Hiding formatting marks in Word 2013 is a simple task that can help you get a cleaner view of your document. By turning off these marks, you can focus on the content without being distracted by symbols representing spaces, tabs, and paragraph breaks. Here’s how you do it in a nutshell: go to the ‘Home’ tab, click on the ‘Paragraph’ group, and then turn off the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button. That’s it! Now, let’s dive into the details.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hide Formatting Marks in Word 2013
Before we get started, let’s explain why you might want to hide these formatting marks. Sometimes, they can clutter your document, making it hard to read. By hiding them, you can see your document as it will appear when printed or shared with others. Now, let’s get to the steps.
Step 1: Open your Word 2013 document.
Open the document where you want to hide the formatting marks.
Step 2: Click on the ‘Home’ tab.
At the top of the Word window, you’ll find the ‘Home’ tab. Click on it to reveal formatting options.
Step 3: Find the ‘Paragraph’ group.
In the ‘Home’ tab, look for a group of options labeled ‘Paragraph’. This is where the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button is located.
Step 4: Click the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button.
The ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button looks like a paragraph mark (¶). Click it to toggle the visibility of the formatting marks.
When you complete this action, all the formatting marks like spaces, paragraph breaks, and tab symbols will be hidden from view. However, the formatting itself will remain unchanged. This means you can still benefit from structured and organized text, but without the visual distraction.
Tips on How to Hide Formatting Marks in Word 2013
- Remember that hiding formatting marks doesn’t remove them from your document; it just hides them from view.
- You can also use the keyboard shortcut ‘Ctrl + Shift + *’ to quickly toggle formatting marks on and off.
- If you only want to hide certain types of formatting marks, you can customize this in Word Options.
- Consider hiding formatting marks when sharing the document with others who may not need to see them.
- If you’re having trouble with formatting, showing the marks can help you diagnose and fix issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I hide specific formatting marks instead of all of them?
In Word Options, you can choose which formatting marks to show or hide. Go to ‘File’, then ‘Options’, and under ‘Display’, select the specific marks you want to see.
Will hiding formatting marks affect how my document prints?
No, hiding formatting marks only changes how the document appears on the screen. It will not impact the printed version.
Can I set Word to always hide formatting marks by default?
Yes, you can change the default setting in Word Options to always hide formatting marks when you open a document.
Why do I still see some marks after turning off the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button?
Some marks like page breaks and section breaks may still appear. You can hide these in Word Options as well.
If I send my document to someone else, will they see the formatting marks?
They will only see the formatting marks if their Word settings are set to show them. Your settings won’t affect how the document appears on their computer.
Summary
- Open your Word 2013 document.
- Click on the ‘Home’ tab.
- Find the ‘Paragraph’ group.
- Click the ‘Show/Hide ¶’ button to hide formatting marks.
Conclusion
Hiding formatting marks in Word 2013 is a breeze and can make your document look much cleaner and more professional. Whether you’re drafting a report, writing a novel, or creating a resume, the ability to hide these marks ensures that you focus on the content, rather than the mechanics of the document.
Plus, with the tips provided, you can tailor the visibility of different formatting marks to suit your needs, providing a customized writing experience. Remember, while formatting marks are essential for structuring your document, they don’t have to be a constant presence on your screen. So go ahead, hide those formatting marks, and enjoy a distraction-free writing environment in Word 2013.
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.