3 Easy Ways to Adjust the Page Margins in Microsoft Word

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Are you trying to adjust your margins in Microsoft Word? The margins are the empty space between the edge of the page and the contents of the document. Depending on your needs, you can change the margins to become wider, narrower, or a mix of both. You'll be able to select from a few preset options or customize your own. This wikiHow will show you how to fix and change the default 1-inch margins in Microsoft Word using your iPhone, Android, or Windows or Mac computer.

On desktop, click "Layout" → "Margins" → select a margin preset. For custom margins, click "Custom Margins…" and enter the values for Top, Left, Bottom, and Right. If you're on mobile, tap "•••" → "Home" → "Layout" → "Margins" → select a preset or "Custom Margins". Enter a new value and tap "Done".

Applying Preset Margins (Desktop)

• You must have a subscription to use Office 365.

• A pop-up menu will open.

• If you don't like how it looks, you can select Normal again, or press CTRL + Z (Windows) or CMD + Z (Mac) to undo the change.

Creating Custom Margins (Desktop)

• A menu will open.

• A new window will open.

• Click the field and enter your new margin size, or use the up/down arrow to adjust the current margins.
• For Gutter Positions, select Left or Top.
  • Only adjust the Gutter margin if you intend to use the document in a bound format, like a book or report, and you need space for the binding. In this case, type a number in Gutter that will allow enough room for the binding and use the drop-down to indicate whether the binding will be on the top or on the left.

  

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  • When you create a new document, the margins will reflect the change.

  

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  \n"> Click OK when finished. The changes will be applied immediately. Advertisement Method 3 of 3:

  Using the Mobile App

  

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  • If you aren't already logged in to your Microsoft account, enter your email address and password to do so now.

  

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  Open a new or existing project. Tap a recent project on your homepage, or tap the + tab to create a new one.

  

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  • A new menu will open at the bottom.

  

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  • A pop-up menu will open.

  

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  \n"> Tap Layout . You can find this between Draw and Review.

  

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  \n"> Tap Margins . This is the first listing in the Layout tab.

  

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  • If you don't like how it looks, you can select Normal again, or pick a new preset.
  • Be sure to save your document when you're finished.

  

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  • Tap a margin to edit it.
  • Tap the backspace button to erase the existing margin.
  • Enter a new margin value.
  • Tap Done in the top-right corner.
  • Tap Margins → Custom Margins to edit another margin.
  • The changes will be applied immediately.
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  Community Q&A

  I want the page ruler. What can I do? Community Answer To get the ruler, go into the View tab (Word 2010 and newer) and select the Ruler checkbox.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
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  Can I ever allow one more letter on a line to finish a long word rather than wrap to the next line? Community Answer

  No. The only thing you could possibly do would be to make all the margins wider. Making only one word go to the next line is impossible unless you do the same for all words.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Tips

  Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Please provide your name and last initial Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Leaving the margin under .25" may lead to text being cut off when printed. Advertisement

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