Uploaded June 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Learn how to use the ruler in Microsoft Word. First, we are going to display the ruler. Then, we are going to use the ruler to change the margins, indent the first line of each paragraph, create hanging indents, and add tabs.

This tutorial was filmed in Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013. We will cover this topic in Word for Mac in a separate tutorial.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:42 How to Display the Ruler
01:06 How to Show the Vertical Ruler
01:44 How to Use the Ruler to Change Margins
02:27 Use the Alt Key for Precise Measuring
02:43 How to Use the Ruler to Indent the First Line of Each Paragraph
03:33 How to Use the Ruler to Create Hanging Indents
04:25 How to Use the Ruler to Add Tabs

📝 Companion Blog Post/Transcript for this Video
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How to Use the Ruler in Microsoft Word
erinwrightwriting.com/ruler-in-microsoft-word

💻 Related Resources
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How to Use the Ruler in Word for Mac
youtu.be/lV5dL9tey8U

How to Adjust Page Margins in Microsoft Word
youtu.be/tTJEZ4egnZI

How to Indent Paragraphs in Microsoft Word
youtu.be/Q2BqbLV5MCM

How to Create Hanging Indents in Microsoft Word
youtu.be/65UQSU0cLAU

How to Create, Change, and Delete Tabs in Microsoft Word
youtu.be/KKSyWtYpbGQ

How to Use Microsoft Word (Playlist)
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTcwfTvXiBsjMtG6vRKB1jIV_pvfIdQjK

💻 Please visit my blog at erinwrightwriting.com for more easy-to-follow tips on writing, editing, and document software.

Thank you for watching!

#microsoftword

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