The visual and quick way to set a tab stop in Word 2016 is to use the ruler. Assuming that the ruler is visible, the process involves two steps: Click the Tab gizmo until the desired tab stop type appears. The Tab gizmo also shows paragraph indent controls. Click the ruler at the exact spot.

In Word 2016, tabs are used to make lists or indent text. Sometimes you’ll have tabs that you need to delete or clear. To unset or clear a tab stop in Word 2016, follow these steps:

1. Select the paragraph(s) with the offending tab stop.

2. Drag the tab stop from the ruler.

   Drag downward. The tab stop is removed from the paragraph(s).

Even though you’ve removed the tab stop, the tab character may still lurk in the paragraph. Remember that Word places automatic tab stops on every line of text.

For complex tab stop removal, such as when tab stops are close to each other or to the paragraph indent controls on the ruler, use the Tabs dialog box: Click to select the tab in the Tab Stop Position list, and then click the Clear button. Click OK to exit the Tabs dialog box.

• Clicking the Clear All button in the Tabs dialog box removes all tab stops from the current paragraph or selected paragraphs in one drastic sweep.

• To delete a tab character, use the Backspace key.

To enable or disable the vertical and horizontal ruler in Microsoft Word, click the link below. Depending on the version of Microsoft Word you have, for steps on how to do this.

The horizontal ruler is displayed below the menu or ribbon bar and the vertical ruler is displayed on the left side of the Word program window.

• Microsoft Word 2013 and 2016.
• Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010.
• Earlier versions of Word and other word processors.

Microsoft Word 2013 and 2016

Click the View tab, then click the Ruler check box to show the horizontal and vertical ruler.

Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010

Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010 use the Ribbon instead of the file menu. Enabling and disabling the rulers is done through either of the following methods.

Click the View Ruler icon that is found on the top of the right vertical scroll bar, as shown in the picture.

You can also click the View tab and check the box for Ruler.

Earlier versions of Word, OpenOffice, and other word processors

1. Click the View drop-down-menu at the top of Word.
2. Check Ruler to enable the Ruler or uncheck Ruler to disable the Ruler.

Where Is The Ruler In Word 2016

You may need to click the bottom chevrons if you do not see the Ruler option.

Additional information

Microsoft Office Mac

• See our ruler definition for related information and links.