1.       I can never make page breaks work in Word!

The easiest way to make page breaks in Word is by hitting ‘Ctrl + Enter’, this inserts a hard page break.

If you want to insert a section break, eg you want to change the orientation of the page from portrait to landscape, go to the ‘Page Layout’ menu, under ‘Page Set Up’ tab, and go to the ‘Section Break’ list and select the appropriate option, although I find that ‘Next Page’ is generally the best one to use.

2.       Is there any way of making a form with option boxes in Word?

If you want to make option boxes in a form in Word, go to the ‘Developer’ menu, ‘Control’ tab.  In this tab there are options to allow for a drop down menu or check boxes etc.  If you go to the place on your form where you want to add an option box, then click on the square with a tick in it, this will insert a blank box, whereby you can type the text next to it.  When someone is filling out the form, they just need to click on the blank box and a cross appears.

If you want to insert a drop down menu with options, you select ‘Drop Down List Content Control’, then select ‘Properties’ – give it a title, and then list the different options by selecting ‘Add’.

3.       How do I make a stationary template with the business details running down the side of the page instead of at the top or bottom?

In Microsoft 2010, when you select ‘New’ document, it gives you the option of a number of templates.  If you select the ‘Letterhead’ folder, there are a number of different styles, there is one in particular named Letter (Business Design), which you could alter to suit yourself.  If you wanted to start from scratch, I would suggest using a Text box to insert your details down the side, and adjust your margins accordingly, however I don’t think there is an easy way to set up so letterhead is on subsequent pages (like the way headers and footers work), without copying and pasting the text box.

4.       General Formatting Tips:

• When formatting a document consistency is the key, you want to create a professional looking document to ensure consistency for the brand.
• Ensure font sizes, spacing, margins, tabs are all the same throughout.
• When formatting a document, use styles to create your different headings/levels.
• Using styles allows you to create a TOC fairly simply.
• Don’t choose a standard style and change it manually each time if it’s not right – set up your own styles.
• Use page numbers on all documents.
• If it is a manual/workbook/proposal etc, use a document title in the Header, and ‘Prepared by’, ‘Date, and ‘Page Number’ in the footer.
• Not everyone is a fan of formatting as it can be rather time consuming and tedious, however there are a few of us that love it, so if you don’t have the patience to ensure you create a professionally looking document, then find someone that can do it for you.

If you have any other questions, please let me know.

Thanks

Paula Wynyard