I’m using Microsoft Word 2010 which is uses the new ribbon bar. If you are unfamiliar with the ribbon bar, it is supposed to make things easier for users of the product with too many options. This is great for the first-time user or occasional letter writer. For the advanced writer, who has used every version of Word since computer monitors were monochrome – the ribbon bar is a problem.
I’m editing 125,000 word manuscript and need to organize it. Yes, most of my notes are in OneNote, my most favorite Microsoft Product ever. But 500 pages still need some in-manuscript management. I’m using comments, index marks, and headings to keep track of work left to do, references, and loose outlining.
However, in the ribbon bar for the styles, only Heading 1 and Heading 3 are available. Where did the rest of the Headings go? Since this took me a few minutes to figure out, I’m writing instructions to myself (and anyone else) to find the rest of the headings.
Step 1. Move to the Home tab of the ribbon bar.
Step 2. Click the arrow just underneath Change Styles. This should bring up a list of styles. Notice Heading 2 is probably not there. Don’t worry, we’re not done yet.
Step 3. Click on Options link. This will bring up the Style Pane Options box.
Step 4. Check the Show next heading when previous level is used option.
Step 5. Close your way out of this dialog back to where you were.
Step 6. Make sure something in your document is using either Heading 1 or Heading 3 (or whatever heading is available in the ribbon bar).
Now you should be able to use all the headings you are accustomed to and have them work in the Outline view.
Tags: Documents, Headings, How-To, Word 2010, Writing
