Try these 8 hidden Microsoft Word features. The text editor Word has been around for decades, but most people use only a fraction of its potential. In addition to typing and formatting, Word has many shortcuts and features, such as the Paste Plain Text shortcut, that can save time and simplify complex tasks.
Here are eight more underrated features worth trying.
1. Built-in Random Text Generator
Need placeholder text for testing a layout or template? Word can generate it instantly.
Type:
=rand()for standard sample text=lorem()For classic Lorem Ipsum=rand.old()For old Word demo text
You can also customize it. For example:
This creates three paragraphs with five sentences each. Perfect for designers and template builders.
2. Hidden text for private notes
Do you want to hide the content without deleting it?
- select text
- Press Ctrl+D (or right-click? font)
- check hidden
(Credit: Haroon Javed)
The text disappears from view but remains in the document. press to make it appear again Ctrl + Shift + H After selecting all the text.
This is useful for confidential notes, draft comments or internal instructions. I use this when I don’t want sensitive information to appear in the final printout
3. Create a table using your keyboard
You don’t always need the Insert menu.
Type something like this:
then press enterAnd Word automatically converts it to a table.
You can also:
- separate text with commas
- highlight text
- Go Insert > Table > Convert text to table
Quick structured formatting.
4. Cut multiple sections at once
Word has a lesser-known multi-cut clipboard feature.
- select text
- Press Ctrl + F3 to cut
- Repeat for other sections
- Press Ctrl + Shift + F3 to stick everything together
This is incredibly helpful for rearranging long documents.
5. Built-in measurement converter
Word can convert units directly inside your document.
To enable:
- Go File > Options > Proofing
- Click autocorrect option
- open action tab
- Able additional actions
Now highlight something like “12 inches”, right-click and select additional actions To convert it.
6. Customize the Ribbon
You can create your own tab with your most used tools.
Go:
File > Options > Customize Ribbon
Add commands, rename tabs, and group tools exactly how you like them.
(Credit: Haroon Javed)
A useful command to add is shrink a pageWhich adjusts the formatting slightly to reduce the length of the document to one page.
7. Vertical text selection
(Credit: Haroon Javed)
Most people don’t know that Word allows column-style text selection.
Catch altThen click and drag your mouse.
You can select vertical blocks of text, which is perfect for removing list numbers or adjusting alignment without affecting entire rows.
8. Compare Two Documents
Is there a need to track edits between two versions?
Go:
Review > Compare
Select the original and modified document. The word automatically highlights the differences.
You can also use:
File > Info > Check for Issues > Inspect Document
It removes hidden metadata, comments and personal information before sharing.
Bonus Features Worth Exploring
- quick part – Save reusable text blocks
- screenshot tool – Insert screen capture directly
- change case – Quickly toggle uppercase/lowercase
- read out loud – Let Word read your document to catch strange phrases
Do you prefer Word or Google Docs? And why?
