| This month continues the departure from the usual
Q&A format. Instead Jackie provides a workshop on: Styles
Today, I want to explain the mysteries of
styles in word processing.
What are
styles? These are combined ‘packages’
of formats that can be applied in one go to any text. So,
for example, if you often want your text to be formatted in italic, Arial size 16,
right-aligned and coloured red, you could save this combination of formats as a named
style and apply them whenever they were required.
Most word processing packages such as Word have a
small number of ready-made styles available, but you can add your own very easily.
Where are
styles found? Next to the Font box, you will
see a second box containing the word Normal. This
is the Style box. Normal is a standard style that
contains the default text settings for any new documents. Drop
down the arrow to the right of the name and you will display a list of other available
styles such as Heading 1 and Heading 2. Next to
each style a box displays the major features e.g. font size and alignment.
How do you
use the styles? To apply one of these styles,
select the text and then click the appropriate style on the list - in just the same way that you would apply a new
font type.
How can you
create a new style? With Normal showing in the
style box, type some text and then apply the range of formats you want to include. With this text selected, click once on the word Normal
to select it and then type in the name of your new style to replace it in the Style box. Then press Enter. This
new style will be added to the list of those available and can be applied in the future as
described above.
 
How can you
change a style if you want to modify it or correct a mistake? Any style can be amended by clicking Style on the Format menu. Select
the style from the Styles list, click the Modify button and then change any aspects by
selecting them on the Format list. When you
have finished, click OK and Apply. (You can also
create new styles this longer way by clicking New in the Style box.)
A short-cut is to apply your new style to some
text, change whichever aspect(s) you want to modify and then click its name in the Style
box. You will be offered the following message box:
Make the changes permanent by clicking OK to
update the style.
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