How to Set Tabs in a Word Document

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Last Updated: November 13, 2024 Fact Checked

Setting tabs on your Microsoft Word document will let you align the text on a page. This will organize your text so it has a uniform look to it. You can set tabs to the right or left or even both sides of the document, and doing so is very easy and straightforward.

Steps

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On your desktop, double-click the Microsoft Word icon to launch the application.^{[1]
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By default, the ruler at the top of the document should already be visible. In the case that it is not, click the View option at the very top of the screen, and a window will drop-down. Click on “Ruler” to display it at the top of the document.^{[2]
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At the top-left corner of the document, you can see the tab selector. It should be exactly on the left side of the ruler. Click it and you will be able to select the type of tab you want.^{[3]
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Technical support and product information from Microsoft.

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Now click anywhere at the bottom edge of the ruler to set where you want the tab.^{[4]
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If you need some more adjusting to your tab, simply drag the tab you set left or right along the ruler.^{[5]
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Community Q&A

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Question

How do I change tabs?

Community Answer

To move left, press Ctrl + Tab; to move right, press Ctrl + Shift + Tab. Or you can just click on the tab you want.

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Question

Can I set tabs when I have already made a Word document?

Community Answer

Yes you can. Your Word document just needs to be aligned in paragraph format, then you are able to drag the tabs where you would like them.

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Question

How do I delete a tab in a Word document?

Community Answer

Click the tab stop on the ruler and drag down. Also, you can double-click the tab stop, select the position of the tab stop you want to delete, click clear, and click OK.

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