Word Quick Start

Create a document

Word Help & Training
Word Quick Start
Word Quick Start
Create a document
Your browser does not support video. Install Microsoft Silverlight, Adobe Flash Player, or Internet Explorer 9.

With Word you can:

  • Create a document from scratch or from a template.

  • Add text, images, art, and videos.

  • Research a topic and find credible sources.

  • Access your documents from a computer, tablet, or phone via OneDrive.

  • Share your documents and collaborate with others.

  • Track and review changes.

Create a new document

  1. On the File tab, select New.

  2. Select Blank document, or double-click a template image or type the kind of document into the Search for online templates box and press Enter.

: For practice using Word features, try a learning guide like Welcome to Word or Insert your first table of contents.

Online templates in Word

Add and format text

  1. Click on your new blank page and type some text. 

  2. Select text to format and choose font options on the Home tab: Bold, Italic, Bullets, Numbering, and more. 

Format Text in Word

Add Pictures, Shapes, SmartArt, Chart, and more

  1. Select the Insert tab.

  2. Select what you want to add:

    • Tables - choose  Outlook Insert table button icon Table, hover over the size you want, and select it.

    • Pictures - select Insert a picture button Pictures, browse for an image on your computer, a online stock image, or with an image search on Bing.

      :  Older versions of Word may have Online Pictures on the ribbon next to Pictures.

    • Shapes - select Word W32 Shapes button icon Shapes, and choose a shape from the drop-down.

    • Icons - choose  Icons button Icons, pick the one you want, and select Insert.

    • 3D Models - select 3D models button 3D Models, choose from a file or online source, pick the image you want, and select Insert.

    • SmartArt - choose  Smart art button icon SmartArt, pick a SmartArt Graphic, and select OK.

    • Chart - select Insert Chart button Chart, choose the chart you want, and select OK.

    • Screenshot - select Outlook Screenshot button icon Screenshot and select one from the drop-down.

Insert items in Word

Next:     Save your document to OneDrive in Word

Facebook LinkedIn Email

Need more help?

Want more options?

Discover Community Contact Us

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support