Overview

Tabs are used when information needs to be set out in column format.

MSWord provides five types of alignment and four types of leaders.

Examples of tab alignment type:

Roll mouse over to see tab stops

Examples of tab leader types

Taking control of tabs

To set tabs:

• for one line
  • position the cursor in the line

   

• for more than one line
  • select the lines

   

• from the Format menu select Tabs

• click button to remove any existing tabs

• type a number to represent the position of the tab

• set the Alignment

• set the Leader (if required)

• click the button

• repeat for each tab required

• click
  

To delete a tab stop

• select the tab from the list

• click the

Setting the tabs using the horizontal rule is quick and easy. The only thing you cannot do when using the horizontal rule is to set tab leaders.

To set tabs using the horizontal rule:

• Position cursor in the line or select multiple lines

• Click on the on the left of the horizontal rule until it changes to the tab type you require
• click in the horizontal rule where you require the tab to be set

Moving a tab position

Click on the tab in the horizontal rule and drag it to the required position.

Removing a tab

Click on the tab in the horizontal rule and drag it down and off the rule.

When using tabs to align text in columns, the user should consider using a table. Tables offer more flexibility and stability, remembering that tables need not have borders showing.

But I need to have leaders

If you have set tabs using the horizontal ruler and decide to include a leader:

• select the line(s)

• from the Format menu select Tabs

• select the tab from the list

• select the type of leader required for that tab

• click the button

• repeat for each tab required

• click

Moving tabs

Roll mouse over and hold for Removing tabs

Exercises

Download the Microsoft Word file Tabs.doc and complete the exercise following the instructions in the document.