How to Return to Normal View in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Michael Collins

Have you ever found yourself working in Microsoft Word and suddenly everything looks different? Maybe the toolbar is missing, or the page layout has changed. Don’t worry, it’s easy to get back to the normal view that you’re used to. Just follow these quick steps, and you’ll be back to your familiar workspace in no time.

Step by Step Tutorial: Return to Normal View in Word

Getting back to the normal view in Word is a piece of cake. The following steps will walk you through how to do it, so you can get back to your work without any hiccups.

Step 1: Look for the ‘View’ Tab

First things first, you need to find the ‘View’ tab at the top of your Word document.

The ‘View’ tab is located at the top of the Word window, in the ribbon. If you’re not seeing the ribbon, you may have to double click on any of the tabs to make it reappear.

Step 2: Click on ‘Print Layout’

Once you’ve located and clicked on the ‘View’ tab, look for the ‘Print Layout’ button and click it.

The ‘Print Layout’ view is the default view for Word documents and should restore the normal appearance of your document, including margins, headers, and footers.

Step 3: Check the Document

After clicking ‘Print Layout,’ take a moment to make sure that your document looks the way you want it to.

If everything looks good to you, then you’re all set! If not, you may need to adjust some other settings in the ‘View’ tab to get things just right.

After completing these steps, your Word document should be back to the normal view. This means you’ll see your document exactly as it would appear when printed, with all the familiar tools and options at your fingertips.

Tips: Return to Normal View in Word

  • If you’re using Word on a Mac, the steps to return to normal view are the same.
  • Remember that ‘Print Layout’ is the default view for Word, but you can always explore other views like ‘Web Layout’ or ‘Outline View’ for different tasks.
  • If your document still doesn’t look right, consider restarting Word to reset the program’s settings.
  • You can also use the ‘View’ tab to split your screen, view multiple pages at once, or zoom in and out of your document.
  • Keyboard shortcuts can be a faster way to switch views. Try pressing ‘Alt’ + ‘W’, then ‘P’ to switch to Print Layout view quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the ‘View’ tab is missing?

If the ‘View’ tab is missing, your ribbon might be minimized. Try double-clicking on one of the other tabs, like ‘Home’ or ‘Insert,’ to expand it.

Can I set a different view as my default?

Yes, you can set any view as your default by saving your preferences in the ‘Word Options’ menu.

Why would I use a different view than ‘Print Layout’?

Different views can be helpful for various tasks, such as reading on a screen, editing, or viewing a document’s structure.

What’s the difference between ‘Print Layout’ and ‘Web Layout’?

‘Print Layout’ shows you how a document will look when printed, while ‘Web Layout’ shows how it would look as a webpage.

Can I create custom views?

Yes, you can create custom views by adjusting your settings and saving them for later use.

Summary

  1. Find and click on the ‘View’ tab.
  2. Click on ‘Print Layout’.
  3. Check that your document looks correct.

Conclusion

Returning to the normal view in Microsoft Word is a simple task that can save you from unnecessary frustration. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a Word newbie, knowing how to navigate the ‘View’ tab and its options is crucial for a smooth word processing experience. The steps outlined above will help you regain control of your document’s appearance in just a few clicks.

Remember, Word is a powerful tool with many features designed to make your writing process as efficient as possible. Don’t be afraid to explore the various views and find the one that suits your current task best. And if you ever get lost, you can always come back to these instructions to find your way to the normal view. After all, it’s all about making your work as easy and stress-free as possible. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how quickly you can return to normal view in Word.