By Casey Rivers 
How we write and edit documents is radically different. Nowadays, you don’t even have to download bulky software in order to write a resume, essay or work together on a report. With a little help from Word Online, Microsoft’s Web-based successor to Word you can even do it right from your browser. It’s lightweight and convenient, and it is synced to the cloud.
But although Word Online is effortless to use, few people understand how to make the most of it. This article delves into the seven best methods for making the most of Word Online, though it also investigates alternatives like WPS Office that may be the better overall move for some.
1. Use Templates to Save Time
To speed up your work in Word Online, try using a built-in template.
- Resumes and cover letters: Pre-designed professional layouts are good to go.
- Reports and essays: Templates for academics saves class preparation time.
- Flyers and brochures: Businesses can produce basic pieces of marketing without the cost of hiring a designer.
Rather than beginning from the beginning, templates let you think about your content. This feature can be a real life-saver for job seekers or students on a tight deadline.
2. Master Real-Time Collaboration
It excels when many people work on the same document at the same time.
- Cursors are color-coded so you know who is making changes.
- Threaded comments keep discussions organized.
- Any changes are saved on the fly to the cloud.
This makes it great for teams, classrooms or groups. Rather than exchanging attachments, people edit the same document.
3. Organize Files with OneDrive
Because Word Online is part of OneDrive, efficient file management is everything if you want to get the most out of it.
- Set up folders for projects, clients, or school subjects.
- Name files descriptively, so your clerk can search more easily.
- Share teammates folders and keep the collaboration all in one place.
So having good storage is important, particularly when you’re working with multiple collaborators. But the free OneDrive plan provides you with only 5GB of space.
4. Explore Export Options for Flexibility
It autosaves to the cloud, but exporting files provides some control.
- Keep the format as DOCX for wider compatibility.
- Export to PDF to get polished, non-editable copies.
- Download offlne for safe backup.
This allows you to have your documents readily portable and usable outside of Microsoft’s empire. PDF exports Resume, proposals, official documents — Pros use them all.
5. Use the Built-in Proofing Tools
Writing mistakes can hurt credibility. Fortunately, Word Online has some rudimentary proofing tools:
- Spell check highlights typos.
- Grammar suggestions flag errors.
- Style hints improve clarity.
Not as sophisticated as the desktop application, but good enough for amateur writers and students. If you’re working on something important, however, you might want some more robust editing tools.
6. Leverage Accessibility Features
Word Online has a variety of tools that make content accessible to people with disabilities.
- Such a feature is also vision-impaired user friendly via screen reader compatibility.
- Voice dictation allows hands-free writing.
- Alt text recommendations make sure images are accessible for all readers.
It is therefore accessible and usable by diverse users. Its emphasis on accessibility is especially useful to schools and businesses.
7. Explore Alternatives for More Features
Word Online comes in handy, but it’s obviously not without limitations:
- It requires internet access.
- Storage depends on OneDrive.
- Advanced formatting tools are missing.
And for users who are willing to spend a bit more, WPS Office is an excellent option. Best of both the online and offline worlds.
Includes Writer, Spreadsheets and Presentation applications.
- Works on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS and Android.
- Fully supports Microsoft formats(DOCX, XLSX, PPTX)
- Adds PDF editing, merging and file compression — all bundled in.
- Features an extensive library of templates and 1GB of free cloud storage.
And that’s what makes WPS Office perfect for students, freelancers, and companies looking for a full-featured solution without subscription costs.
FAQs About Word Online
Q1. Is Word Online really free?
Yes. Anyone with a Microsoft account can use Word Online for free (no paid subscription required), and premium features are reserved for Microsoft 365 subscribers.
Q2. Can you use Word Online without internet?
No, you’ll need an online connection to use Word Online. If you need to use your office suite offline, you may be better off with WPS Office.
Q3. How secure is Word Online?
The files are on OneDrive, which is secure but some users might feel they’d be happier with their sensitive data on their own computers.
Q4. Word Online is not on par with all Word capabilities.
No. It provides basic editing features, but falls short primarily because it doesn’t support such advanced tools as macros, mail merge and add-ins.
Q5. Is it possible for WPS Office to open Word Online files?
Yes. WPS Office supports all of the Microsoft file types, so it’s an easy transition.
Conclusion
About Word Online Word Online provides a simple way to read, write, and review documents anywhere, from multiple devices — including all types of tablets and phones. It’s great for students, teams and casual users looking for core functionality. It is cheap and not practical for heavy professional grade work as it depends on the internet, has basic features and lacks in tools.