Tab Positions Incorrect in Center and Right-Aligned Paragraphs

ID: Q86712

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Word for Windows, if you use centered or right justified paragraph format combined with any tab settings, the tabs will not be aligned correctly.

MORE INFORMATION

This problem occurs because Word for Windows aligns the tabs first, then positions the paragraph for center or right alignment, causing the tabs to lose their correct positions. This problem also occurs in table cells.

Workaround

Avoid using tab settings in right or center-aligned paragraphs. When possible, use a combination of right and centered tabs in a left-aligned or justified paragraph to achieve the desired format.

Steps to Reproduce Problem

1. Set both the left and right margins to 1.25 inches. In version 2.0 

   or 2.0a of Word for Windows, choose Page Setup from the Format menu.
   In version 1.x of Word for Windows, choose Document from the Format
   menu. Type the measurements in the appropriate boxes, then choose the
   OK button.
2. From the Format menu, choose Paragraph. In version 2.0 or 2.0a, 
   select Centered from the Alignment box, then choose the OK button. In
   version 1.x, select the Center option button under Alignment, then
   choose the OK button. In your document, type "Information" (without
   the quotation marks).
3. Press TAB and type the current date.

4. From the Format menu, choose Tabs. Type 5.75" in the Tab Stop 

   Position box. Under Alignment, select the Right option button. Choose
   the OK button.
The date is incorrectly positioned approximately 3 inches past the right margin.

KBCategory: kbusage KBSubcategory: kbformat Additional query words: winword2 1.0 1.10 1.10a 2.0 2.0a word6 winword incorrect 2.0b 2.0a-CD 2.0b 2.0a-CD unexpected mis-aligned misaligned center-aligned 

Keywords          : kbformat 
Version           : 1.x 1.x 6.0
Platform          : WINDOWS

Last Reviewed: February 6, 1998