CI2000 WORK W.TABS

Chapter 3: Formatting Text and Graphics

Overview

This chapter focuses on using tabs in Microsoft Word and Publisher to format text and graphics effectively. Tabs are essential for aligning text in a structured manner, typically used in lists and documents requiring precise formatting.

Types of Tabs

Tabs can be utilized to dictate the position of text in various ways, as detailed in Table 3-1:

  • Left Tab: Aligns text to the left of the tab stop, with text flowing to the right.

  • Center Tab: Centers text on the tab stop.

  • Right Tab: Aligns text to the right of the tab stop, with text flowing to the left.

  • Decimal Tab: Aligns numbers around a decimal point, ensuring numerical accuracy in formats.

  • Bar Tab: Inserts a vertical bar at the tab position for organizational purposes.

Working with Tabs

  1. Setting Up the Rulers: Make sure the rulers are visible in your workspace. If not, enable the ruler view by checking the appropriate box in the View tab. Adjust the zoom to 120% for better visibility when setting tab stops.

  2. Selecting Text: Before adjusting tab stops, select the paragraphs needing modification. This selection step is crucial to ensure the tabs are applied to the correct text element.

  3. Using the Tab Indicator: The tab indicator on the horizontal ruler is key to setting tabs. By default, the left tab is activated, but other types can be selected as needed by clicking on the ruler.

Practical Steps for Tab Management

  1. Insertion of Tabs: To insert tabs, click at designated marks (e.g., 1”, 3¾”, or 5”) on the horizontal ruler, activating the current tab type.

  2. Aligning Different Text Elements: For example, inserting a left tab before the word "Webinar" aligns it at the 1” mark, while tabbing before "Date" aligns it at the 3¾” mark. Similarly, using a right tab at the end of a line can right-align elements like pricing.

  3. Adjusting Tab Stops: Dragging the tab stop on the ruler allows for quick repositioning. This capability helps in ensuring text is aligned well as required.

  4. Tabs Dialog Box: For more advanced settings, the Tabs dialog box provides options to set, modify, or clear tab stops, as well as apply tab leaders such as dotted or dashed lines between text elements.

    • Tab Leaders: This feature adds visual separators, enhancing readability. For instance, a dotted line might precede each tabbed text point, improving aesthetic appeal in lists.

Conclusion

Using tabs efficiently can enhance the clarity and organization of documents in Microsoft Word and Publisher. Understanding the different types of tabs and how to manipulate them using the horizontal ruler and Tabs dialog box provides significant control over formatting in your documents.