How to Change the Setting of the Vertical Ruler on the Sideline in Word?

You don't have to access the page layout menu to change margins in Microsoft Word. Every Word document has two rulers at the top and to the left that you can use to adjust margins. For example, if you want to write an academic paper, you likely will need to adjust margins to 1 inch per side.

Instructions

1. Click the "Print Layout" button located below the scroll bar.

2. Click the button at the top of the vertical scroll bar to show or hide the rulers. If the vertical ruler does not appear, you need to enable it. Click "File," then "Options." Click "Advanced" and scroll down to the "Display" section. Check the box labeled "Show Vertical Ruler in Print Layout View" and click "OK."

3. Move the mouse cursor to the top horizontal line on the vertical ruler.

4. Click on it and drag up or down until the very top edge of the ruler is even with the number "1." This indicates a 1-inch top margin.

5. Repeat this for the bottom margin by adjusting the bottom edge of the ruler. This change applies to all pages in the document.

References

• Microsoft Office: Show or Hide the Vertical Ruler in Word 2010