Objective: Learn basic information about AdWords Editor, including key features, how to install it, and how to start using it.

AdWords Editor is a free, downloadable desktop application for managing your AdWords campaigns. If you have a large number of campaigns or keywords, or if you manage multiple accounts, AdWords Editor can save you time and help streamline your workflow.

The application offers a wide array of features, but the basic process is simple: download your account, make your changes, then upload your revised campaigns when the changes are finalized. You'll learn more details about these steps in subsequent lessons.

With AdWords Editor, you can:

• Work offline on your Mac or PC.
• Upload changes to AdWords any time.
• Store and navigate one or more accounts.
• Add, edit, and delete campaigns, ad groups, ads, keywords, and placements.
• Make large-scale changes quickly.
• Perform advanced searches and edits.
• Add comments for your changes.
• Sort and view performance statistics.
• Copy or move items between campaigns, ad groups, and accounts.
• Export a snapshot of your account for archiving or sharing.
• Import an archive or share file and review the proposed changes.

To download and install AdWords Editor, visit the AdWords Editor website. Select Windows or Mac, then click Download AdWords Editor. You'll need Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X (10.4 or later).

The first time you run AdWords Editor, you'll be prompted automatically to download your account. To download additional accounts, go to the File menu > Open Account.

You may only edit one account at a time. To switch accounts, go to the File menu > Open Account, select the account you want to view, and click Open Selected Account.

You can navigate through your account in AdWords Editor via the tree view on the left side of the interface and the tabs on the right side. Your selections in the tree view and the tabs determine what information you can view and edit.

Tree view: The tree view is a hierarchical view of your account on the left side of your screen. Click the plus and minus signs to expand and collapse the tree view and see the campaigns and ad groups in your account.

Tabs: Once you've selected an account, campaign, or ad group in the tree view, you can use the tabs to select the kind of data you want to view or edit. Each tab shows a part of your account, such as keywords, ad groups, or campaigns. For example, to view the ad groups in Campaign #1, select Campaign #1 in the tree view and click the Ad Groups tab.

Tab tool bars: Each tab has a tool bar with buttons for functions within the tab. For example, the Keywords tab has buttons for adding and deleting keywords, making multiple changes, and reverting changes. The adding and editing options are also available from the Data menu.

Data view and edit panel: The data view displays the details of the selected tab. When you select an item in the data view, you can edit it directly in the row or in the edit panel below the data view.