About Microsoft WordLearn More

Microsoft Word, which is also called MS Word, or simply just Word, is commercial word processing software that Microsoft includes in their Office suite with Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Unlike a simple text editor, Word features grammar check, spell check, text formatting, HTML support, image support, advanced page layout, and more. The Word editor offers a WYSIWYG (what-you-see-is-what-you-get) editor that displays the text on screen the same way it will look in print as you type it—simplifying creating professional-quality documents, letters, reports, and resumes. Since 2017, the default file format of Word has been .docx, replacing the older .doc files, though Word can export your work in multiple formats, including PDF, plain text, and others. Word is available as a desktop app and as a web-based app in Office 365.

Microsoft Office gets used in a wide variety of businesses, and in those businesses, Word is one of the most used apps in the Office suite. A basic knowledge of Microsoft Word is required in a large percentage of office jobs. The most practical careers using Word include those involving writing, for example: editor, technical writer, content creation specialist, copy editor, blogger, literary editor, staff writer, web content writer, grant writer, communications officer, executive assistant, public relations manager, columnist, reporter, and typist. Word is also used frequently in jobs that require reports, memos, or proposals to be written, like project manager, director, office manager, and more.