Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 4, 2016)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
The gutter margin is a typographical term used to designate an additional margin added to a page layout to compensate for the part of the paper made unusable by the binding process. In a facing pages layout (Word refers to this type of layout as "mirror margins"), the gutter margin is on the very inside of both pages. It is uncommon to use a gutter margin in a single-sheet layout, although Word allows you to do that. In single-sheet layouts, the gutter margin is typically the area where you might three-hole punch your paper.
To set the gutter margin in Word, you follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Page Setup 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 (172) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Understanding the Gutter Margin.
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2018-07-14 12:03:59
Paul
Under PAGES, where is has MULTIPLE PAGES options, change from NORMAL to MIRROR MARGINS.
2018-06-08 18:36:22
Umm... you don't say anything about how to specify "mirror margins". So, helpful article... but only half-helpful, really... :(
2016-08-16 16:10:55
Elise Warner
Trying to make all by bottom margins equal but their is a one line difference, though I clicked default.
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