Microsoft Word has recently introduced several new features across its web and desktop platforms, enhancing user experience and collaboration. These features are Designer, loop components, bullet points in comments, linking comments, and editing bookmarks. 

Features for Word on the Web:

1. Designer – Provides a plethora of templates for users to utilize. This feature provides a range of templates, from professional resumes to structured book reports, streamlining document organization and formatting.
    

2. Loop Components – Users can create task lists, checklists, or polls, allowing for seamless task assignment with due dates. This feature can be accessed not only within Word but also through Outlook and Teams, ensuring flexibility and accessibility across Microsoft’s suite of applications. 

3.  Table Sorting – Tables can now be sorted.

Example 1:

Example 2:

4. Paragraph Options – This feature allows customization/editing of paragraph formatting options. 
   • Ex. You can keep your paragraphs together so that they stay on the same page and don’t split. Right click paragraph and select “paragraph options” to access settings.
5. Link Previews – If a cursor is hovered over an inserted link a preview of the website will be shown. 
6. Separate Pages ON/OFF – This feature allows you to compact your document by getting rid of extra white space and gaps between pages. 
   • To use this feature, go to view then with page break and select the box for separate pages. To undo this just unselect the box. This setting will follow over to any new documents you create. 
7. Editing bookmarks – Bookmarks can now be edited and deleted. 

Features for Word on Desktop:

1. Paste as text – This feature allows an individual to copy and paste text from the web without previous formatting. 
   • To do this use the copy and paste keyboard shortcuts ( ctrl C, ctrl shift v or if you are on MAC command C, command shift v).
2. Catch Up – This feature shows comment history (found under “Catch Up” in the upper right). A blue dot will now appear on comment showing that they are new.
3. Accessibility Checking – This feature gives warnings/shows if issues with accessibility may arise.
   • For example, you could have your text in a font that is hard to read. Word will recommend a similar color that is easier to read and will automatically change it if accepted. 
   • To use the feature a small icon of the outline of a person will show up on the left of doc and can be clicked on. 
4. Bullet Points – In comments bullet points and numbering can now be used. 
5. Liking comments – Comments can now be liked. 
   

Everyone should know about the new features of Microsoft Word, especially how to use the designer, loop components, catch up, and accessibility checking to improve organization and collaboration in Word. For more information on how to use these features follow these links (2023 and 2024) to informational video provided by Microsoft through Mike Tholfsen.