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How to Format and Print an Essay in Microsoft Word

To put your name and other information at the top:

1. Type your name and press the Enter key.
2. Type in the date and press the Enter key.

To format the text you are typing:

1. Highlight the text you want to format, or click where you want to begin typing if you haven't started yet.
2. Click on the word “Format” at the top of the screen.
3. Select “Font...” in the drop-down menu that appears.
4. Make your selections
5. When you are done, click the OK button in the lower right corner.

To format the body of your essay:

1. Click on the word “Format” at the top of the screen.
2. Select “Paragraph...” in the drop-down menu that appears.
3. Make sure your writing is aligned on the left side, usually double-spaced for a college paper. Letters and some other reports may be single-spaced.
4. Make your selections for the paragraph.
5. When you are done, click the OK button in the lower right corner.

To format the how your essay fits on the page:

1. Click on the word “Format” at the top of the screen.
2. Select “Document...” in the drop-down menu that appears.
3. Make sure your margins are not wider than 1-inch on any side (you may need to reduce them to fit more on a page.
4. Make your selections for the document.
5. When you are done, click the OK button in the lower right corner.

Important Reminder!

Do not press the enter key at the end of each line as you type into a computer or word processor. Keep typing, and the machine will automatically maintain your margins and other spacing. Only press the enter key at the end of a paragraph!

To Print Your Essay:

1. Click on “File” at the top of the screen.
2. Select “Print” in the drop down menu.
3. Click the OK button in the lower right corner.
4. You can go straight to the print menu by clicking on the picture of a printer at the top of the screen.

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