basic-computer-documents-printing

Basic Computer Skills · Lesson 6 of 8

Documents and Printing

Create and format a useful document, save it in the right format, produce a PDF and print only after checking the preview.

Complete beginner
75 minutes
Guided practice
Windows 11 examples

Course progressLesson 6 of 8Lesson 6 of 8

Lesson outcomes

By the end of this lesson, you can…

Create and edit a short document.
Apply headings, paragraphs, lists and simple emphasis.
Use Save As and export or print to PDF.
Check print preview, page range and printer before printing.

Prepare

Before you begin

What you need

Microsoft Word, Word for the web or another word processor.
The Practice Documents folder from Lesson 3.
A printer is optional; PDF practice is sufficient.

Safe practice

Use a practice account and non-sensitive information. Ask the computer owner before changing settings, installing software or sharing files.

Learn

Understand and practise the skill

A good document separates content from decoration. Write the message clearly, use headings to organise it, then add only enough formatting to improve reading.

Key terms

Document

A saved file containing written information and possibly images or tables.

Formatting

Changes to the appearance or organisation of content.

Save As

Creates a new file or changes the name, location or format.

PDF

A format designed to preserve a document's appearance for sharing or printing.

Lesson 6 demonstration mediaAdd current screenshots or a short demonstration video before final publication when available.

Follow the demonstration

Create the content. Enter a title, two short paragraphs and a three-item list.
Format logically. Apply a heading style, normal paragraphs and list formatting.
Save the working file. Use a clear name inside Practice Documents.
Create a PDF. Use Save As, Export or Print to PDF and choose the correct folder.
Review print settings. Check printer, page range, orientation and preview before confirming.

Worked example

COMMUNITY GARDEN WORKING BEE

Date: Saturday 25 July
Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm

Please bring:
• Gardening gloves
• Water bottle
• Sun protection

Your turn

Complete the guided activity

Repeat the demonstration using the safe practice items and tick each completed result.

I created a document with a title, paragraphs and list.I used headings and simple formatting consistently.I saved the editable file in Practice Documents.I created and reopened a PDF copy.I checked printer, page range and preview without wasting paper.

0 of 5 tasks

0 of 5 tasks complete0%

Knowledge check

Check your understanding

Complete all three questions, then check your answers.

Complete the lesson

Review, reflect and continue

Success criteria

The document has clear structure and restrained formatting.
Editable and PDF versions are saved in the right folder.
Print settings are checked before confirmation.

Reflection prompt

What can you now do independently, and which step would you like to practise once more?

Continue to Lesson 7