Definition: Office 2013

An earlier version of the Office suite from Microsoft. Introduced in preview mode on Windows RT tablets in 2012, Office 2013 was a major upgrade. It runs on regular Windows desktops but is also geared to tablets by providing options such as extra space around navigation elements and providing a non-editing and a less-cluttered mode when only reading Word documents. Office 2013 runs under Windows 7 and 8, and the revised interface leans to the Windows 8 (Metro) style.

Although the Ribbon has a flatter look than previous versions, the menus remain mostly the same. There are many enhancements throughout the various applications; for example, in Word, a PDF file can be opened and edited in the Word format, and a Simple Markup option lets authors read comments from collaborators. All the apps, including Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook have been revised.

Microsoft 365 - Subscription Version
Originally Office 365, Micrsoft 365 offers subscription versions of Office applications. See Microsoft 365.

The 2013 Ribbon

The Office 2013 Ribbon (top) has a flatter look than the previous Office, but the menus are similar.

Tablet Touch Mode

Office 2013 has a Touch Mode option that eliminates the Ribbon header, footer and scroll bars for touchscreen use on tablets.