Outlines can help you sort your thoughts before you begin writing. If you’ve got a long document, Outline view in Microsoft Word can help you organize your writing.
The Outline view tool is easy to use and will help you improve your writing.
In this article, we’ll look at:
- what Outline view in MS Word is and how it’s used
- what an outline is and what it should include
- how to create an outline in Word
Keep reading to learn more. Also, you can turn to Envato Elements Word templates to give your documents a more professional look.
What Is Outline View in Word?
By default, Microsoft Word opens in the Print Layout view. It shows the whole paper and its margins with font information.
Microsoft Word Outline view can help you organize a complex document. When you use this view, it can help you focus on the structure of the document. Use this view to:
- Create or edit the heading.
- Adjust heading levels.
- Arrange content.
Consider Outline view in Word as a shortcut to help you develop your outline format.
How to Create an Outline in Word
In this tutorial, I’ll be using version 16.78 on MacOS.
Here’s how to create an outline in Microsoft Word:
1. Outline Mode
The first step in how to create an outline in Word is to open a blank document. After you open your new blank document, click on the View tab above the ribbon.
Next, click on Outline in the ribbon on the left side on the ribbon. Once you click the Outline button, your view changes to Outline view.
2. Outline Level
In Word Outline view, you’ll start with Level 1 by default.
You can know which level you’re on by placing your cursor in the text and looking at the outline level drop-down box on the left of the ribbon.
A level shows how your text will appear in the outline. The drop-down box includes nine levels plus body text.
To create your outline, start typing your text. You can also use the drop-down menu to change the outline level of your text. Place your cursor in the text and click on the desired level.
3. Level Arrows
Your outline will need sublevels. Use the level arrows to change the level of your text. On each side of the outline level box, there are arrows to help change the outline level of your text. Place your cursor in the text and click the arrow to make a change.
Use the right arrow to decrease one level by using the single arrow. Convert the text to body text by using the double arrow.
The left arrows allow you to increase one level by using the single arrow or to the highest level (Level 1) by using the double arrow.
You can also rearrange your text items by placing the cursor in the text and clicking the up and down arrows below the outline level drop-down box. These help you easily rearrange your points.
The plus and minus buttons next to the up and down arrows allow you to expand and collapse your word outline levels. Simply place your cursor in the text and click the arrow.
If you’ve got a long outline, these can help you temporarily collapse levels that you don’t need. They can let you work on another level.
4. Show Level
The next tool you can use to focus on a specific levels of your outline is Show Level. Click on the arrow in the Show Level box.
For example: if you choose level 3 in the drop-down menu, you’ll see levels one, two, and three. Any levels after four will be hidden.
5. Show First Line Only
Under the show level tool are two other tools. The Show Text Formatting and Show First Line Only.
Click the check box next to the Show First Line Only box if you only want to see the first line. This can help you see your outline levels. If you want to see the outline without formatting, uncheck the box next to Show Text Formatting.
6. Master Document Tools
If you’ve got another document that you want to include in your outline for Word, then click on the Show Document button in the ribbon. When you click on this button, it opens a menu of controls next to it that let you do various actions with documents. You can:
- Create a new document within your outline.
- Insert an existing document.
- Merge a document with your outline.
- Lock a document.
- And more.
The Lock Document feature is helpful if you need to include a document like a vendor agreement or contract.
7. Exit Microsoft Word Outline View
To exit Outline view in Word, click the Close Outline View button on the right side of the ribbon. This changes your view to the default view, the Print Layout view.
When to Use an Outline
Many writers use an outline format to help them navigate through the different stages of the writing process. This can help you ensure your writing is in logical and understandable order. You can also use an outline to plan your key points and supporting details.
After you’ve written your outline, you can use it as a reference in writing your document or presentation.
What Makes a Good Outline?
If you want to create an outline on Microsoft Word, you might wonder what makes a good outline. What do I include in my outline? An outline should have the following sections:
- Introduction. An introduction is where you give context to your topic so that readers or listeners understand why your topic is relevant. You also summarize any arguments or topics that’ll be discussed.
- Thesis Statement. A thesis statement is where you state the main reason you’re writing. This statement is the guide for your writing.
- Topic Sentences. Topic Sentences are the main ideas in the body paragraphs of your work.
- Subtopic Sentences. Subtopic Sentences are below our topic sentence. They’re statements that support your overall topic. Build on these sentences to give depth and details to your writing.
- Conclusion. A conclusion is where you end your writing by repeating the subjects you discussed in your writing. You can also repeat your thesis to remind the readers of your primary purpose of writing. This is also where you ensure your writing proves your thesis statement.
Different Types of Outlines
There are three types of outlines that you can choose from when using MS Word for outlining. They are:
1. Working Outline
This type of outline is excellent to use if you’re going to change your talking points. Arrange and structure your work and establish its purpose. Then, include your main points and an inclusion.
2. Full Sentence Outline
This type of outline includes complete sentences so you can understand what you’re writing about. This is a great outline to use if you’re writing a complex work. The complete sentences help you ensure that you explain your key ideas thoroughly and support them with evidence.
3. Speaking Outline
This type of outline has bullet points or key phrases with fewer details than a full-sentence outline. This outline is a good option if you know a lot about what you’ll speaking on.
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Try Making an Outline Today
To improve your writing or arrange your thoughts, try making an outline.
Also, for your next project, try a premium template from Envato Elements to give it a more professional look. Sign up today to save time!