This document provides an introduction to key concepts and vocabulary used in word processing. It defines common terms like text, character, word wrap, cursor, arrow keys, font, scroll, edit, insert, delete, icons, printout, hard copy, soft copy, cut and paste, copy and paste, tab, justification, columns, table, and spelling and grammar check. It also lists common types of documents that can be created using word processing software, such as letters, reports, tables, schedules, outlines, newsletters, tables of contents, and cover pages.

1. INTRODUCTION TO
WORD PROCESSING
Vocabulary and Concepts

2. Word Processing
A computerized method of writing,
editing, saving, formatting, and
printing text.

3. Text
 Another name for alphabetical data
that was entered.
Text consists solely of
letters.

4. Character
 Any letter, number, or symbol typed
on the keyboard.
A character represents
every key on your
keyboard.

5. Word Wrap
 In word processing programs, this
occurs when you get to the end of the
line and the text wraps without you
pressing the Enter key.
Enter Key

6. Document
 Anything produced on a word
processing program.

7. Cursor
 The blinking line that indicates the
user’s location in a document.
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8. Arrow Keys
 The keys used in place of the mouse
to move the cursor to a new location.

9. Special Function Keys
 Keys that carry out specific tasks.

10. Command Keys
 This key needs to be used along with
another key to carry out an operation.

11. Font
A specific style and size of writing.

12. Scroll
 To move text up/down or left/right
on your screen.
Use mouse
Use scroll bars
Use arrow keys

13. Edit
 To make changes to a document.

14. Insert
 To add something to your document.
Common items added to a document
include clip art, tables, WordArt, and
Headers/Footers.

15. Delete
 To remove or erase.

16. Icons
A picture or a symbol that represents
work (either a file or a program).

17. Printout
 Output from a printer.

18. Hard Copy
 Output from a computer that you can
touch. Output from a printer.

19. Soft Copy
 Output from a computer that you can
see or hear, but can not touch.
Example: Output from a monitor or
speaker.

20. Cut and Paste
 To remove something from one
location and place it in another.
 Cut (Ctrl + X)
 Paste (Ctrl + V)

21. Copy/Paste
 To add a copy of something in another
location.
 Copy (Ctrl + C)
 Paste (Ctrl + V)

22. Tab
 When the tab key is pressed, the cursor is
advanced .5”. You may also set your own
custom tab stops. These are used for
indenting at the beginning of a paragraph or
for formatting.
Tab

23. Justification
 To align text to the left, center, right,
or both (justified) margins.
Justified

24. Columns
 In a document, a column is a vertical area
reserved for text. Most newspapers, for example,
contain four or more columns per page. Word
processing software includes a column feature
that automatically divides a page into columns.

25. Table
 Refers to data arranged in a series of rows
and columns. Word processing software
includes a feature to easily insert a table into a
document.

26. Spelling & Grammar Check
 A feature built into a word processor that
checks for spelling and grammar errors in a
document.
 A red line indicates a spelling error.
 A green line indicates a grammar error.

28. Use Word Processing Software to
Create the Following Types of
Documents…
 Letters
 Reports
 Tables
 Schedules
 Outlines
 Newsletters
 Table of Contents
 Cover Pages