Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 10, 2020)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
This tip is handy if you are putting together a contract or a form that requires signatures. With some word processors you must guess at positioning signature lines on the page. Word, on the other hand, allows you to precisely position signature lines so they look almost typeset. For example, consider the following type of signature line:
(Your Signature) Date
You can create this signature line by using nothing but tabs, some of them with an underscore leader character. The line for the signature and date (the one with the lines) required the setting of three tabs; two of them right-aligned with an underscore leader, the other simply a left-aligned tab stop with no leader. The information line underneath requires two center-aligned tags. In addition, you should use a smaller-than-normal type size for the information line.
The use of tabs for signature lines allows for much more precise positioning of the lines and the information underneath. Your alternative is to use underscores and spaces to position information, or possibly set up a special table. These alternatives are less simple and more prone to positioning errors.
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2016-08-29 14:35:09
One anomaly using the underscore leader is that there is a gap between the beginning and end of the underscore.
For example, if I'm at the left margin and set a tab at 3" with an underscore leader, the underscore starts about 1/16" from the left margin and ends about 2.875". I would like it to start at 0 and end at 3".
I know I could cheat and change the paragraph indentations to accommodate, but is there a way to turn this "feature" off?
2012-08-11 09:13:03
Jo Ann Schmits
Allen,
I must agree with Jeff.
On the third reading I think I can picture what you were seeing and creataing.
It would help to flush out the explanation with an example one can see and more on tabs with underscore leaders.
2012-08-11 07:45:12
Jeff Lazar
I love the daily tips -- love them. But, for some reason, this one is less than clear. Allen, can you try this one once again,please??
All best,
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