Making a header smaller in Word 2013 is as simple as double-clicking the header to enter edit mode, selecting the content you want to resize, and adjusting the font size from the Home tab. Once you do this, your header will take up less space in your document.
After completing this action, you’ll have more room on your page for the main content, making your document look cleaner and more professionally formatted.
Introduction
Have you ever opened a Word document only to be greeted by a header that’s so large it seems to swallow the entire page? Headers can be an essential part of your document, providing important information like titles, dates, or page numbers, but when they’re too big, they can distract from the content you really want readers to focus on. That’s where the know-how to resize headers in Word 2013 comes in handy, especially if you’re working on a formal report, an academic paper, or any professional document where space and layout are crucial.
Knowing how to make the header smaller in Word 2013 is important for anyone who uses Microsoft Word for their documents. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who likes to keep their documents looking sharp, mastering this simple task can make a big difference. It’s not only about aesthetics, either—resizing your header can also affect how much content fits on a page, which is essential for meeting page limit requirements or keeping printing costs down.
Step by Step Tutorial: Making the Header Smaller in Word 2013
Before diving into the steps, it’s important to understand that this process involves editing the header’s text properties, much like you would edit the main body text of your document.
Step 1: Open the header for editing
Double-click the header area at the top of your Word document to enter edit mode.
When you double-click the header, you’ll see the rest of the document text becomes greyed out, indicating that you’re now working within the header. This is where you’ll make your changes.
Step 2: Select the header content
Click and drag your mouse over the text or elements you want to resize within the header.
By selecting the content, you’re telling Word which parts of the header you want to change. Make sure to select everything you want to resize, including text and any other elements like page numbers or logos.
Step 3: Adjust the font size
With the header content selected, go to the Home tab and find the font size dropdown menu to make your adjustments.
The font size dropdown menu is the same one you’d use for the body text. Simply click the dropdown, and select a smaller font size to make your header smaller. You can also type in a specific font size if you know the exact size you need.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| More space for main content | By making the header smaller, you free up more room on the page for your main content, which can be especially useful if you’re working with a strict page limit. |
| Improved document aesthetics | A smaller header can make your document look more polished and professional, as it allows for a more balanced page layout. |
| Better adherence to formatting guidelines | Some documents, like academic papers or business reports, have specific formatting rules, including header size. Knowing how to adjust the header in Word 2013 ensures you can meet those guidelines. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Possible loss of readability | If you make the header too small, it could become difficult to read, which might defeat the purpose of having a header in the first place. |
| Limited impact on overall page count | While adjusting the header size can save space, it may not significantly reduce the total number of pages in a longer document. |
| Inconsistency with other document elements | If you’re not careful, resizing the header could throw off the balance with other sized elements like footers, making the document look uneven. |
Additional Information
Making the header smaller in Word 2013 is a simple task, but it can have a big impact on your document’s appearance and functionality. When you’re working with limited space or trying to maintain a professional look, every detail counts. Remember, the key is to find the right balance—make your header noticeable, but not so large that it takes away from the main text.
Here’s an extra tip: if you’re working with a document that will be viewed digitally, consider how the header size will appear on different screens. A header that looks good on a printed page might be too large or too small when viewed on a tablet or computer monitor. It’s always a good idea to test out your document on different platforms to ensure it looks its best.
And don’t forget about the importance of consistency. If you’re working with multiple documents that will be presented together, like in a portfolio or a report series, make sure all your headers are the same size. Consistency helps to create a cohesive look and enhances the professional feel of your documents.
Summary
- Double-click the header to edit
- Select the text or elements to resize
- Change the font size from the Home tab
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get out of the header edit mode in Word 2013?
Simply double-click anywhere outside the header area or press the “Close Header and Footer” button on the Design tab.
Can I undo the header resizing if I change my mind?
Yes, you can undo the changes by pressing Ctrl + Z, or by clicking the undo button in the Quick Access Toolbar.
Is it possible to make the header size different on every page?
Yes, you can vary the header size by section if you insert section breaks and uncheck the “Link to Previous” option in the Design tab while editing the header.
Can I apply these resizing steps to the footer as well?
Absolutely! The steps to resize the footer in Word 2013 are the same as for the header.
What is the default header size in Word 2013?
The default header size in Word 2013 usually matches the default body text size, which is typically 11 or 12 points.
Conclusion
Understanding how to make the header smaller in Word 2013 is a skill that comes in handy for anyone who values document presentation. It’s not just about making your document look good—it’s also about maximizing space, adhering to formatting guidelines, and ensuring readability. With the steps outlined in this article, you can easily adjust your header size to fit your needs.
As you continue to work with Word 2013, remember that the header is just one part of your document. Keep an eye on other elements like footers, margins, and font styles to create a cohesive and visually appealing document. And if you ever find yourself stuck, don’t hesitate to experiment or seek out additional resources to perfect your formatting skills.
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.