Beginning with Word 2002, Microsoft added the ability to quickly format a word as bold or italic.

To format a word as bold while you are typing, simply start with an asterisk, type the word, and end with an asterisk:

If you type "make this *bold*,"the word "bold" will become bold and Word will remove the asterisks.

To format a word as Italic, use underscores instead of asterisks, as typed below.

Make this _italic_

This feature is not turned on by default. To enable this automatic formatting feature, follow the steps below:

1. Click on Tools | AutoCorrect Options.
    
2. On the AutoFormat As You Type tab, check the *Bold* and _italic_ with real formatting option.

Some folks love doing it this way and others swear by the old standards of CTRL + B and CTRL + I.

When you become a member at CarolsCornerOffice.com, you have access to this and many, many more articles that include screenshots. Don't delay: visit us today!