Speed the Display of Complex Documents

Summary: Keep complex documents from slowing down Microsoft Word 2003.

If you have a slower computer, when you read or edit a very complex document, it may take a little time for Microsoft Word 2003 to properly render its information. If this happens, you can view your document using a draft font that speeds up rendering by hiding complex formatting, yet keeping the substance of the content intact.

1. Click “Tools” then “Options”.
2. When the “Options” multi-tabbed dialog box appears, select the “View” tab.
3. Check “Draft Font”.
4. Click “OK” to close the dialog box.

Now, click “View” and choose “Normal”. Your Microsoft Word 2003 document will appear in the Courier New font. Only minor formatting changes such as bold, italic, or underlined text will appear. Note that your document has not changed on disk – only its appearance onscreen.