Welcome back to Softwareload’s running blog looking at the latest developments and features in Microsoft Office 2010. As promised, today we’ll be having a closer look at ‘Backstage View’, what it is, how it works and what users of Office 2010 can expect when using it.

So what exactly is the “Backstage View”?

Those of you who were at first more than baffled by the Office icon in the top left hand corner of Word etc will be happy to know that this is GONE in the 2010 Office edition! And this is where Backstage View comes into play. At least in this sense, Microsoft has reverted to a classic-esque menubar, resembling that of Office for XP. However, when you click on “File” you’re greeted with something….. well, very unexpected! This is how the Backstage View looks in the Beta version:

The Backstage View is essentially an interface, bringing together all the personalisation and editing properties related to the file and application, including amongst others, print options, metadata, a list of recently opended files and sharing channels.

What’s in it for me?

I’m sure if you’re like me you’re thinking, that’s all well and good, but what do i get out of Backstage View? Why not stick to the XP setup? If it isn’t broke why fix it?

There are actually several good reasons for the change, for example, when it comes to printing your document(s). In previous editions the Ctrl+P shortcut took you straight to the print window, with relatively limited output options. Via the Backstage View in Word 2010, you’ll have an automatic print preview window complete with editing and exporting options. The sense behind this from a practical point of view is avoiding those undwanted A3, landscape print-outs destined directly for the bin! (yes, admit it, it’s happened to you too!). This also means that you can comfortably readjust borders, margins and keep your print-outs to the least amount of pages necessary/desired. Another plus is “recent documents” has been increased to 20 files, including  more precise file  location details.

Share and share alike

Another one of Backstage View’s key “OUT” features, as commented on here by Senior Program Manager on the Office User Experience team, Clay Satterfield, is its sharing function(s). One of the most popular and least time-consuming add-ins is the addition of being able to save your document directly in PDF format, without having to install a separate creator. Although initially time consuming in logging in on first use, other additions the sharing option via Microsoft’s SkyDrive and Web Apps, as well as for business use via Sharepoint.

Why not try this and more out in the free Beta version from Microsoft direct.