Enable a ruler and formatting marks in Microsoft Word


When collaborating with others, or having to format a document in Microsoft Word. We like to leave two functions permanently enabled. The ruler which is an obvious visual aid that will help with positioning various objects on a page. And formatting marks, which while a little controversial in that they can make a document look cluttered and difficult to read. Are very handy when trying to troubleshoot the formatting in a document.

Note: When the ruler and formatting marks are enabled in MS Word. These functions will remain on, even if you open a new document or close and reopen Word.

  • Open MS Word.
  • Using the mouse pointer, click on the View tab in the menu bar.
  • In the Ribbon tick the Ruler check box.

Note: By default the Ruler will use the units of measurements as defined by Windows.

  • Using the mouse pointer, click on the File tab in the menu bar.
  • Now select More from the sidebar, and in the quick menu choose Options.
  • When the Word Options window opens use the side bar to click on Advanced.
  • Scroll down to the heading Display.
  • Change the setting Show measurement in unit of, to which measurement you prefer to use.
  • Open MS Word.
  • Using the mouse pointer, click on the Home tab in the menu bar.
  • In the Ribbon tick the Show/Hide button [it looks like a backwards P].

Notes: The Show/Hide button will display the following symbols; Tab characters, Spaces, Paragraph marks, Hidden text, Optional hyphens, and Object anchors.

Note: Manually controlling which formatting marks are permanently displayed will be enabled for all documents opened in Word. The Show/Hide button will also be disabled.

  • Using the mouse pointer, click on the File tab in the menu bar.
  • Now select More from the sidebar, and in the quick menu choose Options.
  • When the Word Options window opens use the side bar to click on Advanced.
  • Scroll down to the heading Display.
  • Under Always show these formatting marks on the screen, tick or until the options your want to use.
  • Mydoodads article – Customise the Microsoft Word window.
  • Mydoodads article – How to disable the Start screen in MS Word.
  • Mydoodads article – Use Text to Speech in Microsoft Word.

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