MODULE EIGHT

USING TABS

The tab (or 'tabulation') function enables the alignment of text in columns, or the indenting of paragraphs
and numbered items. However, these functions can now be carried much more efficiently by using the
indent, or bullets and numbering facilities, or by creating tables (see relevant sections if necessary).
Nevertheless, it is still useful to understand the tab function in case you need to modify documents that
contain existing tab stops, and you may wish to use the tab facilities yourself, eg for decimal tabs.

By default, Word has tab stops at every half inch (1.27 cm). You can modify the location of tab stops,
and control the way text aligns at a tab stop. You can insert your own tab stops before you start typing,
or on existing text.

Setting Tabs for Columns of Text

The quickest way of setting tabs is by using the Ruler Bar. The four most common types of tab are
displayed in the picture below, and an explanation of each one is provided directly below the related
symbol.

Figure 8.1 Using Tabs

Click to select required tab style

Figure 8.2 Changing the tab style

HANDS-ON
1. To set tabs using the Ruler Bar before you type in the text, click the button in the top left hand
corner of the Ruler Bar (see picture above), until the required style is displayed

2. Then click in the lower half of the Ruler Bar at the position where you wish your first tab stop to
appear

Note A tab stop will be inserted at that position

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for further tab stops until you have inserted them all

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 4. Then (if necessary) press the Tab key (above the Caps Lock key on your keyboard) to jump to
the first tab stop, and type the first line of the text in the first column, then press the Tab key
again

Note The cursor will jump across to the second tab stop

5. Repeat the process until you have inserted all your

text at the desired tab positions

OR
1. Place the insertion point on the line where the tab
will be set.
2. Open the Format menu, then select Tabs.Tabs
dialog box will be displayed. (see Figure 8.3)
3. In the Tab stop position box, type the column where
the tab will be set.
4. Identify the Alignment by clicking the desired
alignment.
5. Click Set button to insert the tab position.

Moving Existing Tab Positions

To move existing tab stops, highlight the relevant text, then
click and drag the tab stop symbol left or right to adjust the
tab position.

Note The tab stop and the text will be moved to its new position.

Deleting Existing Tab Stops

To remove existing tab stops, highlight the related text, then click and drag the relevant tab symbol
downwards off the Ruler Bar.

HANDS-ON
Figure 8.3 Tab dialog box
1. Place the insertion point on the line where tabs exist.
2. Open the Format menu, then select Tabs option. Tabs dialog box will be displayed. (see figure
8.3)
3. Select the Tab position to be deleted.
4. Press Clear to remove the tab stop.

Note The tab stop will be removed from the Ruler Bar and the related text will jump to the tab stop on
its right

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