Instead, you’ve got the option to use a simple keyboard shortcut to achieve the same outcome.

To do this, click File > Options, and select “Proofing” in the Word Options Window.

From there, click “AutoCorrect Options.”

iPhone 16e with iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro in hand against grey wall.

Then, click “OK” to end the dialog boxes, and you’re ready to go.

Border lines are linked to the text directly above them.

So, after typing your line of text, press Enter, and then use the following shortcuts.

An Excel table with a named range.

Ensure you don’t add spaces between each character when using the following keyboard shortcuts.

When you’ve finished typing the shortcut, press Enter to see the line appear.

Customize the Status Bar

The Status Baris a somewhat undervalued part of the Microsoft Word user interface.

A Word document with titles and paragraphs partitioned with horizontal border lines.

What they don’t know, however, is thatWord can perform calculationswithout any need for Excel.

First, throw in your figures into a Word table, leaving theTotalrows and columns blank.

To do this, pick the relevant cells, and press F9.

Borders And Shading in Microsoft Word.

Check for Non-Inclusive Language

Would you have known “craftsmanship” is a non-inclusive term?

How about the phrases “elderly people” or “suffering from diabetes?”

But don’t worryMicrosoft Word has you covered.

Word Options with Proofing and AutoCorrect Options selected.

Click File > Options, and click “Proofing.”

Then, click “prefs” next to Writing Style.

Here, you’ll see a long list of writing issues that Word can flag up if you wish.

The AutoFormat As You Type Tab in the AutoCorrect options in Word, with Border Lines checked.

Locate the Inclusiveness section, and check each throw in of non-inclusive language that you want Word to identify.

When you’re done, click “OK” to terminate the dialog boxes.

You’ve just finished your first draft, but it’s crucial that you proofread your work.

Six types of horizontal border lines in Word.

But your wrists ache, and your eyes hurt.

Actually, youdohave an option.

Word can read your work for you.

Microsoft Word’s Status Bar.

Word will start to read the work aloud straight away.

This is why you should opt for Microsoft’s high-quality stock images.

In the Insert tab on the ribbon, click “Pictures.”

The different options available when customizing the Microsoft Word Status Bar.

Then, click “Stock Images.”

Once you’ve selected your image or images, click “Insert.”

you’re free to then reformat,reposition, or even add a caption to your chosen images.

A table in Microsoft Word containing names and figures, with the Total colum left blank.

The Word Formula dialog box with =SUM(LEFT) typed into the Formula field.

A table in Word with the Total column calculated through Word’s Formula function.

Word Options with Check Spelling and Mark Grammar checked, and the Settings button selected.

The Inclusiveness proofing options in Microsoft Word.

A Word document containing a word identified as not gender-inclusive, and suggested replacements are displayed underneath.

A Word document with the Read Aloud tool selected via the Review tab.

The Stock Images option in the Insert Pictures menu on Word.

The stock images in Microsoft Word.

The stock image selector in Microsoft Word, with two images selected and the Insert button highlighted.