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: Formatting In Your Outline.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 13, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Normally, Word tries to display on the screen what you would see when you print your document. Working in Outline view is no exception; Word displays formatted headings as you have them defined. There are many times that "pretty" formatting can detract from the work you want to do when in Outline view. For this reason, Word allows you to "turn off" formatting while in Outline view.
The Show Formatting tool on the Outline toolbar controls the presence or absence of formatting. Use the tool or the check box to control how formatting is displayed in the outline.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1402) 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: Formatting In Your Outline.
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!
When working on an outline of your document, you may want to demote a heading so that it is treated just like your body ...
Discover MoreWhen working in Outline view, you can control how Word displays the body text under each heading. You can specify that ...
Discover MoreRemember when you needed to create outlines for your writing when you were in school? Word includes outlining ...
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.
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