1. Word Processor

Abstract

This section will give you a brief introduction to OpenOffice.org Writer's word processing functions.

[Note] Note

In order to make the text a little easier to read, we will alternate between the popular OOo acronym and the very long, yet full and correct OpenOffice.org name.

1.1. OpenOffice.org Writer

OpenOffice.org Writer is the part of the OpenOffice.org suite which provides the word processing functions. OpenOffice.org Writer can read most popular Office formats, easing the transition from, and ensuring compatibility with, other Office suites.

1.1.1. Starting

To launch OpenOffice.org Writer, select Office+WordprocessorsOpenOffice.org Writer from the main menu. You can also open it from any other OOo application screen, by selecting File+NewText Document, which will open a blank OOo Writer document.

When you first launch OpenOffice.org Writer, a dialog will show up asking you whether you prefer to use the Microsoft® or OpenOffice.org format to save your files.

Your decision depends on whether you plan to exchange a lot of files with people who only use Microsoft® tools. If this is the case, click Use the Microsoft ® Word file format, but be warned that it is not perfectly supported. Please bear in mind that this is only the default format and can always be overridden by changing the Filter in the Save as dialog.

1.1.2. Interface

Figure 3.1. OpenOffice.org Writer's Main Window

OpenOffice.org Writer's Main Window

1.2. Using the Word Processor

1.2.1. Styles

Word processor users often waste a lot of time formatting (changing paragraph alignment, font family, weight and size, etc.) their documents instead of using that time to concentrate on document structure and document content writing.

Styles provide a structure-centric approach to writing documents with a word processor, while normalizing document formatting and layout, and easily automating the generation and maintenance of table of contents (TOC), indexes, references, etc. In OpenOffice.org Writer, styles are handled using the Stylist, click on its icon in the Format Bar to open/close it.

Table 3.1. Suggested Styles

When you have a... Then apply the ... style
Chapter Title Heading 1
Section Title Heading 2
Sub-Section Title Heading 3
Sub-Subsection Title Heading 4
Paragraph Text Body, First Line Indent
List Item List

Use the styles listed in Table 3.1, “Suggested Styles”, as a guide. Select the region of the document to apply the style to, and in the Stylist window, double-click on the style you want to apply to that region.

1.2.2. Margins

You can always adjust margins by hand with the ruler, but if you want to format a long document, this may not be the best solution. This is where the Stylist comes in handy.

By clicking on this icon in the Stylist, you will access the page formatting section of the Stylist. First, make a copy of the Default style:

  1. Right-click on the Default item in the Stylist.

  2. Choose New from the menu which pops up.

  3. Assign a Name to your new style. The Next Style field will be updated accordingly when you select it. For the purpose of this example, Default Copy will be used as the style name.

  4. Click on OK to insert your new style into the list of available styles.

Then, right-click on your newly created style item and choose Modify from the pop-up menu. The Page Style: Default Copy window appears. Open the Page tab and modify the margins to your liking.

[Note] Note

You can also change margins choosing the FormatPage menu. The margins you set are applied to the Default style.

In the Page Style: Default Copy window, you can modify many formatting elements. If most of your work with a word processor consists of writing business letters with a predefined format, you could set it up right now, thereby saving lots of time.

[Warning] Warning

If you modify an existing style, you will overwrite that style's original settings. If you feel that you have made a mistake, simply click on the Reset button to return to the last saved settings.

1.2.3. Lists

Use lists to enumerate the properties of an object (“unordered” or “bullet” list), or the steps to be performed in order to accomplish some task (an “ordered” or “numbered” list).

Click on this button to format the selected text into an unordered list. Select the list items and choose FormatBullets and Numbering from the menu to change the bullet type from a predefined set.

Click on this button to format the selected text into an ordered list. The same rules as for unordered lists apply regarding to the numbering format.

1.2.4. Page Headers and Footers

By default page headers and footers are common to all pages of a document. Use them to describe certain aspects about the document's content, for example: page number, total number of pages, chapter, section, document's title, etc.

Choose Insert+HeaderDefault from the menu to add a page header to your document, and choose Insert+FooterDefault to add a page footer to your document. Just type the header/footer text you want to be shown or use one or more of the InsertFields menu items to compose the header/footer.

1.3. Going Further

If you wish to learn more on the usage of OpenOffice.org Writer, you should consult the tutorials available on the Tutorials for OpenOffice Web site.

 Also don't hesitate to refer to the OpenOffice.org Writer's help which is accessible through the HelpOpenOffice.org Help menu, or by pressing the F1 key. You are bound to find the answers to your questions.

[Tip] Tip

 OpenOffice.org is able to export your documents in PDF format (choosing FileExport as PDF from the menu). This allows you to publish your documents in the Adobe® Reader® format.