{"appState":{"pageLoadApiCallsStatus":true},"articleState":{"article":{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T07:22:58+00:00","modifiedTime":"2016-03-26T07:22:58+00:00","timestamp":"2022-09-14T17:49:12+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Technology","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33512"},"slug":"technology","categoryId":33512},{"name":"Software","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33618"},"slug":"software","categoryId":33618},{"name":"Microsoft Products","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33642"},"slug":"microsoft-products","categoryId":33642},{"name":"Word","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33651"},"slug":"word","categoryId":33651}],"title":"How to Use the Ruler to Set Tabs in Word 2016","strippedTitle":"how to use the ruler to set tabs in word 2016","slug":"how-to-use-the-ruler-to-set-tabs-in-word-2016","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"The visual and quick way to set a tab stop in Word 2016 is to use the ruler. Assuming that the ruler is visible, the process involves two steps: Click the Tab g","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<p>The visual and quick way to set a tab stop in Word 2016 is to use the ruler. Assuming that the ruler is visible, the process involves two steps:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Click the Tab gizmo until the desired tab stop type appears.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Tab gizmo also shows paragraph indent controls.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Click the ruler at the exact spot where you want the tab stop set.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, click the number 2 to set a tab stop at the 2-inch mark, which is 2 inches in from the page's left margin.</p>\n </li>\n</ol>\n<p>The tab stop icon appears on the ruler, marking the tab stop position. You can further adjust the tab by dragging left or right with the mouse. If a tab character already sits in the current paragraph, its format updates as you drag the top stop hither and thither.</p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">Tab stops are a paragraph-level format. The tab stop you set applies to the current paragraph or any selected paragraphs.</p>","description":"<p>The visual and quick way to set a tab stop in Word 2016 is to use the ruler. Assuming that the ruler is visible, the process involves two steps:</p>\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Click the Tab gizmo until the desired tab stop type appears.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">The Tab gizmo also shows paragraph indent controls.</p>\n </li>\n <li><p class=\"first-para\">Click the ruler at the exact spot where you want the tab stop set.</p>\n<p class=\"child-para\">For example, click the number 2 to set a tab stop at the 2-inch mark, which is 2 inches in from the page's left margin.</p>\n </li>\n</ol>\n<p>The tab stop icon appears on the ruler, marking the tab stop position. You can further adjust the tab by dragging left or right with the mouse. If a tab character already sits in the current paragraph, its format updates as you drag the top stop hither and thither.</p>\n<p class=\"Remember\">Tab stops are a paragraph-level format. The tab stop you set applies to the current paragraph or any selected paragraphs.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33651,"title":"Word","slug":"word","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33651"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":[{"articleId":175788,"title":"Trig Identities for Pre-Calculus","slug":"trig-identities-for-pre-calculus","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","math","pre-calculus"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/175788"}},{"articleId":147241,"title":"How to Use the Z-Table","slug":"how-to-use-the-z-table","categoryList":["academics-the-arts","math","statistics"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/147241"}},{"articleId":192609,"title":"How to Pray the Rosary: A Comprehensive Guide","slug":"how-to-pray-the-rosary","categoryList":["body-mind-spirit","religion-spirituality","christianity","catholicism"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/192609"}},{"articleId":232914,"title":"The Flop, Turn, and River Cards in Texas Hold'em","slug":"flop-turn-river-cards-texas-holdem","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","games","card-games","poker"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/232914"}},{"articleId":193770,"title":"How to Play Rummy: All You Need to Know","slug":"rummy-understanding-the-rules-and-starting-a-game","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","games","card-games","general-card-games"],"_links":{"self":"/articles/193770"}}],"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":207468,"title":"Word 2016 For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"word-2016-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207468"}},{"articleId":141573,"title":"Understanding the Word 2016 Ribbon","slug":"understanding-the-word-2016-ribbon","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141573"}},{"articleId":141572,"title":"Word 2016 Keyboard Command Roundup","slug":"word-2016-keyboard-command-roundup","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141572"}},{"articleId":141571,"title":"Create Labels with Graphics in Word 2016","slug":"create-labels-with-graphics-in-word-2016","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141571"}},{"articleId":141570,"title":"Word 2016 on a Touchscreen","slug":"word-2016-on-a-touchscreen","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/141570"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":259145,"title":"How to Add Graphics to Word 2019 Documents","slug":"how-to-add-graphics-to-word-2019-documents","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/259145"}},{"articleId":259142,"title":"How to Add Date and Time Information to Word 2019 Documents","slug":"how-to-add-date-and-time-information-to-word-2019-documents","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/259142"}},{"articleId":259134,"title":"Use Fields in Word 2019 to Add Dynamic Elements","slug":"use-fields-in-word-2019-to-add-dynamic-elements","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/259134"}},{"articleId":259131,"title":"How to Use Word 2019's Master Document Feature","slug":"how-to-use-word-2019s-master-document-feature","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/259131"}},{"articleId":259128,"title":"How Writers Can Use Word 2019's Outline View","slug":"how-writers-can-use-word-2019s-outline-view","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/259128"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":281901,"slug":"word-2016-for-dummies","isbn":"9781119076896","categoryList":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119076897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/1119076897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/1119076897-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1119076897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/1119076897/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/word-2016-for-dummies-cover-9781119076896-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"Word 2016 For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"<p><b data-author-id=\"9003\">Dan Gookin </b>wrote the first-ever For Dummies book, <i>DOS For Dummies</i>. The author of several bestsellers, including all previous editions of <i>Word For Dummies</i>, Dan has written books that have been translated into 32 languages with more than 11 million copies in print. