How to Make Periods Bigger in Microsoft Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making periods bigger in Microsoft Word is a simple task that can be accomplished in a few steps. First, select the period you want to enlarge. Then, go to the ‘Font’ menu, usually located in the ‘Home’ tab, and either type in a larger font size or use the increase font size button. After adjusting the size, the period will appear larger in your document. Now let’s dive deeper into why and how this can be useful.

After completing these steps, the periods in your document will stand out more. This can be particularly helpful for creating visual impact in certain situations, such as in a Table of Contents or within a design element of a document to draw attention.

Introduction

Ah, the humble period. It’s the punctuation mark that signals the end of a sentence, gives us a moment to pause, and keeps our writing tidy and comprehensible. But sometimes, that tiny dot at the end of a sentence just isn’t enough. Maybe you’re creating a flyer and want to draw attention to certain sections, or you’re a student trying to meet a page requirement for your essay subtly. Whatever the reason, learning how to make periods bigger in Microsoft Word is a nifty little trick to have up your sleeve.

This topic is important for anyone who uses Microsoft Word – which let’s face it, is most of us. Whether you’re a professional working on a report, a student writing an essay, or just someone who likes to have their documents looking a certain way, knowing how to manipulate font size is a fundamental skill. And it’s not just about making periods bigger – once you understand how to adjust one aspect of your font, you can apply the same principles to other punctuation marks or text.

Step by Step Tutorial: Making Periods Bigger in Microsoft Word

The following steps will guide you through making periods bigger in Microsoft Word, improving the visual impact of your document.

Step 1: Highlight the Period

Start by highlighting the period you want to enlarge.

Once you’ve identified the period you want to make bigger, use your cursor to select it. If you want to enlarge multiple periods, you can hold down the ‘Ctrl’ key on your keyboard and click on each period you want to adjust.

Step 2: Open the Font Menu

Open the Font menu by clicking on the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the Font section of the Home tab.

The Font menu is where all the magic happens. Here you can change not just the size, but also the font type, style, and even color.

Step 3: Adjust the Font Size

In the Font menu, either type in a larger font size in the size box or use the increase font size button to enlarge the selected period.

Remember, the default font size for periods is the same as the rest of your text, usually 12. To make a noticeable difference, try starting with a font size of 14 or 16.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Enhanced Visibility	Making periods larger can enhance the visibility of your punctuation, making your document easier to read and more visually appealing.
Subtle Page Lengthening	For those times when you’re just shy of meeting a page requirement for an essay or report, increasing the size of periods can subtly add to the length without being too noticeable.
Design Element	Larger periods can be used as a design element to create a unique look or to emphasize certain parts of your document.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Unprofessional Appearance	In some contexts, making periods larger can come across as unprofessional or as if you are trying to unnecessarily lengthen your document.
Inconsistency	If not done carefully, enlarging periods can lead to an inconsistent look throughout your document, potentially confusing your readers.
Limited Impact	Increasing the size of periods may not always have the desired impact, especially if other formatting or design elements are not aligned with this change.

Additional Information

When modifying any element in Microsoft Word, it’s important to maintain the balance between form and function. Making periods bigger can be a clever way to make your document stand out, but it’s crucial not to overdo it. Consider the context in which you’re presenting your document and whether or not larger periods will enhance or detract from your message.

Also, be aware that altering the size of periods can affect the document’s alignment and spacing. After making changes, always review your document to ensure that everything still looks cohesive. And here’s a pro tip: if you’re planning to adjust a lot of periods, consider using the ‘Find and Replace’ function to make changes in bulk. Just remember to be cautious; this method can lead to unintended changes if not used carefully.

In summary, whether you’re looking to make a visual impact or trying to meet the stringent criteria of an academic paper, knowing how to make periods bigger in Microsoft Word is an essential skill.

Summary

1. Highlight the period you want to enlarge.
2. Open the Font menu from the Home tab.
3. Adjust the font size to make the period bigger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make all periods bigger at once?

Yes, you can use the ‘Find and Replace’ feature to enlarge all periods at once. Just be careful to avoid changing periods within dates or abbreviations unintentionally.

Will making periods bigger affect my document’s formatting?

It might. After enlarging periods, double-check your document to ensure the formatting is still intact.

Is this technique considered cheating if used to meet page requirements?

While it’s not technically cheating, it’s not the most honest approach either. Use this technique sparingly and ethically.

Can I make other punctuation marks bigger as well?

Absolutely. The same steps apply to any punctuation mark or text in your document.

Will enlarging periods be noticeable when printing?

It depends on the printer and the font size used. Always print a test page to see how your adjustments translate to paper.

Conclusion

Knowing how to make periods bigger in Microsoft Word can be a game-changer for anyone looking to add a touch of emphasis to their documents or slightly increase the length of their essays.

While this skill should definitely be used responsibly, it’s another tool in your Microsoft Word arsenal that can help you create documents that not only communicate your message but also present it in the way you envision. So go ahead, give those periods the attention they deserve, and watch as your documents transform from good to great.