What's new in Microsoft Word 2004

To learn more about a specific Microsoft Word 2004 feature, search for the feature in Word Help.

Notebook layout view

Microsoft Word 2004 introduces notebook layout view, the new way to capture your thoughts and ideas in the equivalent of an electronic notebook. With notebook layout view, you can:

• Organize and search your notes.
• Flag notes for follow-up.
• Assign tasks.
• Attach audio recordings to your notes by using your computer's built-in microphone or a microphone connected to your computer.

Use notebook layout view to take meeting or lecture notes, gather research materials, and more.

To use notebook layout view in Word 2004, on the File menu, click Project Gallery, and then on the New tab, click Word Notebook.

Improved change tracking

Track Changes now greatly reduces screen clutter by placing comment balloons to the side of the main text. In addition, you can instantly accept or reject changes, and with improved MSN Messenger integration, send an instant message with questions and comments of your own.

To use Track Changes in Word 2004, on the Tools menu, click Track Changes.

Reference Tools

Part of the new Office 2004 Toolbox, Reference Tools combine the powers of the dictionary, thesaurus, Encarta Encyclopedia, and MSN Internet search for a comprehensive library of information. Reference Tools are the new way to find definitions and synonyms and to do research on the Web — all from one convenient place.

To use Reference Tools in Word 2004, on the Tools menu, click Reference Tools.

Smart buttons

Smart buttons are automatic functions designed to keep you in control of your software. The two new smart buttons in Word 2004 help you control the formatting of the document.

AutoCorrect Options button

Quickly change how Word handles automatic corrections by using the AutoCorrect Options smart button. When Word makes an automatic change, rest your mouse over the changed word and then click the AutoCorrect Options button for a menu of options.

Paste Options button

With the new Paste Options smart button, you can quickly change the way Word pastes content into your documents. After you paste content, click the smart button for a menu of formatting options.

Navigation Pane

For Word 2004, the Document Map has been completely re-engineered as the Navigation Pane, the simple new way to navigate through long documents. The Navigation Pane is now much easier to read, and it comes with a new thumbnail section that allows you to quickly navigate through miniature pages of your document to find the section you need.

To switch to the Navigation Pane, on the View menu, click Navigation Pane.

Style improvements

Styles are collections of formatting options that you can apply to characters and paragraphs within a document. In Word 2004, styles are much easier to use. You can also create list and table styles, and you can access all styles faster from new options on the Formatting Palette.

To use styles, on the Formatting Palette, under Styles, click the option you want.