Are you tired of those wide margins taking up valuable space on your Word documents? Want to learn how to set narrow margins as the default? Look no further! In this article, I’ll guide you through the simple steps to make that happen in Word 2013. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for your document layout!
Step by Step Tutorial to Use Narrow Margins By Default in Word 2013
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what we’re going to achieve. Setting narrow margins as the default means that every new document you create in Word 2013 will automatically have the margins you prefer, without the need to adjust them manually every time. Ready? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open the Page Layout Menu
Open the Page Layout menu in Word 2013.
Once you have Word 2013 open, look for the "Page Layout" tab at the top of the window. Clicking on it will reveal various options related to the layout of your document.
Step 2: Click on Margins
Click on the ‘Margins’ button in the Page Layout menu.
In the Page Layout menu, you’ll see a button labeled ‘Margins’. Clicking on this will display a drop-down menu with different margin options, including the narrow margin setting.
Step 3: Select Narrow Margins
Select the ‘Narrow’ margins option from the list.
From the drop-down menu, choose the ‘Narrow’ option – this sets your margins to 0.5 inches on all sides of the page. It’s a great way to maximize your document’s printable area.
Step 4: Set as Default
Click ‘Set As Default’ at the bottom of the Margins menu.
After selecting the narrow margins, you’ll notice a button at the bottom of the Margins menu that says ‘Set As Default’. Clicking this will prompt a dialogue box asking if you want to apply these settings to all future documents.
Step 5: Confirm Your Selection
Confirm that you want to set narrow margins as the default.
Once you’ve clicked ‘Set As Default’, a dialogue box will appear asking if you want to apply this change to this document only, or to all documents based on the Normal template. Choose the latter option to make narrow margins your default setting.
Once you’ve completed these steps, all new Word documents will automatically have narrow margins, giving you more space to work with and creating a sleeker look for your documents.
Tips on Using Narrow Margins By Default in Word 2013
- Remember that narrow margins might not be suitable for all types of documents. Adjust your margins based on the content and purpose of your document.
- If you frequently switch between different margin settings, consider saving templates with your preferred margins for quick access.
- Keep in mind that extremely narrow margins may pose issues when printing, as some printers require a minimum margin to print properly.
- For legal or academic documents, always check the required margin settings before submitting your work.
- If you’re collaborating with others, make sure they’re aware of the default margin settings, as it can affect document formatting when sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact measurements of narrow margins in Word 2013?
Narrow margins in Word 2013 are set to 0.5 inches on all sides.
Can I set different default margins for different types of documents?
Yes, you can save different templates with varying margin settings and choose the appropriate one when creating a new document.
Will changing the default margin affect existing documents?
No, changing the default margin will only apply to new documents created after the change.
Is it possible to change the default margins back to normal?
Yes, simply follow the same steps and select ‘Normal’ instead of ‘Narrow’ in the Margins menu, then set as default.
Can I manually adjust margins after setting them as default?
Absolutely, you can always go into the Page Layout menu and manually adjust margins for individual documents as needed.
Summary
- Open the Page Layout Menu
- Click on Margins
- Select Narrow Margins
- Set as Default
- Confirm Your Selection
Conclusion
Setting narrow margins by default in Word 2013 can significantly improve the appearance and layout of your documents. It’s a quick adjustment that can save you time and hassle when creating new documents. Remember, while narrow margins can make your documents look sleek and provide more space for content, they may not be the best choice for all types of documents. Always consider the purpose and requirements of your document when choosing margin settings. Moreover, keep in mind the tips and FAQs mentioned earlier to optimize your Word 2013 experience. Now go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the extra space that narrow margins offer!
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.