Have you ever opened up Word 2013 and thought, “Why does my screen look different?” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Microsoft Word’s interface changes with every new version, and it can be confusing to navigate at first. In this article, we’ll walk you through the reasons behind these changes and how to adjust to them. By the end of this quick-read, you’ll be a Word 2013 pro!
Before we dive into the steps, it’s essential to understand that Word 2013’s different look is due to the updated design and features meant to enhance user experience. Let’s explore how to navigate this new interface.
Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Ribbon
The Ribbon is the strip of buttons and icons located at the top of the window. This is your main navigation tool in Word 2013.
When you first open Word 2013, you may be taken aback by the sleek and flat design of the Ribbon. It’s designed to be more intuitive and easier to use. The Ribbon is organized into tabs like Home, Insert, and Design, each holding related features. Spend some time clicking through these tabs to see what tools are available.
Step 2: Use the Quick Access Toolbar
This toolbar is found at the top left of the screen, and it allows you to save, undo, and repeat with just one click.
The Quick Access Toolbar is customizable, so you can add your most used commands for easy access. To add a command, right-click on any item in the Ribbon and select “Add to Quick Access Toolbar.”
Step 3: Check Out the New Start Screen
When you open Word 2013, you’ll see a new Start Screen instead of a blank document.
The Start Screen is there to help you get started quickly. It shows recent documents and templates, which can be incredibly handy. You can still open a new blank document by clicking on the “Blank document” tile.
Step 4: Explore the New Backstage View
Click on the ‘File’ tab to see the Backstage View, where you can manage document settings, save, print, share, and more.
The Backstage View has been revamped to make document management more straightforward. You’ll find everything related to your document’s external interactions – like sharing, exporting, and version history – all in one place.
Step 5: Customize Your Word 2013 Environment
Go to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ to tweak Word’s settings to your liking, including display and proofing options.
Customization can make a big difference in your comfort level with Word 2013. You can adjust the background theme, modify the Ribbon, or change how Word interacts with your typing.
After completing these steps, you should have a better handle on the new look and feel of Word 2013. The initial confusion will give way to a more efficient working environment as you become more familiar with the interface.
Tips for Adjusting to Word 2013’s Different Screen
- Experiment with the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar to find the best layout for your workflow.
- Use the ‘Tell Me’ feature, a search box on the Ribbon that helps you find commands quickly.
- Don’t forget about right-clicking. Many context-sensitive options appear when you right-click in the document.
- Make use of templates from the Start Screen for a quick and professional setup.
- Give yourself time to adjust. Change can be challenging, but with practice, you’ll soon find Word 2013 easier to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word 2013 look so different from previous versions?
Word 2013 has a flatter, cleaner design to align with the visual style of Windows 8 and beyond. It’s meant to be more user-friendly and touch-compatible.
Can I revert back to the old interface if I don’t like the new one?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to revert to the old interface. However, you can customize the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar to make navigation more comfortable for you.
Is Word 2013’s functionality different from previous versions?
While the look is different, most of the core functionality remains the same. You’ll find new features and improvements, but the basic principles of document creation and editing are unchanged.
How do I add commands to the Quick Access Toolbar?
Right-click on any command in the Ribbon and select “Add to Quick Access Toolbar.” You can also click the small arrow on the Toolbar to customize it further.
Where do I find the Save, Print, and Share options in Word 2013?
These options are located in the Backstage View, which you can access by clicking the ‘File’ tab on the Ribbon.
Summary
- Familiarize yourself with the Ribbon.
- Use the Quick Access Toolbar for frequently used commands.
- Check out the new Start Screen for recent documents and templates.
- Explore the new Backstage View for document management options.
- Customize your Word 2013 environment through the ‘Options’ menu.
Conclusion
Navigating the new look of Word 2013 may seem daunting at first, but with a bit of exploration and customization, you’ll find it’s designed to be more efficient and user-friendly. Remember, the changes in design also come hand-in-hand with new features and improvements that can enhance your productivity. So, don’t shy away from change – embrace it, and you’ll be mastering Word 2013 in no time. Keep practicing, customizing, and you’ll wonder why you ever missed the old version. After all, isn’t the ability to adapt and grow what makes us all savvy users in this ever-changing digital world?
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.