Applying small caps in Word is a simple process that can give your document a polished and professional look. Small caps are a typographic feature where lowercase letters are displayed as smaller versions of uppercase letters. They’re often used for headings, acronyms, and to emphasize text. To apply small caps in Word, you’ll need to select the text you want to change and then choose the small caps option from the font formatting menu.
Step by Step Tutorial: Applying Small Caps in Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’ll achieve. By following these steps, you’ll learn how to convert regular text into small caps, which is great for adding emphasis or style to your Word documents.
Step 1: Highlight the text you want to change
Click and drag your mouse over the text you want to apply small caps to.
Highlighting the text is the first thing you need to do. Make sure you only select the text you want to change, as anything you highlight will be affected by the next steps.
Step 2: Open the Font dialog box
Right-click on the highlighted text and select ‘Font’ from the context menu or click on the small arrow in the bottom right corner of the Font group on the Home tab.
This step opens up the Font dialog box where you can access various text formatting options, including small caps.
Step 3: Select the ‘Small caps’ option
In the Font dialog box, under the ‘Effects’ section, check the box next to ‘Small caps’.
By checking this box, you’re telling Word to apply the small caps effect to your selected text.
Step 4: Click OK
After selecting small caps, click the ‘OK’ button at the bottom of the Font dialog box to apply the changes.
Clicking ‘OK’ will close the dialog box and you’ll see your text transformed into small caps.
After completing these steps, your selected text will now display in small caps. It’s a subtle but effective way to make certain parts of your document stand out.
Tips for Applying Small Caps in Word
- Use small caps for acronyms, titles, and names to add a touch of sophistication.
- Be consistent with the use of small caps to maintain a professional look throughout your document.
- Combine small caps with bold or italic formatting for added emphasis.
- Don’t overuse small caps, as they can become difficult to read if used extensively.
- If you’re applying small caps to a large section of text, consider using the ‘Styles’ feature in Word for quicker formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply small caps to an entire document?
You can select all text in a document by pressing Ctrl + A, then follow the steps above to apply small caps.
Can I apply small caps to text in headers and footers?
Yes, you can apply small caps to text in headers and footers by entering the header or footer editing mode and following the same steps.
Will small caps affect the formatting of numbers?
No, numbers will retain their original size and formatting when small caps are applied to surrounding text.
Can I undo the small caps formatting?
Yes, you can undo small caps formatting by reselecting the text and unchecking the ‘Small caps’ option in the Font dialog box.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for applying small caps in Word?
No, there isn’t a specific keyboard shortcut for small caps, but you can add one through Word’s customization options if necessary.
Summary
- Highlight the text you want to change
- Open the Font dialog box
- Select the ‘Small caps’ option
- Click OK
Conclusion
Applying small caps in Word is a breeze once you know where to find the option. It’s all about highlighting the text and clicking a few buttons in the Font dialog box. The beauty of small caps lies in their ability to elevate the visual appeal of your document without being too in-your-face. Think of them as that secret ingredient in your favorite dish—it’s not always obvious, but it makes all the difference.
Whether you’re sprucing up a business proposal, giving your resume a makeover, or just wanting to add some flair to a personal project, small caps are a fantastic choice. And now that you know how to apply them, the sky’s the limit for your Word documents. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch your text transform from mundane to magnificent. Plus, imagine the impressed looks you’ll get when you tell folks you know how to apply small caps in Word—it’s a neat party trick for the tech-savvy crowd!
Remember, though, with great power comes great responsibility. Use small caps wisely, and your documents will thank you for it.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.