Changing the gutter position in Microsoft Word may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually a pretty simple process. In just a few clicks, you can adjust the gutter position to your liking, ensuring that your document looks professional and is easy to read. Whether you’re formatting a book or just trying to make your report look a little neater, adjusting the gutter position can make a big difference.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change the Gutter Position in Microsoft Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about what changing the gutter position will do. The gutter is the space between the text and the binding of a book or a bound document. Adjusting the position can help to ensure that your text isn’t swallowed by the binding, making it easier to read. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Page Setup Dialog Box
Go to the Layout tab and click on the small square with an arrow in the bottom right corner of the Page Setup group.
This will open the Page Setup dialog box where you can adjust various settings for your document, including the gutter position.
Step 2: Adjust the Gutter Position
In the Page Setup dialog box, go to the Margins tab. You’ll see a box labeled ‘Gutter’. Here, you can increase or decrease the gutter position by typing in a new value or using the arrows.
Keep in mind that the gutter position is typically measured in points. A point is a unit of measurement used in typography, equivalent to 1/72 of an inch.
Step 3: Choose the Gutter Position
Right below the ‘Gutter’ box, you’ll see a drop-down menu labeled ‘Gutter position’. Click on it and choose whether you want the gutter to be on the left or top of your document.
If you’re printing a book or a report that will be bound on the left side, you’ll typically want to choose the ‘Left’ option. If you’re binding at the top, choose ‘Top’.
Step 4: Apply to Whole Document or Specific Sections
At the bottom of the Page Setup dialog box, you’ll see a drop-down menu labeled ‘Apply to’. Here, you can choose whether you want to apply the new gutter position to the whole document or just specific sections.
If you have a document with different sections that require different formatting, you can apply the gutter position to just those sections by selecting them before opening the Page Setup dialog box.
Step 5: Click OK
Once you’ve made your adjustments, click ‘OK’ at the bottom of the Page Setup dialog box to apply the changes to your document.
The new gutter position will now be applied to your document, and you can see the changes immediately. If you’re not happy with the results, you can always go back and adjust the settings again.
After completing these steps, your document will have the new gutter position you’ve set. This can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your document, especially if you’re planning to print and bind it.
Tips: How to Change the Gutter Position in Microsoft Word
- Always preview your document before printing to ensure that the gutter position looks right.
- If you’re not sure what gutter position to use, try starting with a small number and gradually increasing it until you find a setting that works for you.
- Keep in mind that the gutter position will affect the overall layout of your document, so you may need to adjust other settings like margin size and font size to compensate.
- If you’re working on a book or a document that will be bound, remember to leave extra space in the gutter to account for the binding.
- Don’t forget to save your document after making changes to the gutter position, so you don’t lose your work!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the gutter in Microsoft Word?
The gutter is the extra space added to the inner margin of a document to accommodate binding.
Can I change the gutter position for only part of my document?
Yes, you can apply the gutter position to specific sections by selecting them before opening the Page Setup dialog box.
Does adjusting the gutter position affect the overall page count of my document?
It can, as changing the gutter position may cause text to shift and flow differently, potentially altering the number of pages.
Can I adjust the gutter position for a document that’s already been formatted?
Yes, you can adjust the gutter position at any time, but you may need to reformat your document to accommodate the changes.
Is there a standard gutter size I should use?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the appropriate gutter size depends on the type of document, the binding method, and personal preference.
Summary
- Open the Page Setup Dialog Box
- Adjust the Gutter Position
- Choose the Gutter Position
- Apply to Whole Document or Specific Sections
- Click OK
Conclusion
As you can see, changing the gutter position in Microsoft Word is a breeze once you know where to look and what to do. Whether you’re prepping a novel for self-publication or simply wanting to create a more readable bound report, adjusting the gutter is an essential step in the process. Remember, the key is to find the right balance for your specific needs—too little gutter space and your text may disappear into the binding; too much and your page can look oddly unbalanced. Play around with it, preview often, and don’t be afraid to make adjustments. With these tips and tricks under your belt, you’re well on your way to creating beautifully formatted documents that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the binding. Happy formatting!
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.