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9003,"name":"Dan Gookin","slug":"dan-gookin","description":" <p><b>Dan Gookin</b> wrote the very first <i>For Dummies</i> book in 1991. With more than 11 million copies in print, his books have been translated into 32 languages. <i>PCs For Dummies,</i> now in its 12th edition, is the bestselling beginning PC book in the world. Dan offers tips, games, and fun at www.wambooli.com. ","hasArticle":false,"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9003"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781119076896"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221418dbcb1\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{"key":"cat","values":["technology","software","microsoft-products","word"]},{"key":"isbn","values":["9781119076896"]}]\" id=\"du-slot-63221418dc209\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"sponsorAd":"","sponsorEbookTitle":"","sponsorEbookLink":"","sponsorEbookImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Advance","lifeExpectancy":null,"lifeExpectancySetFrom":null,"dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":140386},"articleLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{},"objectTitle":"","status":"initial","pageType":null,"objectId":null,"page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"initial","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2024-10-21T10:50:01+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? \"https://sb\" : \"http://b\") + \".scorecardresearch.com/beacon.js\";el.parentNode.insertBefore(s, el);})();</script><noscript><img src=\"https://sb.scorecardresearch.com/p?c1=2&c2=15097263&cv=2.0&cj=1\" /></noscript>\r\n","enabled":true},{"pages":["all"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n<script type='text/javascript'>\r\n(function(){var g=function(e,h,f,g){\r\nthis.get=function(a){for(var a=a+\"=\",c=document.cookie.split(\";\"),b=0,e=c.length;b<e;b++){for(var d=c[b];\" \"==d.charAt(0);)d=d.substring(1,d.length);if(0==d.indexOf(a))return d.substring(a.length,d.length)}return null};\r\nthis.set=function(a,c){var b=\"\",b=new Date;b.setTime(b.getTime()+6048E5);b=\"; expires=\"+b.toGMTString();document.cookie=a+\"=\"+c+b+\"; path=/; \"};\r\nthis.check=function(){var a=this.get(f);if(a)a=a.split(\":\");else if(100!=e)\"v\"==h&&(e=Math.random()>=e/100?0:100),a=[h,e,0],this.set(f,a.join(\":\"));else return!0;var c=a[1];if(100==c)return!0;switch(a[0]){case \"v\":return!1;case \"r\":return c=a[2]%Math.floor(100/c),a[2]++,this.set(f,a.join(\":\")),!c}return!0};\r\nthis.go=function(){if(this.check()){var a=document.createElement(\"script\");a.type=\"text/javascript\";a.src=g;document.body&&document.body.appendChild(a)}};\r\nthis.start=function(){var t=this;\"complete\"!==document.readyState?window.addEventListener?window.addEventListener(\"load\",function(){t.go()},!1):window.attachEvent&&window.attachEvent(\"onload\",function(){t.go()}):t.go()};};\r\ntry{(new g(100,\"r\",\"QSI_S_ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\",\"https://zn5o5yqpvmvjgdoun-wiley.siteintercept.qualtrics.com/SIE/?Q_ZID=ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN\")).start()}catch(i){}})();\r\n</script><div id='ZN_5o5yqpvMVjgDOuN'></div>\r\n","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"\r\n<script>\r\n (function(h,o,t,j,a,r){\r\n h.hj=h.hj||function(){(h.hj.q=h.hj.q||[]).push(arguments)};\r\n h._hjSettings={hjid:257151,hjsv:6};\r\n a=o.getElementsByTagName('head')[0];\r\n r=o.createElement('script');r.async=1;\r\n r.src=t+h._hjSettings.hjid+j+h._hjSettings.hjsv;\r\n a.appendChild(r);\r\n })(window,document,'https://static.hotjar.com/c/hotjar-','.js?sv=');\r\n</script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["article"],"location":"header","script":" <script src=\"//get.s-onetag.com/bffe21a1-6bb8-4928-9449-7beadb468dae/tag.min.js\" async defer></script>","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage"],"location":"header","script":"<meta name=\"facebook-domain-verification\" content=\"irk8y0irxf718trg3uwwuexg6xpva0\" />","enabled":true},{"pages":["homepage","article","category","search"],"location":"footer","script":"\r\n<noscript>\r\n<img height=\"1\" width=\"1\" src=\"https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=256338321977984&ev=PageView&noscript=1\"/>\r\n</noscript>\r\n","enabled":true}]}},"pageScriptsLoadedStatus":"success"},"navigationState":{"navigationCollections":[{"collectionId":287568,"title":"BYOB (Be Your Own Boss)","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-entry-level-entrepreneur-287568"},{"collectionId":293237,"title":"Be a Rad Dad","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/be-the-best-dad-293237"},{"collectionId":295890,"title":"Career Shifting","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/career-shifting-295890"},{"collectionId":294090,"title":"Contemplating the Cosmos","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/theres-something-about-space-294090"},{"collectionId":287563,"title":"For Those Seeking Peace of Mind","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-those-seeking-peace-of-mind-287563"},{"collectionId":287570,"title":"For the Aspiring Aficionado","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-bougielicious-287570"},{"collectionId":291903,"title":"For the Budding Cannabis Enthusiast","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-budding-cannabis-enthusiast-291903"},{"collectionId":299891,"title":"For the College Bound","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-college-bound-299891"},{"collectionId":291934,"title":"For the Exam-Season Crammer","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/for-the-exam-season-crammer-291934"},{"collectionId":301547,"title":"For the Game Day Prepper","hasSubCategories":false,"url":"/collection/big-game-day-prep-made-easy-301547"}],"navigationCollectionsLoadedStatus":"success","navigationCategories":{"books":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/books/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/books/level-0-category-0"}},"articles":{"0":{"data":[{"categoryId":33512,"title":"Technology","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/technology-33512"},{"categoryId":33662,"title":"Academics & The Arts","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/academics-the-arts-33662"},{"categoryId":33809,"title":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/home-auto-hobbies-33809"},{"categoryId":34038,"title":"Body, Mind, & Spirit","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/body-mind-spirit-34038"},{"categoryId":34224,"title":"Business, Careers, & Money","hasSubCategories":true,"url":"/category/articles/business-careers-money-34224"}],"breadcrumbs":[],"categoryTitle":"Level 0 Category","mainCategoryUrl":"/category/articles/level-0-category-0"}}},"navigationCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"searchState":{"searchList":[],"searchStatus":"initial","relatedArticlesList":[],"relatedArticlesStatus":"initial"},"routeState":{"name":"Article4","path":"/article/technology/software/microsoft-products/word/how-to-use-the-ruler-to-set-tabs-in-word-2016-140386/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{"category1":"technology","category2":"software","category3":"microsoft-products","category4":"word","article":"how-to-use-the-ruler-to-set-tabs-in-word-2016-140386"},"fullPath":"/article/technology/software/microsoft-products/word/how-to-use-the-ruler-to-set-tabs-in-word-2016-140386/","meta":{"routeType":"article","breadcrumbInfo":{"suffix":"Articles","baseRoute":"/category/articles"},"prerenderWithAsyncData":true},"from":{"name":null,"path":"/","hash":"","query":{},"params":{},"fullPath":"/","meta":{}}},"dropsState":{"submitEmailResponse":false,"status":"initial"},"profileState":{"auth":{},"userOptions":{},"status":"success"}}

