Writing.Com 101

Using the Editor

The Writing.Com Editor allows you to write and format your work directly on the page, similar to using a modern word processor. Formatting options can be applied with a simple click using the toolbar at the top of the editor. The editor is designed to make writing and formatting on Writing.Com quick, flexible, and intuitive.

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The Editor Toolbar

Across the top of the editor is a toolbar containing the most commonly used writing and formatting tools.

The first group of buttons controls basic text formatting such as bold, italic, underline, strikethrough, hidden text, and subscript or superscript.

The next group allows you to change the appearance of your writing, including font color, font type, font size, and highlighting.

Additional buttons help you format entire paragraphs by adjusting alignment, spacing, indentation, or creating quoted sections.

Many buttons include small drop-down menus for additional options. If you are unsure what a button does, hover your cursor over it to see a short description.

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Formatting Your Writing

Formatting text in the editor is simple. Highlight the words you want to modify and click the appropriate button in the toolbar.

For example, selecting text and clicking Bold will make the highlighted words bold. Multiple formatting options can be applied to the same text if needed.

Paragraph tools allow you to adjust alignment, spacing, indentation, or convert a passage into a quoted block. These options make it easy to organize longer pieces of writing and improve readability.

Because the editor works visually, you can immediately see formatting changes as you apply them.

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Tagging Members, Items, and More

The editor includes a tool that allows you to tag members and reference items across Writing.Com, including images, posts, entries, badges, and more.

Using the @ button on the toolbar—or simply typing @—you can quickly tag another member or link to almost anything on Writing.Com.

When you type the @ symbol or click the button, a dropdown menu appears with items you can tag. As you continue typing, the system automatically narrows the list and suggests matching results. Select the one you want, and the tag will be inserted directly into your writing.

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Adding Emoticons

The editor also includes an emoticon button that allows you to quickly add small icons and symbols to your writing.

Click the button on the toolbar to open the emoticon selector. This panel displays a large collection of icons that can be used throughout Writing.Com.

You can browse through the categories, view recently used icons, or use the search bar to quickly find a specific symbol. When you click an icon, it is automatically inserted into your writing at your cursor location.

Emoticons can be used to add personality, highlight ideas, or visually enhance posts, comments, and other writing across the site.

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Adding GIFs

The editor also includes a button that allows you to add animated GIFs to your writing.

Click the GIF button on the toolbar to open the GIF selector, powered by GIPHY. This panel allows you to search for GIFs by keyword or browse through trending animations.

You can use the search bar to find a specific reaction or idea, or click the Trending button to explore popular GIFs. Recently used GIFs may also appear for quick access.

When you click a GIF, it is automatically inserted into your writing at your cursor location.

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Using Snippets

Upgraded members on Writing.Com have access to Snippets, a feature that allows you to quickly insert frequently used text into the editor.

Click the Snippets button on the toolbar to open the snippets panel. This panel displays a list of saved snippets that you can browse or search. Snippets can be organized into categories, making it easy to find the one you want.

When you click a snippet, its contents are automatically inserted into your writing at your cursor location.

Snippets are useful for things you type often, such as signatures, formatting templates, feedback comments, or frequently used messages.

You can create, edit, and organize your snippets by clicking the Manage Snippets link within the panel.

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Creative Tools

The editor also includes a collection of Creative Tools that allow you to add special formatting, layout elements, and interactive features to your writing.

Click the magic wand button on the toolbar to open the Creative Tools panel. This menu provides a variety of tools that help enhance the appearance and functionality of your content.

Creative Tools include options such as multi-column layouts, drop caps, footnotes, embedded media, links, lists, decorative lines, progress bars, and more. Each tool inserts the appropriate formatting automatically and guides you through the options needed to create the effect.

Simply place your cursor where you want the element to appear and select the tool you wish to use. The editor will insert the formatting directly into your writing. Right click or double click any tool to edit it.

These tools allow you to create more visually dynamic posts, organize longer content, and add interactive elements to your work.

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Switching to Code View

Advanced users who prefer working directly with markup can still view the underlying code behind their writing.

Click the {/} button in the editor toolbar to switch to Code View. You can also click the gear icon and choose Switch to Legacy Editor.

For more information about working directly with markup, see Legacy: Working With WritingML in Code View.

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Explore more:

Creating and Uploading Writing
Item Types and Their Uses