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.

Turn PowerPoint Slides into Animated GIFs

Turn PowerPoint Slides into Animated GIFs

Create looping, lightweight presentations perfect for email, social, and more without the fuss of video exports.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 30, 2025

Ever tried emailing a PowerPoint presentation only to find the file size ballooned with animations? 

Or wished your team could preview a deck in Slack without downloading a file? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Turn PowerPoint slides into Animated GIFs.

Enter the humble .GIF, not just for memes anymore, but a surprisingly practical format for sharing visual summaries of your slides.

Microsoft has baked a GIF export feature right into PowerPoint. 

And it’s more than a gimmick: it’s a slick shortcut for turning presentations into lightweight, looping visuals that work almost anywhere.

What You'll Gain

• Quick-share presentations as animated GIFs
• Bypass large video files and bulky email attachments 
• Bring motion to newsletters, social posts, and training content

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.

Microsoft Excel for the Web Now Lets You Share Links to Sheet Views

Microsoft Excel for the Web Now Lets You Share Links to Sheet Views

A new feature in Excel for the web makes collaboration easier—now you can share direct links to Sheet Views, allowing colleagues to see exactly the data you need them to focus on, without altering the original file.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

June 16, 2025

Ever had a messy Excel workbook where different team members apply conflicting filters? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New View Share in Excel for the Web.

Instead of frustrating back-and-forths or duplicate spreadsheets, Microsoft has introduced Sheet View sharing, a simple way to preserve custom views while keeping the original data intact.

This new sharing option is a game-changer for teams working on large datasets, educators analyzing grades, and business users managing reports. 

No more wondering, "Did someone mess up my filters again?"

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

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.

How to Take Control of Your Inbox with Scheduled Emails in Outlook

How to Take Control of Your Inbox with Scheduled Emails in Outlook

Discover how to schedule emails in Microsoft Outlook to ensure timely communication without needing to be online. Whether you're coordinating global time zones, preparing future reminders, or managing productivity, this feature is a game-changer.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 19, 2025

Ever wished you could send an email at the perfect moment—without setting an alarm to do it manually? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Schedule Emails in Outlook.

Microsoft Outlook offers a powerful scheduling feature that lets you draft your email, set the desired send time, and walk away knowing it will be sent automatically. 

Whether you're managing business communications across multiple time zones, sending birthday greetings in advance, or ensuring reminders land exactly when needed, Outlook’s scheduled email function is a vital tool.

Let’s discover how to delay or schedule your emails, the pros and cons of using this feature, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

Unlocking Seamless Navigation: Link to Slides in PowerPoint for the Web

Unlocking Seamless Navigation: Link to Slides in PowerPoint for the Web

Microsoft has introduced a game-changing feature in PowerPoint for the web—Link to Slides—allowing users to create dynamic, interactive presentations with seamless navigation. Whether you're building a clickable table of contents or guiding audiences through a non-linear story, this feature enhances engagement and efficiency.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 12, 2025

Have you ever wished for a smoother way to navigate through your PowerPoint presentations without manually flipping through slides? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Link to Slides in PowerPoint for Web.

Link to Slides in PowerPoint for the Web is a new feature that brings the flexibility of interactive slide linking to browser-based presentations. 

Users can now create intuitive, clickable pathways within their decks, making presentations more engaging and user-friendly.

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.

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. 

How to Create Stunning Presentations with Microsoft Sway

How to Create Stunning Presentations with Microsoft Sway

Discover how Microsoft Sway empowers you to create professional, interactive presentations effortlessly. This Cool Tip walks you through its features, benefits, and step-by-step instructions for optimal use.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

March 10, 2025

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information you need to present? 

What if there was a tool that could turn your content into a visually stunning, interactive experience with minimal effort? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft Sway.

Microsoft Sway is your new best friend for creating engaging presentations that captivate and inform.

And you probably don't even know you have it!

Understanding Microsoft Sway

Microsoft Sway is a dynamic digital storytelling app designed to help users create visually appealing presentations, reports, newsletters, and more. 

With its intuitive design engine, Sway enables you to combine text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements seamlessly.

Microsoft's New Sign-In Changes: What You Need to Know

Microsoft's New Sign-In Changes: What You Need to Know

Starting February 2025, Microsoft will automatically keep users signed in to their accounts unless they explicitly sign out or use private browsing. This change aims to enhance user convenience but raises security considerations for those accessing accounts on shared or public devices.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

February 16, 2025

Imagine accessing your Microsoft account without the repetitive hassle of signing in each time. 

While this seamless experience enhances convenience, it also introduces potential security concerns, especially on shared or public devices. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Be Sure To Log Out of Microsoft Accounts on Public or Shared Computers.

As of February 2025, Microsoft has implemented a significant change to its sign-in process that every user should understand.

In an effort to streamline user experience, Microsoft has updated its authentication process. 

Previously, upon signing in, users were prompted with an option to stay signed in. 

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.

Stale Value Formatting in Excel for Windows: The Ultimate Productivity Booster

Stale Value Formatting in Excel for Windows: The Ultimate Productivity Booster

Discover how the new Stale Value Formatting feature in Excel for Windows can help streamline your data management processes and increase productivity by identifying stale values needing recalculation.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

January 27, 2025

Imagine this: you're knee-deep in a complex Excel spreadsheet, juggling dozens of formulas and datasets. 

