and analysis.  Macros are great shortcuts for just this type of work.  Create your own productivity shortcuts or set up different functions for multi-step processes and use them whenever you need to.

Keyboard shortcut/cheat sheets – Add these time saving shortcuts to your knowledge toolbox to get even more value from Excel easily and effectively.

  • keyboardExcel 2007 Cheat Sheet: Quick reference charts
    Wondering where your favorite Excel 2003 commands went in Excel 2007? This chart will show you that and more.
  • Keyboard shortcuts (Excel 2003) 
    Need to tailor your work process and increase your efficiency in Excel 2003? Here’s a detailed chart and collection of the keyboard shortcuts that’ll save you time on routine tasks.
  • The Ultimate Excel Cheat sheet
    Here are the cream of the crop in Excel shortcuts. This article has it all in one place—keyboard shortcuts, VBA code snippets, Excel functions and formulas, command line switches and more. They come in easy-to-use cheat sheets you can print up and keep handy.
  • Excel 2007 Cheat Sheet: 6 Tips for Working with Excel 2007
    Find out everything you need to work effectively with Excel in this article from Computerworld. Linked is a section entitled, 6 Tips for Working with Excel 2007. Learn how to work effectively with Excel with these customization tips at your fingertips.
General Excel Tips and Tricks – Here are favorite tips, tricks and techniques that’ll help you customize and expand the usability of Excel beyond the cells of its spreadsheets.

  • generalExcel Tips
    If you’re trying to learn  the ins and outs of Excel 2007,  here are some excellent online resources that’ll show you how to protect cells, format text to columns, display fractions, how to freeze formulas to their current value and more.
  • Customize Microsoft Excel For Power Use
    If you want to try a Power User tip, check this link out. You’ll learn how to modify and set default .xls templates, get more formatting options and more.
  • How to customize and create charts
    Need to create custom charts? It’s easy with the help of these demos that show you how to add cool gradients and replacing graph bars with pictures.
  • The Spreadsheet Page - Excel Tips
    If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, check this list out.  You’ll find tips for dealing with a number of Excel situations you might encounter in the real world.
powerpoint MICROSOFT POWERPOINT
Interface customizations – Don’t want an outline of your presentation on the left? Need your favorite layout tools grouped together for fast access? Here’s how you can make PowerPoint present itself the way you like it.

  • interfaceCustomize the Quick Access Toolbar
    Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar is essential for functions that are independent of the Ribbon commands. Taking a few minutes to modify this toolbar will save you hundreds more later on.
  • Use the Ribbon in PowerPoint 2007
    The "Ribbon" in all Office applications introduce a context-sensitive method for accessing commands. PowerPoint has its own special commands to deal with graphs, and can be especially tricky to navigate.  Here’s how to make it your own.
  • Show the Slide Number and Total Number of Slides on Every PowerPoint Slide
    Want to show progress through a presentation? Here’s how to control that through the master slide.
  • Hide Slides In PowerPoint 2007
    Presentation is everything, and you don’t want to mess up the delivery. Customize your presentation for different audiences by hiding slides with this quick 3-step tip.
Printing – Presentations can be shared in many ways including physical handouts. If you want to get more efficient with PowerPoint, these links will help you get those handouts looking just the way you need them.

Exporting – Want to share part of your presentation through a different medium, or put it online where more people can see it? These tips will help you pick it apart and put the pieces just where you want.

  • exportingImprove PowerPoint's GIF, BMP, PNG, JPG export resolution
    Export your presentation to a file format as crisp and clear as the original with this tutorial. You’ll get pointers on image settings for optimal resolution using different PowerPoint versions.
  • Extract Images and Sounds from PowerPoint
    Sometimes you need to work with PowerPoint presentations in different ways, especially if you need content from the .ppt file itself.  This tip tells you how to quickly and simply extract and save a single image or sound from a presentation.
  • Put your PowerPoint on the Web
    Learn how to make your presentation accessible to website visitors and convert them into HTML with this tip.
  • Convert PowerPoint Presentations to Video Files (with Sound) 
    Ever wonder how to get your PowerPoint slide onto a DVD for free? Get your PowerPoint file exported in the format you need. AuthorStream is a PowerPoint hosting service that’ll convert your presentation into MPEG4 video format.
Keyboard shortcuts – Sometimes a few keystrokes is all it takes to manipulate a large or complex piece of your presentation. Here are some of those "extra" power points.

Editing – From selecting backgrounds, to lining up animations to appear in the correct order, there’s a lot an editor can learn from these PowerPoint tutorials.

  • editingCustomize a PowerPoint Template
    Need to make quick slide changes? Modify and customize the template to freshen up a theme and make the presentation your own with this tutorial.
  • Creating a PowerPoint Presentation
    If you want to be a PowerPoint power user, check out this link. Here are a few tips on customizing your own PowerPoint presentation quickly from scratch. These tips go beyond choosing graphics and setting text bullets.
  • Format Slides in PowerPoint
    You can give your PowerPoint presentation a unique look by formatting the slides--adding effects, changing slide texture and more.
  • Add Animation Effects in Microsoft PowerPoint
    If you want to add more eye-catching content to your PowerPoint presentation, here are a few customization tips to adding animation effects to your presentation.
  • Combine animation techniques to create stunning PowerPoint slides
    For more versatility in your PowerPoint presentation, take a look at this tutorial.  You’l learn how to combine motion paths with other animation effects to create dynamic and compelling presentations.
General PowerPoint Tips and Tricks – Fan favorites and tips from the trenches can help you become a power user in no time.

outlook MICROSOFT OUTLOOK
Interface Customization – Outlook may be "the email standard", but there’s no reason you need to settle for its standard layout when you can make it all your own. These links show you how to customize the email interfaces you work and the basic functions to get you working with Outlook more efficiently.

