Using Word

I don't think it's a good idea to use MS Word, or any word processor for that matter, for producing large documents like theses. Although the support in these tools for long documents has increased over the years, it's still too easy to fall into a WYSIWYG frame of mind; so my preference is for declarative formatting via batch text processors such as LaTeX.

However, if you must use Word, here are some things you can do to improve the appearance of your documents and make them easier to work with.

• Use Word's 'styles' mechanism. This takes an initial investment, but it really does pay off in the long run, especially for documents anywhere over half a dozen pages in length. You'll realise that first time that you decide you need to reformat all your examples with a different kind of numbering, and in many other situations.
• Use Word's Outline Mode to organise your document.

[Home|Teaching|Research|Publications|Professional Activities|Resources]

Please send comments or queries about this web site to Robert.Dale@mq.edu.au
Last Modified: 21 April 2002