Starting with Writer

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    Foreword

    This video shows how to "Get started with Writer" and links to this page here for more information and details.

    This description here should make it easier for you to get started with Writer.

    If you are migrating from another Office suite to LibreOffice, you can find some basic information here:
    https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/Videos/Transition_from_MS-Office_to_LibreOffice

    Link to the Video

    Link to the Video (in German [DE]):

    Starten mit Writer - LibreOffice Dieses Video ist in Arbeit!

    Introduction

    Detailed descriptions of Writer can be found in the individual chapters of the manuals "Getting started" and "Writer".

    The term "word processing" is also used for the Writer component.

    Setup options in Writer

    Depending on what you want to write, it may be useful to make default settings.

    All important default settings can be found in the Extras ▸ Options... menu.

    The "Options - [SELECT]" dialog opens.

    Detailed descriptions of the options for Writer can be found in Chapter 20 - Customizing Writer.

    Choose of the graphical user interface (GUI)

    GUI stands for Graphic Unit Interface

    You can customize the graphical user interface of Writer to suit your needs.

    Here are also special settings for an MS Word imitation.

    However, all descriptions and manuals for LibreOffice always assume the standard default setting "Toolbars".

    Detailed descriptions of the Graphic Unit Interface for Writer can be found in Chapter 21 - User interface variants. and in the wiki: User interface in Writer.

    Templates

    LibreOffice comes with many ready-made document templates.

    However, you can create your own document templates for your own purposes, such as for business or private letters.

    Detailed descriptions of the Templates for Writer can be found in chapter 10 - Document templates and in the wiki Document templates in Writer.

    Formatting of texts

    Formatting texts is one of the main tasks of the Writer word processor.

    You can use it to determine the appearance of your texts.

    If you are switching from another text program to LibreOffice Writer, please note that Writer has a wide range of Styles that you are probably not familiar with from your previous text program.

    The use of Styles is referred to as indirect or “soft” formatting (recommended).

    This means that you do not apply the formatting to the text, but define it in the Styles and then assign it to the text.

    Detailed descriptions of the Styles in Writer can be found [https://documentation.libreoffice.org/en/english-documentation/ in Chapter 3 - Introduction to styles and templates in the "Getting Started" manual and in Chapters 8 and 9 - Styles: Basics/Advanced of the Writer manual and in the Wiki: Styles in Writer.

    AutoText

    AutoText means that you can define entire blocks of text or letters such as reminders, inquiries, offers, orders, applications and so on as AutoText.

    You can then insert this AutoText into your document with just a few command steps.

    This helps you to insert frequently recurring texts without having to type them each time.

    You can manage AutoText via the menu Tools > AutoText menu (Ctrl + F3).

    Detailed descriptions of AutoText in Writer can be found [https://documentation.libreoffice.org/en/english-documentation/ in Chapter 2 - Text: Basics (page 31-33) of the Writer manual and in the Topic books and Quick guides (in German [DE]): Autotext in Writer bearbeiten und von Word importieren.

    LibreOffice Portable Version

    LibreOffice Portable is a fully functional version of LibreOffice packaged as a portable application, so you can take it with you wherever you go, along with your documents and whatever else you need for your work.

    LibreOffice Portable can also be used as a standalone version from a USB stick, in a cloud or a local directory.

    This is very useful for people who need to work on different computer systems.

    You can find all information about this on the LibreOffice website: https://www.libreoffice.org/download/portable-versions/

    Zoom levels

    You can influence the view of your documents, i.e. how large your text is displayed on the screen, via the zoom setting.

    Detailed descriptions of the zoom levels in Writer can be found in the wiki: Zoom functions

    This description is also valid for the other components of LibreOffice.

    Keyboard shortcuts

    Many Writer users use the mouse to execute commands.

    For lovers of keyboard shortcuts, Writer provides a large number of them.

    Detailed descriptions of the keyboard shortcuts in Writer can be found in [https://documentation.libreoffice.org/en/english-documentation/ Appendix A of the Writer manual.

    Start screen

    To be able to work with LibreOffice, you should have previously downloaded and installed LibreOffice on your computer.

    You can start Writer via the LibreOffice or Writer icon (usually by double-clicking).

    This may vary slightly depending on your operating system.

    The Writer Start screen briefly explained:

    Writer Start screen

    Sidebar

    The Sidebar is a multi-tool with a wide range of functions and helps with almost all necessary work steps.

    If the sidebar is not visible, you can open it in the View > Sidebar menu (Ctrl + F5).

    The Tab bar, in which the functionality can be selected, is integrated on the right-hand side of the Sidebar.

    Writer Sidebar

    Toolbars

    There are toolbars for many different tasks.

    In many cases, the appropriate toolbar is automatically activated for the work step.

    If you are missing a toolbar, you can call it up in the View > Toolbars menu.

    Here is the submenu for selecting toolbars.

    Toolbars Submenu

    Status bar

    The status bar is located at the bottom of LibreOffice Writer.

    The status bar cannot be undocked or moved.

    You can switch the status bar On or Off in the View > Status bar menu. Switch it On or Off.

    Writer Statusbar

    Further Informations

    Documentation / Manuals

    Here you will find the Documentation / Manuals:

    Documentation / Manuals

    Any questions?

    For questions on this topic go to:

    Ask.LibreOffice

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