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Setting Fraction Bar Overhang Spacing in the Equation Editor
Printing On Both Sides of the Paper
Turning Off AutoComplete for Dates
Understanding Auto Line Spacing
Adding Comments to Your Document
Conditional Calculations in Word
A point is a typographical term for a unit of measure. It is roughly equivalent to 1/72 of an inch. Points are understood and used extensively by everyone in the publishing trade, particularly in design, typesetting, and printing. They are most commonly used with type specifications. Word uses point sizes to specify the height of all the fonts it uses. Thus, when you use a 12-point type, you are using one that occupies a character box approximately 12/72 (or 1/6) of an inch high. Likewise, 72-point type uses a character box that is about one inch tall.
In typesetting, points are also the measurement of choice when specifying line leading (as discussed in the next tip). It is not uncommon to specify type in the format 10/12, meaning 10-point type on 12-point line leading.
If you are familiar with points, you can use them as a standard measurement in Word. When entering a measurement in points, simply use the characters pt at the end of the measurement. Alternately, you can set your default measurement to points by choosing Options from the Tools menu, then clicking on the General tab and changing the Measurement Units selection to Points.
Tip #161 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 2000 2002 2003
Create Rock-Solid Lists! Bulleted and numbered lists can help make your writing clearer and easier to follow. If not done properly, however, they can be a nightmare to work with. Discover the ins and outs of Word's lists with this great reference available in two versions.