Read documents in Word

Common reading tools are built in right into Word: page through a document, add comments, define and translate words, and copy or highlight text, as well as other convenient reading tools. You can turn full screen mode on or off in the ribbon.

If you’re reading a document, not writing or major editing, click or tap View > Read Mode to hide the writing tools and menus and to leave more room for the pages themselves. Read Mode automatically fits the page layout to your device, using columns and larger font sizes, both of which you can adjust.

Read mode in Word

To get out of Read Mode, click or tap View > Edit Document.

In addition to the reading controls you use regularly, you can zoom in and out on images and other objects, expand or collapse sections, or watch embedded videos. Adjust columns, page color, and layout. Open the Navigation Pane to quickly move around in the document.

Image of portion of View menu in Read Mode, with Edit Document option selected.

Read

Click View > Read Mode to switch to the Read Mode layout.

Turn the page

Click or tap the arrows on the edges of the screen to turn the page.