Create or edit a document Revision Notes

Document production begins with either creating a new blank document or opening an existing file for modification. Creating a new document provides a fresh workspace, while opening an existing document allows you to update or improve previously saved content. For example, a student might start a new report or revise a draft essay by opening its file.

• Use word processing software to create or open documents.
• Save new documents with descriptive filenames to avoid confusion.
• Open existing documents to update or correct information.

Entering text and numbers accurately is fundamental to producing clear and correct documents. This includes typing words, sentences, and numerical data such as dates, prices, or statistics. Adjusting text involves correcting spelling, grammar, or formatting errors, and updating numbers to reflect new information. For instance, changing a budget figure from £500 to £550 requires careful editing to maintain accuracy.

• Type text carefully to avoid errors.
• Use spell check and grammar tools to improve accuracy.
• Update numerical data precisely to reflect current values.
• Review the document to ensure all information is correct.

Editing tools help organise and refine document content efficiently. Highlighting selects text or numbers for further action. Deleting removes unwanted content. Moving involves cutting and pasting or dragging and dropping text to reposition it within the document. Copying duplicates content for reuse elsewhere. Pasting inserts copied or cut content at a new location. Drag and drop allows quick repositioning by clicking and dragging selected text or objects.

For example, to move a paragraph, you might highlight it, cut it, then paste it in a new section, or simply drag and drop it to the desired place.

• Highlight text or numbers to select them.
• Delete unwanted content to clean up the document.
• Cut and paste to move content within the document.
• Copy and paste to duplicate content.
• Drag and drop to reposition text or objects quickly.

Enhancing documents often requires inserting objects beyond plain text. These include text boxes for emphasis, images to illustrate points, screenshots to show software or websites, shapes for diagrams, tables to organise data, graphs and charts to visualise statistics, and data imported from spreadsheets or databases.

For example, inserting a pie chart summarising survey results makes the information easier to understand than text alone.

Inserting objects usually involves using the software’s Insert menu or toolbar, selecting the object type, and placing it appropriately within the document.

• Insert text boxes to highlight key information.
• Add images or screenshots to support content visually.
• Use shapes to create diagrams or flowcharts.
• Insert tables to organise data clearly.
• Add graphs or charts to represent numerical data visually.
• Import spreadsheet or database data to include detailed information.

Once objects are inserted, arranging text around them improves document flow and appearance. Common text wrapping options include:

Above or below: Text appears only above or below the object, leaving space around it.

Square: Text wraps evenly around all sides of the object, forming a rectangular boundary, useful for images or tables placed within paragraphs, e.g., a photo with text flowing on all sides in a news article layout. Tight: Text wraps closely around the shape of the object itself, following contours rather than a rectangle, ideal for irregular shapes or logos to integrate them smoothly with text. Choosing the appropriate wrapping style depends on the document’s purpose and desired visual effect, ensuring readability and professional presentation.

• Use 'above or below' wrapping for simple separation.
• Choose 'square' wrapping for balanced text flow around rectangular objects.
• Select 'tight' wrapping for irregularly shaped objects to integrate text closely.
• Adjust spacing between text and objects to avoid clutter.
• Preview the document to check layout and readability.