Paste To Link In Word: The Tiny Shortcut That Saves Big Time

Paste To Link In Word: The Tiny Shortcut That Saves Big Time

Add hyperlinks in Word without breaking your writing flow. This small change quietly fixes one of Word’s most annoying habits.  Word now lets you paste a link directly onto selected text so it instantly becomes a hyperlink. If you live in documents all day, this one shortcut can save hundreds of clicks a week.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 25, 2026

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How many times today have you opened the Insert Link dialog in Word and sighed a little? 

If you work in proposals, reports, lesson plans, or documentation, hyperlinking is constant, repetitive, and just fiddly enough to slow you down.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Paste a Link Directly Onto Text in Microsoft Word.

Previously, if you pasted a URL over selected text in Word, it nuked the text and left you with a raw link. 

Then you had to undo, open the link dialog, paste again, confirm, and finally get back to your sentence. 

Now Microsoft has quietly aligned Word with how modern editors behave: select text, paste a link, keep typing. It feels obvious in the best possible way. 

Most Popular Microsoft 365 Cool Tips of 2025

Most Popular Microsoft 365 Cool Tips of 2025

Two small Microsoft 365 habits can prevent big mistakes, and one overlooked presentation tool can make your work look far more polished in minutes. If you create slides, collaborate on documents, or live in Excel, this trio will pay you back fast.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 29, 2025

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Have you ever sent a deck that looked “fine” but not impressive, restored a file only after hours of rework, or discovered an Excel model was quietly showing old numbers? 

The most popular Microsoft 365 Cool Tips of 2025 are not flashy tricks. 

They are workflow upgrades that reduce rework, improve output quality, and lower the chance of decisions based on stale data. 

How to Add Automatic Alt Text to Microsoft Word Images

How to Add Automatic Alt Text to Microsoft Word Images

Adding images to a Word document is easy, but making them accessible is just as important. Microsoft Word’s Automatic Alt Text feature instantly generates descriptions for your pictures, helping business and home users save time while ensuring inclusivity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 8, 2025

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Ever dropped an image into a Word document and wondered how someone using a screen reader would interpret it? 

Accessibility is not just a compliance checkbox, it’s a way to make your work usable by everyone. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Word's Automatic Alt Text feature.

Microsoft Word’s Automatic Alt Text feature takes the guesswork out of writing descriptions, offering instant suggestions that you can refine.

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Copilot on Windows Can Now Export Office Docs

Create Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or PDF files right from your desktop using a simple prompt.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 10, 2025

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Need to draft a document but don’t want to open Word or Excel? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Copilot for Windows to Export Office Docs.

With the latest update to Copilot on Windows, you can now generate full Office files using plain language, all without launching a single app.

This new feature is built for speed and simplicity.

Red Squiggles Vanish

 

Red squiggles vanish,

Copilot whispers “All fixed,”

Clean words, no regrets.

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

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One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

One-Click Proofreading in Word for the Web with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Tired of chasing red underlines? Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets you fix all spelling and grammar issues in Word for the web instantly, saving time and sanity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 6, 2025

Is Your Document Still Stuck in Red Squiggle Hell?

You’ve written a report, proposal, or lesson plan. 

It’s solid. 

But now comes the slog; clicking through every spelling and grammar suggestion one by one. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Fix Spelling and Grammar feature in Word for the Web.

Microsoft’s Red Gets a Makeover. Here’s Why It Matters for Accessibility

Microsoft’s Red Gets a Makeover. Here’s Why It Matters for Accessibility

Microsoft 365 quietly updated its standard red font color to improve readability and meet accessibility standards. This small change makes a big difference, and you can apply it manually too.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 29, 2025

Ever struggled to read red text on a white slide? 

You’re not the only one. 

For years, Microsoft’s default red, used to emphasize, alert, and annotate, has been visually loud but not always legible. 

Especially for folks with low vision or color sensitivity, that bright red could be more of a barrier than a beacon. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft Has Adjusted the Default Red in Microsoft 365 Apps.

It’s a subtle shift, but it speaks to a broader push for inclusive design.

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft Word Just Got Smarter: Dynamic Document Snapshots Save You Hours

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word delivers instant, AI-generated summaries, so you can skip the scroll and get straight to what matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 15, 2025

What if your Word docs could summarize themselves?

You open a 40-page report. Your eyes glaze over. 

