What is a tab in Word? Setting and removing tabs

Tab in the Word is the distance from the beginning of the line to the first character. This tool in the program helps to mark a paragraph or a new line. It is also included in standard presets. This means that there is no need to download and install it. In addition, it is always on by default.

In the article we will discuss how to make tabs in Word using its standard settings, and how to set the necessary parameters yourself.

How to set tabs

First of all, let’s talk about how tabs are set in Word 2007. There are two ways to use it: using the ruler or the tool of the same name in the program. The first option is simpler, and the second makes it possible to establish the exact position. Let us dwell in more detail on each of them.

Do a tab using the ruler

The line in the "Word" is a multifunctional tool. The list of its capabilities is quite large, but this article will only talk about how to use it to set the tab.

So, as we have already found out, the tab in the Word can be set using the ruler. In order to put it, you just need to click the left mouse button (LMB) on the horizontal ruler in the place where you want to install it. But that is not all. The fact is that there are several types of tabs. You can choose its option at the junction of two rulers (horizontal and vertical), that is, in the upper left corner of the work area. You can see the exact location in the image.

There are four types in total. You need to decide on the right one - and then you can proceed with their arrangement on the plane.

Tab Types

As already mentioned, the tab in the Word is presented in four variations. Now let's talk briefly about each of them.

Note: the type you select can be recognized by moving the mouse cursor over the indicator - after a few seconds the name will appear.

1. On the left edge. This type of tabulation implies that the text will be entered from the beginning of the established designation and shifted to the right as typing.
2. In the center. While entering text, it will be centered relative to the established designation.
3. On the right side. Entered text will be shifted to the left side, relative to the setting. This will continue until the text fills the space before the indicator, after which the input will proceed as usual.
4. With a dash. This view does not affect the alignment of the text. When used, sets the vertical line on the sheet.

Since we dealt with the tab in the Word, or rather, with its designation and types, we can safely proceed to the second method of using this tool.

Do a tab using the same tool

Using the ruler, you can quickly set the desired type of indentation throughout the document. However, with regard to accuracy, it loses a little to the Tab tool. Users often wonder where the “Tab” is in Word. There are two ways to get to it.

The first method involves using a ruler. You just need to set one of the types of tabs and double-click on it.

The second method takes longer. First you need to go into the paragraph settings. To do this, click on the icon in the lower right corner of the "Paragraph" tool group on the main page of the program, and in the window that appears, click the "Tab" button.

So, before you open the desired window. As you can see, it has four sections. Now we will go through each of them.

1. In the "Tab Position" section, you can independently specify the exact installation position of the indicator, which would be extremely difficult on the ruler.
2. In the "By default" section, you can set a standard indent, which will be set by default.
3. In the Alignment section, you select one of the above tab types.
4. In the "Placeholder" section, you can accordingly select a placeholder that will disappear as you type.

After you specify all the parameters, you need to click the "Install" button. By the way, after that you can continue to set other parameters by setting them. Then you will need to click the "OK" button for the changes to take effect.

Delete tabs

It often happens that over time the tab in the Word occupies almost the entire line, which, of course, is extremely inconvenient. Therefore, in the end it is worth telling how to remove all installed characters. It is immediately worth noting that only characters will be deleted, tabs already made in the text will not be deleted - they will have to be deleted manually.

So, to delete you will need to enter the tab tool. This can be done using one of the above methods.

In the window that appears, you need to select the unnecessary value in the window and click the "Delete" button. Or click "Delete All" if you want to get rid of all previously entered values. At the end, click "OK" for the changes to take effect.

Now you know what a tab is and how to set the right position for it. Skillful use of this tool will facilitate your work in the "Word".