  • interfaceWhat’s New in Microsoft Office Outlook 2007
    If you’ve read up to this point, then you know that the Ribbon for Outlook 2007 has a new interface.  Learn about the features that make composing, formatting, and organizing an easier and more intuitive experience. Then customize them with tips on the Options Dialog Box.
  • Start Outlook showing my Calendar, Contacts, or Tasks
    Start using Outlook for more than just viewing your inbox. Set it to start up showing another frequently used folder in Outlook like your journal, calendar, tasks or contacts.
  • Make Outlook Stationery
    How you send out your emails can say a lot about you whether it’s a personal message or a professional notification. Create custom stationery in Outlook 2003 to make your messages stand out.
  • Creating Personal Folder storage in Outlook 2007
    Need more custom folders and organization? Create and place Personal Folders in the main window interface to help you sort and store your messages your way.
  • Introduction to Outlook 2007 – Using Desktop Alerts
    If you’re too busy to check in with Outlook, let Outlook check in with you. Desktop alerts are handy Outlook alert messages that appear on your screen. Use them to your advantage.  These handy tips give you a run down of what they are and how to use them effectively.
Email Organization – Keep control of your inbox with this tutorial set showing you how to custom organize your Outlook email, contacts and more.

  • emailEmail Organization 
    If you use Outlook on a daily basis, then you know that email organization is key.  Not too sure where to start or how to go about it? Outlook has a number of customization settings to help you organize incoming email, outgoing email and existing email. Here are a few tips. Use any or all of them.
  • Quick E-Mailing tips in Outlook
    Once you get the hang of Outlook, you’ll want more control over your email messages. Here are a few tips on how to set reminder and expiration dates on your messages as well as checking an email alias against your contacts.
  • Create and configure an e-mail profile in Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2003
    One of the key aspects about an Outlook email account is your profile, which is created the first time you run Outlook. If you need more than one profile for different purposes, read this tutorial on how to create another one.
  • Outlook 2007 Contacts FAQ
    The Contacts folder is your e-mail address book and information storage for the people and businesses you want to communicate with. Find out how to do everything you can with your address book to make emailing a breeze.
  • View your Inbox Messages by Thread
    You can customize your Outlook right down to the way in which you view your messages.  Check out this tip from the Microsoft camp and learn how to read emails by thread and keep on top of things.  
  • Create an Email Template in Outlook 2003
    Saving time is a priority especially when you send out the same email over and over again. The solution? Create a template in Outlook for those messages you send out repeatedly.
Tasks – If you deal with a large amount of email on a daily basis, Outlook tasks will really help you out.  The following set of links lets you handle routine daily tasks faster and more efficiently and in your own way.

Calendaring and Scheduling – With these helpful scheduling tips and tricks, you can organize more than just your inbox. Customize your schedules, task reminders, calendar printing and even group scheduling.

  • calendarSet or remove reminders
    If you need more organization in your day to day schedule, this tip shows you how to create reminders that can be used with more than just tasks and appointments.
  • How to use the Group Schedules feature in Outlook
    For those that work with a number of individuals, keeping in touch can be difficult.  Try making a Group Schedules.  They enable you to view and schedule meetings with an entire group you specify or with individual members.
  • How to Create additional calendars
    Nobody ever has only one schedule going.  Oftentimes you need more than one calendar. With this quick tip you’ll learn how to create separate calendars for work, personal or other uses.
  • Outlook 2007: Print a Blank Calendar
    If you need to print a calendar, but don’t want it to show your appointments, read this tip.
  • Outlook 2003 - 24 hour clock, multiple time zones
    Global work habits and hours require a global calendar to correctly schedule appointments. Check this tip out for a guideline on how to get your calendar working correctly wherever you are.
General Tips and Tricks – Hard to categorize, or do without, these tips will round out your skills on Outlook email handling.

  • generalOutlook 2003 Tips and Tricks – E-Mail Tips
    Got Outlook 2003 and need help finding something? This quick reference sheet shows you  how to read the screen layout for Outlook 2003.
  • Command-line switches for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007If you’re looking to launch Outlook in a different way or are having trouble with desktop shortcut, try out this command line switch that gives you another option for starting Outlook from the command menu.
  • Outlook 2007 Backup Tutorial
    Looking for a quick and easy way to back up your Outlook and Outlook Express email?  Check out this tutorial that walks you through the procedure.
  • Use a Windows Live Hotmail Account in OutlookHere’s another good customization tip for power email users—using Outlook to access your hotmail account.  All you need is a plug-in and a few handy steps with this easy-to-follow tutorial.
Now that you’ve had a chance to scan the whole list of lessons, make sure you tuck this valuable reference sheet away. In case you read through it too quickly, review this "Save a file" Microsoft Word tutorial for seven places and ways to make sure you can find it when you need a fast solution to an immediate need.  After all, with seven choices, there ought to be one you can customize to fit your working needs to a tee.
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