> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.doconda.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Word styles vs direct formatting

> A Word style is a named set of formatting (Normal, Heading 1…); direct formatting is applied to a specific piece of text.

In Word, a **style** is a named set of formatting (font, size, color, spacing, numbering) applied to paragraphs,
characters, tables or lists: `Normal`, `Heading 1`, `Heading 2`… **Direct formatting** is applied to a specific piece
of text (select it and make it bold or change its font) and overrides the style. Changing a style changes every text
that uses it; direct formatting has to be changed one place at a time.

## Why it matters when generating documents with AI

* A document built with styles stays editable: whatever is added later inherits the same design.
* Word's automatic table of contents and navigation pane are built from heading styles.
* If every paragraph carries its own direct formatting, changing the document's font means touching every paragraph.
* Screen readers and tagged PDF export use heading styles to understand the structure.

## With Doconda

You ask for the style in words ("Lora 11, dark blue headings, with a table of contents") and Doconda applies it to the
Word styles, not paragraph by paragraph ([Style](/en/guides/style)). Anything it can't do isn't silently ignored: it
comes back in `style_unsupported`, and `style_applied` shows how the request was understood.

## Related

* [What is DOCX](/en/glossary/docx)
* [Template-based vs template-free generation](/en/glossary/template-based-generation)
* [What is Markdown](/en/glossary/markdown)


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