A word processor (like MS Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice Writer) is software for creating text documents — letters, reports, projects. This chapter walks through its main features (CBSE 165, Unit 3).
1Creating documents & formatting text
Basic document actions:
- Create a new document, Save it (gives it a name & location), and later Open it again.
- Save = Ctrl+S. Save often!
Text formatting
Change how text looks using the Home tab / toolbar:
| Feature | Does |
|---|---|
| Font type & size | The typeface (Arial, Calibri) and how big the text is |
| Font colour | The colour of the text |
| B / I / U | Bold, Italic, Underline (Ctrl+B / Ctrl+I / Ctrl+U) |
| Alignment | Left, Center, Right, Justify |
Key points
- Create, Save (Ctrl+S) and Open are the basic document actions; save often.
- Text formatting: font type, size and colour, plus Bold/Italic/Underline.
- Alignment options: left, center, right and justify.
2Paragraphs, page setup & symbols
Paragraph formatting controls spacing:
- Line spacing — gap between lines within a paragraph (1.0, 1.5, 2.0).
- Paragraph spacing — gap before/after a whole paragraph.
Page setup & structure
| Tool | Adds |
|---|---|
| Header / Footer | Repeating text at the top / bottom of every page (title, name) |
| Page numbering | Automatic page numbers |
| Subscript / Superscript | H₂O (sub), x² (super) |
| Insert symbol | Characters not on the keyboard (©, ÷, ±) |
Key points
- Line spacing sets the gap between lines; paragraph spacing the gap before/after a paragraph.
- Headers/footers repeat on every page; page numbering inserts automatic numbers.
- Subscript (H₂O) and superscript (x²); Insert Symbol adds characters not on the keyboard.
3Pictures, tables & utilities
Visual assets make a document clearer — insert pictures, shapes, drawing tools, and add borders & shading around text or paragraphs.
Tables
A table arranges data in rows & columns. You can:
- Insert / delete rows and columns.
- Merge cells (join several into one) and split a cell into more.
Helpful utilities
| Utility | Does |
|---|---|
| Spell & grammar check | Underlines and suggests fixes for mistakes |
| Find & Replace | Finds a word and can swap it everywhere (Ctrl+H) |
Key points
- Insert pictures, shapes and drawing tools; add borders and shading.
- Tables: insert/delete rows & columns, merge cells (join) and split cells.
- Utilities: spell & grammar check, and Find & Replace (Ctrl+H).
4Reviewing & printing
When working with others, the Review tools help:
- Track Changes — records every edit (additions/deletions) so they can be reviewed and accepted or rejected.
- Comments — notes added in the margin without changing the text.
Printing
- Print Preview shows exactly how the document will look on paper before you print.
- Print (Ctrl+P) — choose printer, number of copies and page range.
Always use Print Preview first — it saves paper by catching layout problems before printing.
Key points
- Track Changes records edits so they can be accepted/rejected; Comments add margin notes.
- Print Preview shows the page layout before printing.
- Print with Ctrl+P; choose printer, copies and page range.
★ Practical: make a one-page report
In a word processor, create a document that has:
- A title in bold, centred, larger font; and two paragraphs with 1.5 line spacing.
- A header with your name and automatic page numbers in the footer.
- A 3-column table with a merged title cell across the top.
- An inserted picture, then run a spell check and save the file.
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