The main distinguishing feature of InDesign, and by extension most Adobe progams, is the ability to use layers. You can create multiple layers, and apply different elements of your document to different layers. This means that while you are working on one layer, you can hide the other layers, allowing for easier selection and editing. Layers are organized from top to bottom, with the top layers being shown above the ones lower down. InDesign also allows for more varied text editing, through the use of pathing. This is where you can draw a shape, and use the text on a path tool so that you are able to type on the outline of a shape. This also works on lines.
Microsoft Word is a basic text editing program, with the ability to easily access, type and edit text. There is not much variation in the amount of text editing available, with the extent of editing being text wrapping around images and removing backgrounds of images while in Word. The main selling point of Word over InDesign is the ease of use that comes with using Word. You can copy and paste a chunk of text and have it edited so it is legible all in the space of a few minutes.
So, while Adobe InDesign is a far better program for creating a finished, professional looking document, if you just need to edit some text on the fly, Microsoft Word is for you. Having access to so much text editing is very useful for any purpose and since these two programs are approximately the same price, it may pay to either invest in both, or investigate in depth into which programs suits your own needs more.
Liam Spronken
