If you open a document primarily to read it, full screen view optimizes the reading experience. Full screen view hides all toolbars except for toolbars that control reading and writing in full screen view. Pages that are represented in full screen view are designed to fit well on your screen and don't represent the pagination that you would see if you print the document. If you want to change the document, you can switch to writing view while in full screen view. Writing view is optimized for writing and includes only the most frequently used writing tools.
Do any of the following:
 | Read documents |
The reading view in full screen view is optimized for reading so that the page always fills the screen. If your monitor is large enough, you can view two pages side-by-side.In addition, you can search the document, and view comments and revisions.
-
On the View menu, click Full Screen.
-
To set reading options, rest your mouse pointer over the top of the screen to display the full screen view toolbar, and then click Read.
-
Click Options, and then make the changes that you want.
 | Note Page-turn effects are disabled when viewing two pages side-by-side. |
 | Write documents |
Writing view in full screen view is optimized for writing. Only the most frequently used writing tools are included in this view. In writing view, you can apply text formatting, insert comments, track changes, insert media, save, and print.
-
On the View menu, click Full Screen.
-
Move your mouse to the top of the screen to display the full screen view toolbar, and then click Write.
Word
displays the writing toolbar, which includes the most frequently used writing tools.
-
To set writing options, rest your mouse pointer over the top of the screen to display the writing toolbar.
-
Click Options and then make the changes that you want.
 | Switch between reading and writing mode |
-
On the View menu, click Full Screen.
-
Move your mouse to the top of the screen to display the full screen view toolbar, and then click Write or Read.
 | Tip You can assign your own keyboard shortcuts to switch to full screen view, and to close full screen view. On the Tools menu, click Customize Keyboard. Under Categories, click All Commands, and then assign keyboard shortcuts to the ToggleFull command to easily switch in and out of full screen view, and to the CloseReadingMode command to close full screen view and return to print layout view. |
 | Tip To exit full screen view, point your mouse to the top of the screen, and then click Exit. |