applied tips : march 2009
microsoft word : aligning labels with ease
When
you create labels in Microsoft Word, for merge or anything else, it can
be tricky to adjust the alignment of your text so that it's positioned
exactly where you want on the label.
Labels are Just Precise Tables
It helps to understand that a sheet of labels, in Word, is just a bunch of rows and columns inside a very particularly designed table.
That's right. Your Avery 5160 labels (3 x 10) are actually laid out using a table of three columns and ten rows, and Word has configured each column and row with a precise measurement to match the physical sheet.
Viewing Gridlines
When you want to adjust the cells -- I mean, labels -- it helps to have the table gridlines turned on. This will show you exactly where the boundaries are.
In Word 2003, pull down the Table menu and choose "View Gridlines" at the bottom of the menu. In Word 2007, from the Table Layout tab in the ribbon, choose "View Gridlines" at the far left, in the "Table" group.
You can turn the gridlines off the same way you turned them on. But don't worry, they won't actually print.
Selecting Table Cells
The next step is to select all of the cells you wish to adjust. That's usually all of them.
In Word 2003, pull down the Table menu and choose "Select", then "Table". In Word 2007, from the Table Layout tab in the ribbon, pull down "Select" at the far left and choose "Table".
There's a keyboard shortcut for this: Alt + Shift + 5 (on your number pad only).
If you only want to adjust specific cells, then select them with your mouse (but be careful not to adjust the height or width of the cells or move anything around).
Adjusting Alignment
By default the
text will be flush left. Change the alignment by right-clicking
anywhere in your selected area and choosing "Cell Alignment" from the
pop-up menu (as shown here).
Word 2007 users can use the above method, or from the Table Tools tab in the ribbon choose Layout, then the appropriate button in the Alignment group as seen here:
That's all there is to it!
schedule a class on word
Request an on-site Word class from Applied Office. Sessions are inexpensive and your employees will be able to mail merge, create organized documents, make forms, and take advantage of all the other features they're missing out on! Learn more here.
upcoming classes on word
Classes on Microsoft Word are scheduled at University of the Pacific, and you can attend! Review the Upcoming Classes for more information.