Microsoft Word is a powerful tool for creating professional documents, and one of its most useful features is the ruler. The ruler helps you align text, adjust margins, set indents, and create structured layouts. If you’re wondering how to display the ruler in Word for Office 365, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to turn it on and use it effectively.
Why Use the Ruler in Word?
The ruler in Word helps with:
-
Adjusting left and right margins
-
Setting first-line indents or hanging indents
-
Aligning tables, images, and text boxes
-
Creating consistent layouts for professional documents
By turning on the ruler, you gain precise control over document formatting.
How to Display the Ruler in Word for Office 365
Displaying the ruler is simple and only takes a few clicks.
Method 1: Using the View Tab
-
Open your Word document.
-
Click on the View tab in the Ribbon at the top.
-
In the Show group, check the box next to Ruler.
-
The horizontal and vertical rulers will now appear in your document.
Tip:
The horizontal ruler appears at the top of the page, while the vertical ruler can be enabled in Options → Advanced → Show vertical ruler in Print Layout view.
Method 2: Using the Layout or Home Tab
Some users prefer accessing the ruler through the Layout or Home tab:
-
Click the Layout tab.
-
Look for margin and indent settings in the Paragraph group.
-
Adjusting indents here may highlight the ruler for reference.
Note: This method doesn’t directly turn on the ruler but helps you understand how indent markers relate to the ruler.
Method 3: Using Print Layout View
The ruler only displays in Print Layout view. If your document is in Web Layout or Draft view, the ruler will not appear.
Steps to switch to Print Layout view:
-
Click the View tab.
-
Select Print Layout in the Views group.
-
Now the ruler will be visible at the top and left of your document.
How to Use the Ruler in Word for Office 365
Once the ruler is displayed, you can:
1. Adjust Margins
-
Drag the left and right indent markers on the horizontal ruler to change margins.
2. Set First-Line Indents
-
Drag the top triangle on the left to move the first line of a paragraph.
3. Create Hanging Indents
-
Drag the bottom triangle on the left to set a hanging indent (commonly used in bibliographies).
4. Align Tables and Objects
-
Use the ruler to precisely position tables, shapes, and images.
Tips for Maximizing Ruler Use
-
Zoom in or out: Adjust zoom to see ruler markings more clearly.
-
Snap to grid: Enable the grid in Layout → Align for precise positioning.
-
Keyboard shortcuts: Use Alt + Shift + Left/Right Arrow to adjust indents quickly.
-
Vertical ruler: Enable it in Options for advanced page layout tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why can’t I see the ruler in Word?
Make sure your document is in Print Layout view and that Ruler is checked under the View tab.
2. Can I display both horizontal and vertical rulers?
Yes, horizontal is on by default; vertical can be enabled via File → Options → Advanced → Show vertical ruler.
3. Does the ruler affect printing?
No, the ruler is just a visual guide; it doesn’t appear in printed documents.
4. Can I use the ruler on Mac Office 365?
Yes. Go to Word → Preferences → View and check Show ruler.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to display the ruler in Word for Office 365 is essential for anyone who wants precise formatting and professional-looking documents. With the ruler visible, you can adjust margins, set indents, and align objects effortlessly.
The ruler is a simple tool but makes a big difference in creating clean, structured documents.