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 Paragraph Alignment.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 24, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
One of the fundamental typographic specifications for laying out paragraphs is determining how they will appear in relation to the left and right margins. Word refers to this specification as alignment. There are four types of paragraph alignment you can set within Word:
You can change the alignment of any paragraph by using the appropriate tools on the Formatting toolbar or by displaying the Paragraph dialog box.
There is, in addition, an undocumented paragraph alignment supported in Word: distributed-text justification. This is intended for single-line paragraphs, particularly those that use large font sizes. (For instance, you might be creating labels, signs, or placards.) This type of alignment is the same as justified alignment, except that it affects all the lines in the paragraph. The only way to apply this alignment is through the use of a shortcut key: Ctrl+Shift+J.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1478) 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 Paragraph Alignment.
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2018-08-03 02:45:56
Ron MVP
surya kant:
Yes you can say it, but the article already does that. It would help if you identified the 5 you know of so "we" can see if we agree or not.
#5 is ...
<snip>
There is, in addition, an undocumented paragraph alignment supported in Word: distributed-text justification.
</snip>
2018-08-02 06:29:14
surya kant
can i say there are five types of alignments.
2017-08-31 12:31:36
Bob
It would be more helpful by showing examples
2016-10-10 04:27:55
tshiamiso kiddy
i want the last line to be equal to the first line for example RE;___________ ______________
(To be in the same margin)
2016-03-07 11:43:55
A Gilmore
No matter what I've tried, the right margin will not justifi.
Please help.
Thank you
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2015-08-21 07:45:31
Elaine Dodge
You say this: Justified. All lines in a paragraph are expanded so they butt up against both the left and right text margins. Space is added, between words and characters, as necessary to fill out the line. In some typesetting references justified text is also referred to as "full justified." This alignment affects all lines in the paragraph except for the last one, which is left-aligned.
But! My last line isn't left-aligned and neither is the two word line - my kind regards line and I have tried everything. Sometimes it does it and sometimes it doesn't! How do I do it manually?
2015-08-13 10:46:24
Neha
The words should be more simpler
2015-05-16 02:16:58
bala
i converted a pdf file into word in online...so am nt able to add any information in word now...if i do ..then full alignment changing...how should i manage now ? pls help me.
2015-05-13 08:39:09
ron
Sorry, my first reply was for Word 2007 or later. In Word 2003, with the cursor in the paragraph go into Format menu > Paragraph command > Indents & Spacing tab > select "Alignment: Justified" from the drop down box.
2015-05-13 08:36:41
ron
What is the problem?
You have 2 options, to create justified text.
You can use the "Justify" button on the Home tab > Paragraph group (with shortcut <CTL><J>)
or you can use the distributed justification only by using the shortcut <CTL><SHF><J>.
However, the default Word justification sucks! If you want "real" justification in 2003 you have to into Tools > OPtions > Compatibilty tab > turn on the "Do Full Justification like WP 6.x for Windows".
2015-04-27 13:38:52
gauri
How do I justify text on microsoft word? This article has not helped me at all. Please, I really need to justify text to make my work presentable.
2015-03-20 11:50:38
rhythm sharma
Not so helpful.
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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:
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