An outline helps you organize your thoughts before you start writing. If you have a long document, overview Viewing in Microsoft Word helps organize your writing.
of overview View tools are easy to use and will help you improve your writing.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- what overview What it looks like in MS Word and how to use it
- What is an outline and what should it contain?
- How to create an outline in Word
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What is Outline View in Word?
By default, Microsoft Word opens in the following format: print layout View. Displays the entire paper and its margins along with font information.
microsoft word overview Views help organize complex documents. This view helps you focus on the structure of your document. Use this view to:
- Create or edit headings.
- Adjust the heading level.
- Arrange the contents.
consider overview View as a shortcut in Word to help create outline formats.
How to create an outline in Word
This tutorial uses version 16.78 on MacOS.
Here’s how to create an outline in Microsoft Word.
1. Outline mode
The first step to creating an outline in Word is to open a blank document. After opening a new blank document, view Click the tab above the ribbon.
Then click overview On the left side of the ribbon. Click . overview When you press the button, the view changes to overview View.
2. Summary level
In Word overview Look, let’s start. level 1 By default.
To see the current level, place your cursor in the text and look at the outline level drop-down box on the left side of the ribbon.
Levels indicate how text appears within an outline. The drop-down box contains nine levels and body text.
To create an outline, start typing your text. You can also change the outline level of the text using the drop-down menu. Place your cursor within the text and click on the desired level.
3. Level Arrow
Outlines require sublevels. Change the level of the text using the level arrows. On either side of the outline level box are You can use the arrows to change the outline level of the text. Place your cursor within the text and click the arrow to make changes.
Use the right arrow to go down one level using the single arrow. Convert text to body using double arrows.
Use the left arrow to move up one level using a single arrow, or move up to the highest level (level 1) use double arrows.
You can also reposition text items by placing your cursor within the text and clicking the up and down arrows below the outline level drop-down box. These help you reposition points easily.
of Use the plus and minus buttons next to the up and down arrows to expand and collapse word outline levels. Just place your cursor in the text and click the arrow.
If you have a long outline, these are useful for temporarily collapsing unnecessary levels. It allows you to work on another level.
4. Display level
The following tools you can use to focus on a specific level of your outline are: show level. Click the arrow. show level box.
For example, if you select level 3 in the drop-down menu, levels 1, 2, and 3 will be displayed. Levels after 4 are hidden.
5. Show only the first row
Below the Display Levels tool are two other tools.of Show text formatting and Show only first row.
Click the checkbox next to . Show only first row If you only want to display the first row, click the box. This will help you check your outline level. If you want to see the outline without formatting, uncheck the following box: Show text formatting.
6. Master Document Tool
If you have another document that you want to include in your Word outline, View document ribbon button. Clicking this button opens a menu of controls next to it, allowing you to perform various actions on the document. you can:
- Create a new document within the outline.
- Insert an existing document.
- Combine document with outline.
- Lock the document.
- more.
of lock the document This feature is useful if you need to include documents such as vendor agreements or agreements.
7. Exit Outline View in Microsoft Word
come out overview To view in Word, Close outline view Button on the right side of the ribbon. This will change the view to the default view. print layoutt view.
When to use an outline
Many writers use an outline format to navigate the various stages of the writing process. This helps ensure that the sentences are in a logical and understandable order. You can also use an outline to plan important points and supporting details.
After you create an outline, you can use it as a reference when creating your document or presentation.
What makes a good outline?
If you want to create an outline in Microsoft Word, you may be wondering what kind of outline to create. What should I include in my outline? Your outline should have the following sections:
- introduction. The introduction provides context for the topic so that the reader or listener understands why the topic is relevant. It also summarizes the arguments and topics discussed.
- thesis statement. The thesis statement is where you state the main reason you are writing. This statement is your writing guide.
- topic sentence. The topic sentence is the main idea of the body paragraph of your work.
- subtopic sentence. Subtopic sentences are below the topic sentence. These are statements that support the overall topic. Use these passages as a base to add depth and detail to your writing.
- conclusion. A conclusion is where you end your text by repeating the themes you discussed in the text. Reiterating your thesis also helps remind your readers of the main purpose of your writing. This is also the place to make sure your writing proves your thesis statement.
different types of outlines
There are three types of outline functions to choose from in MS Word. they are:
1. Business overview
This type of outline is best used when you want to change the main points of your story. Organize and structure your work and establish its purpose. Next, include your main points and content.
2. Full text summary
This type of outline contains complete sentences so you know what you’re writing about. This is a great outline to use if you are writing a complex piece of work. Complete sentences help explain important ideas thoroughly and support them with evidence.
3. Lecture summary
This type of outline contains bullet points or key phrases with less detail than a full-text outline. If you know what you’re going to talk about, this outline is a good option.
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Let’s create an outline today
To improve your writing and organize your thoughts, try creating an outline.
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