How-to Guides

Collaborative Sites: Tips for Microsoft Word Users

February 27, 2009 by Doug Worsham

Copying and pasting text from Microsoft Word can cause problems on Collaborative Sites.

Here are some tips to avoid formatting problems:

• Compose on the site - Whenever possible, use the built-in editor to compose your work. Be sure to save often by clicking the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.
• Use a simple text editor - If you'd like to compose your work offline, use a simple text editor like Notepad (in Windows) or TextEdit (in Mac OS).
• Pass through a simple text editor - If you have work already composed in MS Word, or if you have pasted something into the site that causes problems, there is a simple way to clear out the formatting problems: copy and paste your text into a simple text editor (e.g., Notepad or TextEdit), then copy from the simple text editor into the Collaborative Site. Note that this will clear all formatting.
• Use an attachment - If your work requires complex formatting only available in a full featured text editor (e.g., pagination, complex tables, etc.) consider submitting your work as an attachment. Be sure to include a format most people will be able to open (e.g., .doc or .pdf instead of .docx). Also be sure to provide a short summary in the body field.

Thanks!

Your Collaborative Sites Team