Start the Letter Wizard When You’re Ready

Like most people, you probably start a letter by typing “Dear” followed by a name at the beginning of a new document. When you do this in Word, the Office Assistant appears, asking if you want the Letter Wizard to help you write the letter. To get help from the beginning, click Get help with writing the letter. If you decide later that you want help, just click Letter Wizard (Tools menu).

The wizard uses information that you supply to set up the letter’s basic content and layout. You can insert addresses directly from your electronic address book, and you can quickly choose elements to be included in the letter, such as the return address and closing. When the wizard finishes, you can print a matching envelope, or complete the letter.

Reuse text from other letters   When you write letters, make sure you have the AutoText toolbar displayed, so that you can quickly insert AutoText entries that you’ve used in other letters. If it is not already displayed, click AutoText (View menu, Toolbar submenu). For information on using AutoText and AutoComplete to reuse text you’ve already written, see Make Writing Easier. Before and after vertical alignment Try a different letter design   Run the Letter Wizard again, and select a different letter style. Click Letter Wizard (Tools menu). Center the letter vertically   To balance the letter on the page, click Page Setup (File menu). Click the Layout tab, and then click Center in the Vertical Alignment box. Spelling and Grammar button Check spelling and grammar before you print   Click the Spelling and Grammar button. For more information, see Check Spelling and Grammar.

Should You Use a Template Instead of the Wizard?

The Letter Wizard and the letter templates produce the same result: an attractive, ready-to-complete letter. Here’s the difference: The wizard lets you choose formatting and content options, while the templates have a preset layout.

To use a letter template, click New (File menu). On the Letters & Faxes tab, double-click the letter template you want. Then replace the sample text with your own.

Create a personalized template   Add your name, address, and any other standard information you want to include in each letter. Click Save As (File menu), and then click Document Template in the Save as type box. Name and save the new template. Then select this template the next time you start a new letter.