I’ve come across many people in the nonprofit world keen to start collaborating online, but their colleagues keep dragging their heels, because they don’t want to learn new software.
I’ve found this especially the case when it comes to Microsoft Word.
However, don't give up hope: it is possible to edit Word documents online for free.
If this is the case with you, Microsoft’s OneDrive may help you get past this collaboration roadblock. That’s because OneDrive allows you to use the same Microsoft programs your team already knows how to use (like Word), but online. This makes it easy to collaborate and share documents, plus there’s peace of mind knowing everything is backed up and stored on the cloud (couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve had to deal with a deleted or corrupted Word document in the past!).
In short, OneDrive is an online collaboration and storage tool. It integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote from your desktop, mobile device, and the web. Plus, you can upload any other files or photos you may have.
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How to Use The Online Microsoft Word Editor
It only takes 10 seconds to begin using the online Word editor.
To get started, simply go to Word Online and create a Microsoft account, or sign in with an existing account.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be taken to a screen where you can select what type of Word template you’d like to start working with.
I selected a New blank document for this post, as you can see below.
From there, it’s as easy as using Word as you’ve always done, just in an online Word editor instead of an offline one. If you look in the top right of the screenshot above, you’ll see the share button, where you can share the document with any of your colleagues.
If you need to open an existing Word document, you will first need to save it to the OneDrive.
First, go to OneDrive. Then click Go to my OneDrive in the top right hand corner.
Then, simply upload your Word documents into your Files. Once you’ve done this, you can go back to Word Online, open them up and begin editing.
It’s as easy as that. You can now edit a Word document online for free, anytime and anywhere.
All the best with editing your Word documents online and sharing them with your team!
And if you’re looking for additional online tools to help manage your board, make sure to download our free guide. It will show you the differences between management tools like Google Drive, OneDrive and DropBox.
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