Suddenly, you realize some of your data hasn't updated correctly, leading to potential errors and wasted time. 

Sound familiar? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Look for the Stale Value Formatting.

Fortunately, Microsoft has introduced a game-changing feature to alleviate this common headache—Stale Value Formatting in Excel for Windows.

Stale Value Formatting is a powerful new feature designed to enhance data accuracy by visually indicating which cells contain stale values that require recalculation. 

Top Microsoft 365 Cool Tips in 2024

Top Microsoft 365 Cool Tips in 2024

Discover the most popular Cool Tips for Microsoft 365 this past year, enhancing your productivity and efficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. From link previews in Word to transforming handwriting in Excel, and unlocking the full potential of your presentations with Copilot Pro in PowerPoint, these tips are a must-know for any Microsoft 365 user.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

January 6, 2025

Ever found yourself tangled in a web of endless links while drafting a document? 

Or struggled to make your handwritten notes digitally editable? 

And how about making your presentations stand out with advanced AI features? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Check out these popular Cool Tips for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Welcome to the world of Microsoft 365, where innovation meets productivity. 

Discover the New Copilot Prompt Gallery in Microsoft 365

Discover the New Copilot Prompt Gallery in Microsoft 365

Unleash the full potential of Microsoft 365 Copilot with the new Prompt Gallery, designed to help you discover, save, and share your favorite prompts.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 31, 2024

Have you ever found yourself wishing for a more organized way to manage and share your favorite Copilot prompts? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the new Copilot Prompt Gallery in Microsoft 365.

The new Copilot Prompt Gallery in Microsoft 365 is here to make that wish come true! 

The Copilot Prompt Gallery is a comprehensive repository that provides users with access to a catalog of Copilot prompts created by Microsoft. 

How to Recover Your Word Files and Documents

How to Recover Your Word Files and Documents

Losing important Word documents can be a nightmare, but Microsoft Word offers several reliable methods to recover your files. This Cool Tip walks you through the essential steps to restore your work swiftly and efficiently.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

December 09, 2024

Have you ever accidentally closed a Word document without saving, or faced a sudden crash that left your work unsaved? 

The panic is real, but the solution is at your fingertips.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Recover your Word files!

Recovering unsaved Word documents is crucial for maintaining productivity and peace of mind.

Microsoft Word has built-in features to help you retrieve your work without starting from scratch. 

The Game-Changing Feature in Microsoft Word on the Web

The Game-Changing Feature in Microsoft Word on the Web

Discover how Microsoft Word on the Web’s new line numbering feature is revolutionizing document editing, making collaboration and navigation smoother and more efficient.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 2, 2024

Ever found yourself lost in a sea of text while collaborating on a document? 

Or struggled to pinpoint specific lines during an intense editing session? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the new Line Numbering for Microsoft Word on the Web.

Line numbering is a powerful tool that assigns a sequential number to each line in your document. 

Compose Texts Using '&' in Microsoft Excel: A Simple Yet Powerful Formula

Compose Texts Using '&' in Microsoft Excel: A Simple Yet Powerful Formula

Learn how to efficiently combine text in Excel using the '&' formula to streamline your data management tasks.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 25, 2024

Ever struggled with fragmented data in Excel? 

Whether you're dealing with split names or segmented product information, combining text in Excel can seem daunting. 

Here's a Cool Tip: Use The '&' Operator. 

The '&' operator in Excel is used to concatenate, or join, text from different cells. 

This is particularly useful when working with datasets that store information in separate columns, such as first and last names or product codes and descriptions. 

By using the '&' operator, you can create more readable and organized data without the need for complex formulas or external tools.

Here's how to do it.

1. Start by opening the workbook that contains the data you want to combine.
2. Click on the cell where you want the combined text to appear.
3. Type the formula =A2&" "&B2, replacing A2 and B2 with the cells you want to combine.
4. Hit Enter to see the combined text in the selected cell.
5. Drag the fill handle to copy the formula to adjacent cells if you need to combine text in multiple rows.

fig. 1 - Use & in Microsoft Excel to Combine Cells

Consider a scenario where you have a list of employees with their first names in column A and last names in column B. 

Using the '&' operator, you can combine these into a full name in column C, making your data more readable and useful for reports or mail merges.

Add Space Between Texts: Ensure to include spaces in your formula like this: =A2&" "&B2.

Mastering the '&' operator in Excel can significantly streamline your data management tasks, making it easier to work with fragmented data. 

By integrating this simple formula into your workflow, you can save time and enhance the readability of your datasets.

Have you tried using the '&' operator in Excel? 

Share your experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article on social media to help others improve their Excel skills!

READ MORE

• How to 'Clean Data' with Copilot in Excel
  
• How to Use the Accessibility Checker in Microsoft 365 to Create Inclusive Content
  
• How to Master 'Show Changes' in Microsoft Excel
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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How to 'Clean Data' with Copilot in Excel

How to Clean Data with Copilot in Excel

Discover how to effortlessly clean your data with Copilot in Excel, ensuring accuracy and consistency in your spreadsheets.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 11, 2024

Are you tired of spending hours manually correcting data inconsistencies in your Excel sheets? 

What if there was a way to automate this tedious task and ensure your data is always accurate and consistent? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New 'Clean Data' Feature in Microsoft Excel

 Copilot in Excel is your new best friend for data cleaning!