Microsoft Word: Set tab stops manually - how it works

To make price lists or invoices attractive in Word, it is not enough to set automatic tab stops. In this practical tip, you will learn how to set tab stops individually.

Microsoft Word: Manually set tab stops

The automatic tab spacing is 1.25 cm and is sometimes impractical when formatting.

1. Find the ruler above the document. If the ruler is not visible, you can activate it under the menu item "View"> "Ruler"
2. There is a small rectangle to the left of the ruler. There you can choose the type of tab stop. There are a total of 5 options for aligning the text content: Left, Right, Centered, Decimal and Vertical Line.
3. Now select the desired element and place it on the desired position on the ruler. If you now press the [Tab] key in the line, your cursor jumps to the specified stop and no longer only 1.25 cm forward.

Microsoft Word: Manually adjust tab stops

• Word offers you the option of connecting multiple text contents in one line with small dots or dashes to make a document clearer.
• To do this, open an additional window under "Start" in the "Paragraph" area by clicking on the symbol with the arrow at the bottom right. Now click on "Tab stops" in the lower left corner. In the window that appears, you can adjust your settings again.
• All stops on the page are entered in the list box at the top right. Here you can see exactly where you set the tabs. Of course you can change the position again in this window.
• Below you will find an option button with the various tab stop variations. If you do not like the previously selected type, just click on another one.
• At the bottom you can still set the fill characters. Choose between lines, dots or a solid line.
• If you are satisfied with all settings, you only need to click on "Set".
• Extra tip: You can also move tab stops to a different position in the ruler.

Where's the tab key? If after a painful search you are still not on the right track, this practical tip will surely help you.