Saturday, April 2, 2011

Using tables in Word to align your text

While typing which requires alignment other than in a running sentence, it is a good idea to use tables (without borders). The table should be created in the usual style after deciding on the number of rows and columns required, the information or data may then be entered.
Look at the top left corner, just below the Menu, you will see an icon with just an “L”- this is the tab mark. This provides for left alignment of the contents (of each row and column, or even of a paragraph in a regular Word Document). Clicking on this icon will change it to an inverted “T” which aligns along the centre, a reverse “L” which aligns on the right, and best of all an inverted “T” with a dot which aligns on the full stop mark. This is absolutely wonderful when working with numbers as you can then align along the decimal point. So just select the row(s) or column(s) where you want to align the text or numbers and then click on the Tab mark till you reach the type you want.  
And just so the table is not really visible, select the entire table, click on the borders icon and  select the option of 'No Border'. 
This works well while working with data, forms etc. and can also be used for the address of letters, or even the salutation.