In Microsoft Word, check the Navigation Pane box in the Show section of the View menu ribbon to show the Navigation Pane along the left side of the document editing window. The Navigation Pane displays a hierarchy of your document chapter headings.
In this post, I discuss using the Microsoft Word Navigation Pane to navigate a large document, reorder document chapters and to outline a document.
Display or Hide the Navigation Pane
Check and uncheck the Navigation Pane box in the Show section of the View menu ribbon to display and hide the Navigation Pane. Microsoft Word displays the pane along the left side of the main editor pane. Grab and drag the right edge of the Navigation Pane to increase and decrease its size. I hide the Navigation Pane only while running Microsoft Word in a small side-by-side window. I adjust its size based on the length of my chapter headings.
This Navigation Pane provides a hierarchical display of your document chapter headings. Use it to navigate a large document, reorder document chapters and to outline a document.
Navigate a Large Document
Click on a chapter heading in the Navigation Pane to jump to editing that chapter in the main editing window. Use the Navigation Pane to navigate lengthy documents.
Reorder Chapters
Click and drag a chapter heading in the Navigation Pane to move the associated chapter up and down in your document chapter hierarchy. Note that the chapter heading and all of its contents, including subchapter headings, move to where you release your mouse. Microsoft Word will renumber your chapter headings.
Outlining a Document Using the Navigation Pane
I make extensive use of the Navigation Pane during the outlining phase of the writing process. The pane provides a complete view of my document structure, allowing me to evaluate the information flow at a glance. I leave the pane open while I write to jump between chapters.
I hope this helps and I’ll see you in the classroom,
—Brian
