Changing vertical alignment in Word might sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. Whether you want to center your text on the page or adjust it to the bottom, Word has got you covered. In just a few clicks, you can give your document that polished, professional look. So let’s dive in and learn how to do it!
Step by Step Tutorial on Changing Vertical Alignment in Word
Before we begin, it’s important to understand that changing the vertical alignment will affect the entire page. So if you’re looking to align specific paragraphs or lines, this isn’t the way to go. But if you want to adjust the overall look of your page, then follow these steps.
Step 1: Open the Layout Tab
Click on the Layout tab (called Page Layout in Word 2013 and earlier) on the ribbon at the top of Word.
The Layout tab is where you can find all the settings related to how your page looks. Think of it as the control center for the appearance of your document.
Step 2: Click on the Page Setup Dialog Box Launcher
Look for the small square with an arrow in the Page Setup group and click on it.
This little square is easy to miss, but it’s what you need to click to get to the options for changing your alignment. It’s like a hidden door to more settings.
Step 3: Select the Layout Tab in the Dialog Box
In the Page Setup dialog box that appears, click on the Layout tab.
The Layout tab is where all the magic happens for vertical alignment. It’s your ticket to making those adjustments that can make your page look just right.
Step 4: Choose Your Desired Vertical Alignment
Under the Page section, click on the Vertical alignment box and choose the alignment you want.
You can select Top, Center, Justified, or Bottom. Just think about where you want your text to sit on the page and select that option.
Step 5: Apply to the Whole Document or Selected Text
In the same dialog box, under "Apply to," select whether you want the alignment to be for the Whole document or just a part of it.
If you only want to change the alignment for part of your document, make sure you’ve selected that text before you start these steps.
After completing these steps, your text will be vertically aligned according to the option you selected. The change will give your page a new look, and it can be especially useful for title pages or when you want to create a visual impact.
Tips for Changing Vertical Alignment in Word
- Use vertical alignment to make title pages stand out.
- Remember to select the text you want to align if you’re not applying the change to the whole document.
- Vertical alignment can be combined with horizontal alignment for even more control over your text.
- Experiment with different alignments to see which works best for your document.
- Keep in mind that changing the vertical alignment affects the entire page.
Vertical Alignment in Tables, Text Boxes, and Shapes
- Table cells: click in the cell (or select several), open the Table Layout tab (called Layout under Table Tools in older versions), and choose one of the nine buttons in the Alignment group, such as Align Center, to center text both ways.
- Text boxes and shapes: select the box, open the Shape Format tab, select Align Text, and choose Top, Middle, or Bottom.
Vertical Alignment on a Mac and in Word for the Web
- Word for Mac: choose Format > Document, select Layout, and set Vertical alignment. Use Apply to to choose the whole document or just the current section.
- Word for the web: page vertical alignment is not available. Open the document in the desktop app with Editing > Open in Desktop App.
Troubleshooting
The text does not move
Vertical alignment only shows a change when the page is not already full. Remove extra blank paragraphs at the top or bottom of the page; they count as text and take up space. Turn on Show/Hide ¶ (Ctrl + Shift + 8) to see them.
Every page in the document moved
The setting was applied to the whole document. Undo it, select only the text you want (such as a title page), and choose Selected text in Apply to. Word adds section breaks around the selection automatically.
Justified alignment leaves big gaps
Justified spreads paragraphs evenly from top to bottom, which can look odd on pages with only a few paragraphs. Use Center instead for title pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply vertical alignment to a single paragraph?
No, vertical alignment applies to the entire page. If you want to align a single paragraph, you’ll need to adjust the paragraph settings.
Will changing the vertical alignment affect my headers and footers?
No, headers and footers are not affected by changes to the vertical alignment of the page.
Can I use vertical alignment in tables?
Vertical alignment in tables is different from the page vertical alignment and is adjusted within the table properties.
Is it possible to undo the vertical alignment?
Yes, you can always go back to the Page Setup dialog box and change the alignment back to what it was before.
Does vertical alignment affect page margins?
No, vertical alignment does not change the page margins. It only changes where the text sits within those margins.
Related: How to put text in the middle of a page in Word.
Related: how to center text in Word for Microsoft 365.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.