How to Use the Ruler in Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word is packed with useful features that make working on documents easier. One such useful feature is the Ruler tool. You can use the ruler to create properly formatted documents by setting tabs and margins and creating indents.
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Open Microsoft Word. If the ruler is not visible, clickViewon the toolbar, then tick the box next toRuler, and the ruler will appear. To change the units of measurement, click onFile > Options > Advanced. Under theDisplaysection, select the units and clickOK.
1. How to Change and Set Document Margins in Word
You can customize paper margins under Page Setup in Word. Or set margins using the gray areas at the ends of the rulers—these are the paper margins.
2. How to Set Tab Stops Using the Ruler in Word
You’ll notice a small L-shaped icon at the left end of the horizontal ruler. This is theLeft Tab. Clicking on it will let you choose the type of tabs—left, center, right, decimal, or bar tab.
To set any type of tab stop, click at the bottom of the horizontal ruler.
To remove a tab stop, just drag it down from the ruler with your cursor.
3. How to Set Indents Using the Ruler in Word
You can set indents with the ruler to format paragraphs. Here’s how:
Remember, if you hover over any of the indents with the cursor, the name of the indent will appear on the screen.
Using the Ruler in Microsoft Word Effectively
You can use the ruler effectively for several things, such as:
Maximize Your Efficiency With the Microsoft Word Ruler
Once you start using the ruler, you’ll realize how useful it is for Word files. You’ll be able to ensure the right measurements and formatting, and it’ll save you time as well.
If you’re writing documents or articles with defined word limits, you could check out how to do an exact word count for your Word documents.
Want to know the exact word count of your Microsoft Word document? Learn how to do it in just a few clicks!
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