Even if you only use Word occasionally, I’d recommend you do the same.

Some of the steps are not available in the free web-based version of the program.

For example, which font do I want to use for my main body text?

Office desk with a tablet and Word open.

Lucas Gouveia / How-To Geek |BongkarnGraphic/ Shutterstock

Whattypes of headingswill I use?

Whicheditor languagedo I want Microsoft Word to help me with?

These questionsamong othersmust be answered before I jot down my first word.

A Microsoft Word document that hasn’t been saved, with the file name Document1 and AutoSave turned off.

The Styles group in the Home tab is where I make these adjustments.

To modify a style, right-click one of the choices available, and click “Modify.”

By default, Word will automatically recommend commonly-used styles until you adjust them to suit your needs.

The Microsoft Word Styles group in the Home tab.

On the other hand, I have the habit of typing “etc.”

Then, in the Word Options window, click “Proofing” and then “AutoCorrect Options.”

Then, in the Word Options window, click “Quick Access Toolbar.”

A Word document with a circle indicating a right-click on the Normal style, and the Modify option highlighted.

Word’s Modify Style dialog box, with the Format drop-down clicked and the resultant options listed beneath.

In a Microsoft Word document, a circle indicates a right-click on the Heading 4 style, and the Remove From Style Gallery option is highlighted as the option to choose.

The Word Options window in Microsoft Word, with Proofing and AutoCorrect Options highlighted.

Microsoft Word’s AutoCorrect window.

The Word Options in Microsoft Word, with the Quick Access Toolbar menu selected and the Choose Commands From drop-down displayed.

Word’s Save As window with the Save As Type drop-down launched and ‘Word Template’ highlighted.

The Word landing screen with New and Personal highlighted as the options to select to access saved templates.

Zoom on Word