Document Basics: Create, Type, Save

Creating a New Document

File → New → Blank document, or press Ctrl+N. A new document starts from the Normal template.

Typing and Navigation

• Type normally; Word wraps words automatically.
• Enter starts a new paragraph (not a new line) - use Shift+Enter for a line break inside a paragraph.
• Arrow keys move the cursor; Ctrl+arrow jumps whole words.
• Ctrl+Home / Ctrl+End jump to the start and end of the document.

Saving Your Work

Ctrl+S      Save
F12         Save As (new name/location/format)
Ctrl+Shift+S  Save a copy

Formats: .docx (modern Word), .doc (older Word), .pdf(portable), .txt (plain text, no formatting), .rtf.

The Selection Basics

• Double-click a word to select it.
• Triple-click inside a paragraph to select the whole paragraph.
• Ctrl+A selects the entire document.
• Shift+arrow keys extend the selection character by character.

Undo and Redo

Ctrl+Z   undo
Ctrl+Y   redo (Windows is Ctrl+Y; macOS is Ctrl+Shift+Z)

Key Points

• Save early, save often - Ctrl+S is your friend.
• Choose .docx unless you need compatibility or PDF output.
• Selection shortcuts save enormous time when editing.