Moving Text Using the Mouse

Word incorporates many different tools you can use to edit your document. Perhaps one of the least used, but most unique methods of editing your document uses the mouse entirely. You can use your mouse to move text, the same way you would move another element, such as a graphic. To move text with your mouse, you need to first ensure that the feature is enabled. To do this, follow these steps if you are using Word 2007:

1. Click the Office button and then click Word Options. Word displays the Word Options dialog box.
2. At the left side of the dialog box click Advanced.
3. Make sure the check box beside the Allow Text to Be Dragged and Dropped option is selected. (The option is in the Editing section.)
4. Click OK to close the dialog box.

If you are using an older version of Word, follow these steps:

1. Choose Options from the Tools menu. Word displays the Options dialog box.
2. Click on the Edit tab. (Click here to see a related figure.)
3. Make sure the check box beside the Drag and Drop Text Editing option is selected.
4. Click on OK to close the Options dialog box.

Once enabled, you can use the mouse to move text by following these steps:

1. Select the text you want to move.
2. Click on the text with the mouse and drag it to where you want it moved.
3. Release the mouse button.

If you want to simply copy your text (instead of actually moving it) you can hold down the Ctrl key while using the mouse to drag the selection.