You scroll, skim, search—still no clue where the key takeaways are. Sound familiar? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Microsoft Word.

Microsoft 365 Copilot’s Dynamic Document Snapshot feature in Word is not just a summary tool.

It's a contextual, interactive overview that lives at the top of your document and evolves with your needs.

This isn’t a gimmick. 

It’s a quiet revolution in how we consume and collaborate on written content.

Stop Losing Docs: Word Now Auto-Saves New Files to the Cloud

Stop Losing Docs: Word Now Auto-Saves New Files to the Cloud

Microsoft Word now saves new files directly to the cloud by default. There are no extra clicks and no forgotten saves. This small change can make a big difference in how you work, collaborate, and protect your content.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 1, 2025

What if your next great idea never got lost?

You open Word, start typing, and forget to hit Save. 

Hours pass. 

Maybe you close the file without thinking. 

That moment of panic? 

It’s gone. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Don't Worry.  Microsoft Saves New Word Files to the Cloud!

New Pen Tools in Microsoft 365

New Pen Tools in Microsoft 365

Microsoft just gave Word, Excel, and PowerPoint a subtle but powerful upgrade: new Fountain and Brush pens plus full control over your Draw tab layout. Here's how to make your digital handwriting feel more like your own.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 25, 2025

What if your favorite pen could follow you into every document?

For years, OneNote users have enjoyed the expressive flair of the Brush and Fountain pens. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Brush and Fountain pens in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Microsoft is finally bringing those same tools to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for Windows. 

But this update isn’t just about new ink, it’s about control. 

You can now reorder, remove, and personalize your Draw tab to match how you actually work.

It’s a small change, but one that feels surprisingly personal. Like rearranging your desk so your favorite pen is always within reach.

What You'll Gain

How SmartArt in Microsoft 365 Transforms Your Lists

How SmartArt in Microsoft 365 Transforms Your Lists

If you're using Microsoft 365, you already have access to SmartArt, a simple way to turn plain bullet points into visuals that actually communicate. Here's how to use it in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

August 18, 2025

Have you ever sat through a presentation where slide after slide was just text and bullet points?

It’s a fast way to lose your audience.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Convert Bulleted Lists to SmartArt.

SmartArt is built into Microsoft 365 and lets you turn a list into a visual diagram in seconds. 

No design skills are needed. 

Just pick a layout, paste your list, and you're done. 

Whether you're teaching, presenting, or writing a report, SmartArt helps your message come across more clearly.

Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Turn Your Word Docs into Podcasts with Microsoft 365 Copilot

Discover how Microsoft 365 Copilot’s new audio overview feature in Word transforms documents into podcast-style summaries.  It's perfect for multitaskers, educators, and busy professionals.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 11, 2025

Have you ever wished that your documents could talk to you?

You’re rushing between meetings, juggling emails, and trying to prep for tomorrow’s presentation. 

That 10-page report sitting in Word? 

It’s not getting read anytime soon. 

But what if it could read itself to you like a podcast, tailored to your pace?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Let Microsoft Word Read to You.

Word for the Web Gets Smarter: New Header & Footer Tools Save Time and Sanity

Word for the Web Gets Smarter: New Header & Footer Tools Save Time and Sanity

Word for the web just received a much-needed facelift. The new header and footer experience simplifies formatting, improves collaboration, and brings browser-based editing closer to its desktop counterpart.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

July 21, 2025

How Did Headers and Footers Get So Good?

Editing headers and footers in Word for the web used to feel like trying to thread a needle while wearing mittens. 

Formatting was clunky, updates lagged, and many users abandoned browser editing altogether in favor of the desktop app.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try editing headers and footers in Microsoft Word for the Web.

Microsoft has redesigned this experience with a focus on usability and flexibility. Whether you're inserting a title, adding page numbers, or styling each section of your document uniquely, Word for the web finally handles it gracefully.

Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS

Search for Templates in Word, Excel & PowerPoint for iOS

Skip the blank page.  Microsoft 365 now lets you search templates on iOS, giving your presentations, budgets, and reports a polished head start.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 23, 2025

Caught in a Coffee Shop, Deadline Looming?

There’s nothing quite like trying to build a presentation on your iPhone with one thumb and a ticking clock. 

Whether you’re on the train, between meetings, or working from a park bench, starting from scratch isn’t just time-consuming.

It’s a creativity killer.

Here's a Cool Tip: Search for Templates in Word, Excel and PowerPoint for iPhone and iPad.