How to Use the Ruler to Set Tabs in Word 2016

By: Dan Gookin and

Updated: 03-26-2016

From The Book: Word 2016 For Dummies

Word 2016 For Dummies

Explore Book Buy On Amazon

The visual and quick way to set a tab stop in Word 2016 is to use the ruler. Assuming that the ruler is visible, the process involves two steps:

Click the Tab gizmo until the desired tab stop type appears.

The Tab gizmo also shows paragraph indent controls.
Click the ruler at the exact spot where you want the tab stop set.

For example, click the number 2 to set a tab stop at the 2-inch mark, which is 2 inches in from the page's left margin.

The tab stop icon appears on the ruler, marking the tab stop position. You can further adjust the tab by dragging left or right with the mouse. If a tab character already sits in the current paragraph, its format updates as you drag the top stop hither and thither.

Tab stops are a paragraph-level format. The tab stop you set applies to the current paragraph or any selected paragraphs.

About This Article

This article is from the book:

Word 2016 For Dummies ,

About the book author:

Dan Gookin wrote the first-ever For Dummies book, DOS For Dummies. The author of several bestsellers, including all previous editions of Word For Dummies, Dan has written books that have been translated into 32 languages with more than 11 million copies in print.

This article can be found in the category:

Word ,

Article Categories

Book Categories

Collections