Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 27, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016
You probably already know how to insert tab stops in a paragraph. Word allows you to control what characters are inserted in the otherwise blank area created by the tab. These characters are called leaders, and are controlled with the Tabs command from the Format dialog box. Leaders are often used with right-aligned tabs or decimal tabs, particularly when the text column is quite wide and the tab will cover a wide area. To use leaders with tab stops, follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Tabs dialog box.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6709) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Using Leaders with Tab Stops.
Do More in Less Time! Are you ready to harness the full power of Word 2013 to create professional documents? In this comprehensive guide you'll learn the skills and techniques for efficiently building the documents you need for your professional and your personal life. Check out Word 2013 In Depth today!
If you have a constant need to define tabs at the edge of the right margin, you'll love the macro-based technique ...
Discover MoreSetting tabs in a paragraph is a common task. This is most easily done by using the Tabs dialog box. Displaying the ...
Discover MoreWant to use tab stops to align text according to the position of a certain character? It's easy to do if that character ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2017-03-08 11:47:06
JC
How can you set up the decimal tab to always have leader dots? How can I make leader dots the default on a decimal tab? I'd like to be able to click on the decimal icon in that little box on the left of the screen and when I click it on the ruler it automatically includes the leader dots when I use it. It would save so much more time than going to the paragraph box all the time. We use tabs with leader dots a lot, so I'd like to know a way to do this.
Thanks!
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2023 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments