Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Changing Tabs Using the Ruler.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 30, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Once tabs are set, they appear on the ruler, right under the measurement markings. You can quickly adjust tab stops by using your mouse to drag the markings to a new location on the ruler. Simply point to a tab stop marking with the mouse, click on the left mouse button, and drag the tab stop to a different location. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the new tab location. If you want to delete a tab, don't drag it to a new location—drag it entirely off the ruler instead.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (245) 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: Changing Tabs Using the Ruler.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Tab stops allow you to modify the horizontal position at which text is positioned on a line. If you want to get rid of ...
Discover MoreIf you try to set tabs by clicking on the Ruler, you may not be able to set them exactly where you want. This is normally ...
Discover MoreTabs don't normally show up in your printed document, but Word allows you to still search for them. All you need to do is ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2016-04-01 19:30:17
Sally Breen
I only subscribed 10 minutes ago and you have already solved one of my problems with templates. I look forward to learning more from you.
Thank you.
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon 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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments