Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Precise Ruler Adjustments.
You already know that you can precisely adjust items by using the various dialog boxes that Word makes available through the use of the menus. For instance, you can precisely adjust tab settings by using the Tabs dialog box, which is displayed by choosing Tabs from the Format menu.
There are times, however, when you may want to do some precise formatting using the mouse, instead of pulling up a dialog box. There is a way to get the precision you want if the formatting elements—including margins, indent markers, and tabs—are on the Ruler. All you need to do is hold down the Alt key as you use the mouse to drag different items around on the Ruler. When you do this, Word displays distances on the Ruler very precisely, allowing you to adjust positioning to a hundredth of an inch.
Another way to accomplish the same task is to hold down both mouse buttons (left and right) as you drag a margin, indent marker, or tab. When you release the buttons, the element is left at that position and the distance indicators disappear.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (10596) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Precise Ruler Adjustments.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Need to get the margins on your document exactly right? It can be a challenge to get the Word settings where you need ...
Discover MoreAs you type a document, Word automatically converts your quote marks and apostrophes to "curly" versions that look more ...
Discover MoreWord allows you to control which non-printing characters are displayed and which are not. If you want to never display a ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2024-10-18 18:08:01
A
Amazing, thanks for the tip!
2022-08-13 17:19:18
Kate
These are good tips but I'm not only a visual learner - I do graphic arts.
I'd be grateful if you revamped some of these posts & added a screenshot of the word.doc page - in this case, a screenshot of how the text box looks after it's all set & in place within the document (not an in-progress image).
Otherwise these little hints are great & I can use a few.
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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
Comments