Microsoft has added a deceptively powerful feature to its Word, Excel, and PowerPoint mobile apps for iOS: searchable templates.

How to Use Version History in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

How to Use Version History in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 

Ever accidentally deleted the perfect paragraph or lost an important file change? 

Microsoft 365’s Version History is your safety net that allows you to restore previous versions of your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files. 

Here’s how to master it for effortless file recovery and revision control.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

June 9, 2025

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We've all been there. 

You hit “Save,” only to realize you’ve erased something essential—or worse, someone else overwrites your file. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Restore Previous Versions with Version History.

Version History in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is your secret weapon, letting you rewind time, restore changes, and keep your documents intact. 

Whether you're a business user, educator, or productivity enthusiast, knowing how to use Version History can save you from frustrating file mishaps.

Share Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files Without a Microsoft Account

Share Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files Without a Microsoft Account

Microsoft now allows recipients to open shared Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files on iOS and Android devices without requiring a Microsoft account. This update simplifies collaboration, especially for mobile users, by removing the need for sign-ins.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 2, 2025

Ever tried sharing a document with someone, only to have them stumble over account sign-ins and app installations? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Now share Word, Excel and PowerPoint files with anyone, even if they don't have a Microsoft account.

Microsoft has addressed the common hurdle by enabling users to open shared Office files on mobile devices without a Microsoft account. 

This enhancement streamlines collaboration, making it more accessible and efficient.

What You'll Gain

• Simplified Sharing: Recipients can view shared documents without account sign-ins.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Ideal for quick reviews on mobile devices.
• Improved Collaboration: Facilitates smoother interactions with clients and team members.

Inspect Hidden Data in Microsoft 365 Documents to Protect Your Privacy

Inspect Hidden Data in Microsoft 365 Documents to Protect Your Privacy

Learn how to use Microsoft 365's Document Inspector to identify and remove hidden data and personal information from your files, ensuring privacy and professionalism when sharing documents.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

April 21, 2025

Are Your Documents Giving Away More Than You Think?

When sharing documents, presentations, or workbooks, have you ever wondered what hidden data might be lurking beneath the surface? 

From personal information to invisible content, these details can compromise your privacy or professionalism. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Document Inspector.

Microsoft 365's Document Inspector is here to help you uncover and remove these hidden elements, ensuring your files are clean and secure before sharing.

Add Custom Tables to Word for Android and iOS

Add Custom Tables to Word for Android and iOS

Discover how Microsoft Word's latest feature empowers users to create custom tables effortlessly on Android and iOS devices, enhancing productivity and document precision.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

March 31, 2025

Ever struggled with inserting tables into Word documents on your mobile device? 

You're not alone. 

With over a million tables added monthly to Word for Android and iOS, users have long sought a more intuitive solution. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Use the New Insert Table feature in Word for Android and iOS.

Microsoft has answered the call with a groundbreaking update that simplifies table creation, making it faster and more efficient. 

Boost Productivity in Style by Adding Icons in Microsoft 365 Apps

Boost Productivity in Style by Adding Icons in Microsoft 365 Apps

Learn how to supercharge your Microsoft 365 experience by incorporating icons into your Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more. This step-by-step guide offers insight into the feature's benefits, limitations, and real-world uses.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

March 24, 2025

Make Your Documents Pop!

Did you know that adding the right visuals to your documents can improve information retention? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the 'Insert Icons' Feature in Microsoft 365 Apps!

Microsoft 365's "Insert Icons" feature helps you do with a library of ready-to-use, customizable icons. 

Whether it's a business presentation or classroom project, discover how a simple icon can make all the difference.

Understanding Microsoft 365's Icons Feature

The "Insert Icons" feature enables users to incorporate high-quality vector graphics directly into their Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Outlook files. 

Access Copilot Anywhere in Microsoft Word for the Web

Access Copilot Anywhere in Microsoft Word for the Web

Discover how the new feature in Microsoft Word for the Web allows users to access Copilot anywhere on the canvas, enhancing productivity and user experience.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

February 10, 2025

Ever wish you could seamlessly integrate advanced AI assistance right within your workspace?

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the new Copilot in Microsoft Word for the Web.

Microsoft Word for the Web has just unveiled a game-changing feature that lets you access Copilot anywhere on the canvas. 

This upgrade promises to revolutionize the way you interact with documents, making your tasks easier and more intuitive.