1. Trying to turn a document from an external source into something that works for you? Strange formatting can slow you down, so instead of trying to fix one thing at a time, press Ctrl + Space or click the Clear All Formatting button (in newer versions, an eraser on an A on the Home tab) to remove formatting from highlighted text and start fresh with your own style.
2. Select the default font you want, not the default font Word wants you to use.
3. If you do not like Calibri or Cambria? Prefer Arial to Times New Roman, or like the modern nature of Verdana? The best part about Microsoft Word is you can choose the default font — this command differs by version, but the most reliable way is to click Format > Font, select the attributes you want, and then click Default.

Do you have a document that you use again and again by only updating a few key details? If the document includes time and or date, one of the nifty tricks is to allow Word to update the date automatically.

To insert a date that updates automatically, follow the procedure below.

• From the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Date & Time
• 
• From the Date & Time dialog box, select the format you like
• Next, select the Update automatically checkbox
• 
• The date will be inserted as a field and will update automatically.

Protecting your document

Microsoft Word has various built-in protection that will help you encrypt your writing.

• Click File > Info > Protect Document
• From the drop-down menu, you can choose either, Restrict Editing, encrypt with Password, or Restrict Access

Choosing Encrypt with Password allows you to manage viewing and editing permissions.

Old and still useful keyboard shortcuts for MS Word

• F4: The F4 key is the Repeat key, the same as Ctrl+Y, the Repeat key
• Shift+F4: Another repeat key, but this one is the Repeat Find command. It works even when the Find dialog box (or navigation pane) is not visible
• Shift+F5: This key combo is the Go Back command, which returns to the spot you last edited
• Shift+F8: The Shrink Selection key is the opposite of the Selection key, F8. For example, when the entire document is selected, press Shift+F8 to select only the current paragraph. Press Shift+F8 again to select only the current sentence. Press it again to select only the current word. Press Shift+F8 one more time to deselect the word
• F12: Tap this key to quickly summon the Save As dialog box. I use this key a lot because it is quicker than wading through the Backstage to summon the Save As dialog box
• Ctrl+F12: This key does for the Open dialog box what F12 does for the Save As dialog box
• Ctrl+O command, which conjures the Backstage