Sometimes, you open a Word document, and it just doesn’t look right. Maybe the margins are off, or the text is too small, or it’s just not the view you’re used to. Don’t worry! Getting your Word document back to normal view is a simple process, and I’m here to guide you through it.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Get Your Word Document Back to Normal View
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know that following these instructions will restore your Word document to the default view, also known as “Print Layout.” This is the view that most people use when writing and editing documents because it shows the document as it would appear when printed.
Step 1: Open your Word document
Open the Word document that is not in the normal view.
When you open your document and it looks different from what you’re used to, it can be a bit disconcerting. Maybe the text is running off the page, or the page looks like a narrow strip instead of a full sheet of paper. This is likely because your document is in a different view, such as “Web Layout” or “Draft.”
Step 2: Locate the View tab
Look at the top of the Word window for the ribbon of tabs and click on “View.”
The ribbon of tabs at the top of the Word window contains all the different menus you can use to change settings in your document. The “View” tab is where you can switch between the different views Word offers.
Step 3: Select Print Layout
In the “View” tab, find the “Views” group and click on “Print Layout.”
The “Views” group within the “View” tab has several different options, but “Print Layout” is the one that will return your document to the normal view. It might also be labeled as “Print View” in some versions of Word.
Step 4: Adjust Zoom if necessary
If your document still doesn’t look quite right, adjust the zoom level to your preference.
Sometimes, even after switching to “Print Layout,” the text might be too small or too big. This is when adjusting the zoom comes in handy. You can find the zoom slider in the bottom right corner of the Word window.
After completing these steps, your Word document should be back in the normal “Print Layout” view. You’ll see your document as it would appear on a printed page, with the proper margins and formatting.
Tips for Getting Your Word Document Back to Normal View
- If you frequently switch between different views, consider adding the “Print Layout” button to your Quick Access Toolbar for easy access.
- Remember that “Normal View” in older versions of Word is now called “Print Layout” in newer versions.
- If the document still doesn’t look right, check if there are any specific formatting settings applied to the text or paragraphs that might be causing the issue.
- For a quicker way to switch views, you can double-click on the space between the page numbers and the bottom of the Word window.
- If you’re working with a document created in an older version of Word, it might open in “Compatibility Mode,” which can affect how the document is displayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the ‘Print Layout’ option is greyed out?
If “Print Layout” is greyed out, it might be because you’re in a different view that doesn’t allow for immediate switching. Try closing any side panels like the Navigation pane and see if the option becomes available.
Can I set ‘Print Layout’ as my default view?
Yes, “Print Layout” is typically the default view, but if it’s not, you can set it as your default by going to Word options and looking for the “Start up options.”
Why does my document look different on another computer?
If your document looks different on another computer, it could be due to different default settings, display resolution, or missing fonts. Make sure both computers have the same version of Word and the same fonts installed.
How do I change the default zoom level?
To change the default zoom level, open a new document, set the zoom level to your preference, and then save the document as a Word template. This template can then be used as the basis for future documents.
What if my document is still not in ‘Print Layout’ after following these steps?
If your document is still not in “Print Layout” after following these steps, there might be an issue with the Word installation or the document itself. Try opening a different document to see if the issue persists.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Locate the View tab.
- Select Print Layout.
- Adjust Zoom if necessary.
Conclusion
Getting your Word document back to normal view isn’t as daunting as it might seem. With just a few clicks, you can restore your document to the default “Print Layout” and continue working without any hiccups. Remember, if you find yourself frequently switching views or needing to adjust settings, there are ways to set these preferences as your defaults, saving you time and frustration in the future. So the next time you open a Word document and it looks a little off, don’t panic—just follow these simple steps and you’ll be back on track in no time. And if you ever find yourself stuck again, just come back to this guide for a quick refresher on how to get your Word document back to normal view.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.