Uploaded August 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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

Plus, the bonus section at the end shows a shortcut to set page margins from the ruler.

These steps apply to Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2021 for Mac, Word 2019 for Mac, and Word 2016 for Mac.

💻 If you're on a PC, please see "How to Use the Ruler in Microsoft Word" youtu.be/CUkvPt50bOE.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:52 How to Display the Ruler
01:22 How to Show the Vertical Ruler
01:52 How to Use the Ruler to Indent the First Line of Each Paragraph
02:43 Use the Option Key for Precise Measuring
02:58 How to Use the Ruler to Create Hanging Indents
03:46 How to Use the Ruler to Add Tabs
05:37 How to Remove Tabs from the Ruler
05:54 Page Margin Shortcuts on the Ruler

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

💻 Related Resources
==================
How to Delete Extra Spaces in Word for Mac
youtu.be/1gnYOKSao5o

How to Change the Unit of Measurement for the Ruler, Margins, and Indents in Word for Mac
youtu.be/LVll18FnOs8

How to Indent Paragraphs in Word for Mac
youtu.be/d7aHj59pzTc

How to Use Word for Mac Playlist
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTcwfTvXiBsiERbFGLG604i1h490xRBdJ

💻 Please visit my website at erinwrightwriting.com for more writing-related software tutorials.

Thank you for watching!

#wordformac #microsoftword

All Rights Reserved © 2026 Erin Wright