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: Understanding Nonprinting Characters.
There are many characters that Word keeps track of, but that don't normally show up on the screen or on a printed copy of your document. You use many of these characters every day, but probably don't think of them as characters (as such). The list of nonprinting characters that Word uses includes the following:
Each of these can be individually displayed in Word by using Options from the Tools menu, and then clicking on the View tab. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The View tab of the Options dialog box.
There are many times when you are working in Word when it is beneficial to make sure that nonprinting characters are displayed. For instance, if you cannot seem to get something aligned properly or formatted just right, nonprinting characters may be the culprits. Display them and then check your formatting.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1227) 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 Nonprinting Characters.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 2013 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access) with VBA programming, using it for writing macros, automating Office applications, and creating custom applications. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2013 today!
Editing text to turn regular words into hyphenated phrases can be a real bother. The chore can become a breeze if you ...
Discover MoreOne of the more common symbols that people need to use in their writing is the degree symbol, typically used after a ...
Discover MoreSome text references need to be consistent in many places throughout a document. Learn different ways you can ensure that ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
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.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2021 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