In Google Docs, margins can be set using the ruler to make rough changes, simply by dragging the mouse, or in a much more detailed way using the page setup window.
Next, we are going to see the different ways we have to change the margins and adapt them to our needs. Of course, we must bear in mind that this change can affect the entire page in its entirety or select a paragraph and make it adapt to that content. We can do it from the ruler that we see on the screen, such as from the menu bar. In addition, it is possible to have different indentations within the same document, but instead it is only possible that there is one margin.Īs we are going to see, the margin adjustment process is simple, which we can carry out in a matter of seconds. These are blank spaces that are included between the margin and the first line of the paragraph. Subscribe to get more articles like this oneĭid you find this article helpful? If you would like to receive new articles, join our email list.However, it is very important that we do not confuse margins with indents. For example, the standard width for one column of text on a three-column grid on an 8.5" x 11" document is 14 picas and 4 points (normally abbreviated as 14p4).Īlthough most Microsoft Word users tend to use inches or centimeters as their preferred measurement system, points are used for font size and the space before and after paragraphs (in the Paragraph dialog box). Picas are often abbreviated as "p" (such as 16p). They are commonly used by graphic designers when designing newspapers, magazines, newsletters and ads. Picas are often used for fixed horizontal measurements (most often column width). Typographers would have traditionally referred to a type setting as 12/16 which would mean a 12 point type with 16 point leading or line spacing.Ī pica is slightly less than 1/6 inch and contains 12 points. Points are the measurement unit most often used in printed publications created by graphic designers to indicate the size of type (font size) as well as the space between lines (this would be line spacing in Word but is called leading in many other programs). This is rounded up for practical reasons. The two units of measurement most commonly used for typesetting and design are points and picas.Ī point is equal to 1/72 inch (72 points in an inch).
If the Ruler is not displayed, click the View tab in the Ribbon and ensure the Ruler check box is checked. Beside Show measurements in units of, choose inches, centimeters, millimeters, points or pics from the drop-down menu.īelow is the Word Options dialog box with the option to change measurement settings:īelow is the Ruler in Microsoft Word in inches:īelow is the Ruler in Microsoft Word in centimeters (cm):.Scroll down to the Display group in the panel on the right.Click Advanced in the categories on the left.To change the measurement system in Microsoft Word from centimeters to inches or to another unit of measure:
Recommended article: How to Hide Comments in Word (or Display Them)ĭo you want to learn more about Microsoft Word? Check out our virtual classroom or in-person Word courses > Changing the measurement system in Microsoft Word Word and most graphic design programs support points, picas and other units and it is easy to convert from one unit to another. Unless the client or publication has a specific requirement for a type of measurement, most Microsoft Word users measure in inches or centimeters. Changes in the measurement system will affect Word's Ruler as well as various dialog boxes (including the Paragraph dialog where you can change paragraph indents). You can choose inches, centimeters, millimeters, points or picas. If you'd prefer to work in inches rather than cm (centimeters) or vice versa, simply change the measurement system in Word's Options.
You can easily change the measurement system units in Microsoft Word for all of your documents. Changing the Measurement Units for Your Word Documents (Inches to Centimeters or Vice Versa)īy Avantix Learning Team | Updated January 10, 2021Īpplies to: Microsoft ® Word ® 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 365 (Windows)