Closing dialog boxes in Word can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with it. But don’t worry! It’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be closing those pesky dialog boxes in no time.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Close Dialog Box in Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re trying to achieve. Closing a dialog box in Word allows you to continue working on your document without the interruption of the box. Whether you’re done with the task the dialog box was assisting with or you opened it by mistake, closing it is a straightforward process.
Step 1: Look for the "X" Button
Locate the "X" button in the upper right corner of the dialog box.
The "X" button is the universal symbol for closing windows and dialog boxes. It’s usually red and located in the top right corner. Just click on it, and the dialog box will close.
Step 2: Use the "Cancel" or "Close" Button
Find and click the "Cancel" or "Close" button within the dialog box.
Sometimes, dialog boxes will have their own "Cancel" or "Close" button. This button usually sits at the bottom of the box. Clicking it will close the dialog box and take you back to your work.
Step 3: Press "Escape" on Your Keyboard
Press the "Escape" key on your keyboard as an alternative method.
If you’re not a fan of using your mouse, you can always use the "Escape" key on your keyboard. This key often serves as a shortcut for closing dialog boxes in many software applications, including Word.
Once you complete these steps, the dialog box should disappear, allowing you to return to your document and continue with your work.
Tips for Closing Dialog Box in Word
- If you accidentally open a dialog box, don’t panic. Just use one of the methods above to close it.
- Make sure you’ve finished any necessary tasks inside the dialog box before closing it to avoid losing unsaved changes.
- If the dialog box is not responding to the "X" or "Escape" key, try clicking on the Word document outside of the dialog box to deactivate it.
- Remember that closing a dialog box does not close your Word document or affect any changes you’ve made to it.
- If you’re repeatedly encountering unwanted dialog boxes, take a moment to understand why they’re appearing and how to prevent them in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the dialog box won’t close?
If the dialog box is not responding, try clicking on the Word document to deactivate the dialog box. If it still won’t close, you may need to restart Word.
Can I close the dialog box without saving changes?
Yes, you can close the dialog box without saving changes by clicking the "X," "Cancel," or "Close" button, or by pressing "Escape" on your keyboard.
Will closing a dialog box close my Word document?
No, closing a dialog box will only close the box itself, not the entire Word document.
Why does the dialog box keep popping up?
The dialog box may keep appearing because a certain action in Word is triggering it. Try to identify the action and avoid it, or look for settings to change the behavior.
Can I disable dialog boxes in Word?
While you can’t disable all dialog boxes, you may be able to change settings or preferences in Word to reduce the frequency of certain dialog boxes.
Summary
- Locate the "X" button and click to close the dialog box.
- Use the "Cancel" or "Close" button if available.
- Press the "Escape" key as an alternative method.
Conclusion
Closing a dialog box in Word is a piece of cake once you know what to do. Whether you’re working on an important document or just jotting down some notes, dialog boxes shouldn’t interrupt your flow. Remember, the "X" button is your friend, and so is the "Escape" key. And if all else fails, a quick click outside the box or a restart of Word will usually do the trick. Keep these tips and tricks in mind, and you’ll handle dialog boxes like a pro. Happy typing!
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.