MS Word - Backstage View (File Menu)

The Backstage View appears when the File tab is selected, shifting the user away from the editing page to a space dedicated to managing the entire document rather than its content. This area allows users to save, print, share and organize files, making it the control center for document lifecycle tasks.

Saving and Opening Files

From the Backstage View, users can open existing files, save current work or choose Save As to create a copy under a new name, format or location. The Recently Used document list speeds up access to files that were edited earlier, reducing the need to manually browse through folders.

Printing and Page Preparation

Before sending a document to a printer, users can preview page layout, select a printer, adjust number of copies and choose detailed print settings. This ensures pages are formatted correctly and prevents wasted paper or incorrect output by displaying exactly how the document will appear once printed.

Sharing and Exporting

Backstage View provides options to share a document by email, upload it to OneDrive or generate PDF and XPS exports. Converting to alternate formats helps preserve layout when sending files externally, especially when readers may not use Word, ensuring compatibility and professional presentation.

Document Info and Management

This space also contains metadata tools including author name, file size, version history and permission settings. Users can inspect the document to remove hidden data, protect content with a password or check if features are compatible with older Word versions.

Templates and New Documents

When starting a new project, Backstage View presents a gallery of templates such as resumes, reports and newsletters. Users can pick a ready-made design or choose a blank document. These templates provide structured starting points that help build professional documents quickly while maintaining consistent formatting.