Centering text vertically in Word 2013 is a handy skill to have, especially for creating visually appealing documents like invitations, posters, or title pages. To accomplish this, simply highlight the text you wish to center, go to the “Page Layout” tab, click on “Page Setup” dialog box launcher, under the “Layout” tab select “Vertical alignment” drop-down menu, choose “Center,” and click “OK.” Voila, your text is now perfectly centered on the page!
After you complete this action, the text you selected will be positioned in the middle of the page, between the top and bottom margins. This can give your document a more professional and polished look.
Introduction
Have you ever opened a Word document and felt like something was just…off? Maybe the text was hugging the top of the page too closely, or perhaps there was an awkward amount of space at the bottom. It’s like a picture hanging slightly askew on a wall—it may not be immediately noticeable, but it can bother you once you see it. Centering your text vertically can be the solution to this subtle discomfort.
Knowing how to vertically center text in Word 2013 is one of those skills that can elevate your document from good to great. It’s particularly relevant for anyone who prepares professional reports, academic papers, event invitations, or any document where balance and design are important. It’s a small touch that can make a significant impact on the presentation of your work. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to see your text neatly presented in the middle of the page. Trust me, once you start centering, there’s no going back!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Vertically Center Text in Word 2013
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. By the end of these steps, your selected text will be vertically centered, no matter the length of your content or the size of your page.
Step 1: Highlight the text you want to center
Click and drag over the text to highlight it.
Highlighting the text is crucial because it tells Word which part of the document you want to modify. If you skip this step, Word won’t know what to center, and you’ll be back to square one.
Step 2: Navigate to the “Page Layout” tab
Click on the “Page Layout” tab at the top of Word.
This tab contains all the settings you need to adjust the layout of your document. It’s where all the magic happens for tweaking margins, spacing, and alignment.
Step 3: Open the “Page Setup” dialog box
Click on the small square with an arrow in the “Page Setup” group.
The “Page Setup” dialog box is where you can fine-tune the settings for your entire document. Think of it as the control center for how your document looks on the page.
Step 4: Go to the “Layout” tab in the dialog box
In the dialog box that appears, click on the “Layout” tab.
The “Layout” tab is specifically focused on how your document is positioned on the page, including headers, footers, and text alignment.
Step 5: Select “Center” from the “Vertical alignment” drop-down menu
Find the “Vertical alignment” drop-down menu and choose “Center.”
By selecting “Center,” you’re instructing Word to take the text you’ve highlighted and place it smack dab in the middle of the page, vertically speaking.
Step 6: Apply to the whole document or selected text
Next to “Apply to,” choose whether you want to center the text in the whole document or just in your selected text.
This step is where you get to decide the scope of your changes. If you’re working on a title page, you might choose “Whole document.” If it’s just a section, go with “Selected text.”
Step 7: Click “OK” to apply the changes
Once you’ve made your choice, click “OK” to apply the changes.
Clicking “OK” is the final step in the process. After this, you should see your text vertically centered on the page. If it’s not looking quite right, you can always go back and tweak the settings until it’s perfect.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Visual Appeal | Centering text vertically can make your document look more balanced and professional. It’s a simple change that can have a big impact on the overall design. |
| Focus on Important Text | By centering important text, such as titles or headings, you draw the reader’s attention to it. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, look here, this is important!” |
| Versatility | This technique can be used for a variety of document types, from formal reports to casual invitations, making it a versatile skill to have in your toolbox. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited to Page | Vertical centering only applies to the whole page or selected text, not individual lines or paragraphs. This can be limiting if you want more granular control. |
| Can Look Empty | If you center a small amount of text on a large page, it can look sparse or empty. This is where design sense comes into play to ensure the document still looks appealing. |
| Requires Adjustment | If you add or remove text, you’ll need to adjust the vertical centering again. It’s not a “set it and forget it” type of feature. |
Additional Information
While the steps above will get you that perfectly centered text, here are a few extra tips to consider. First, think about the context in which you’re using vertical centering. It’s great for titles or single pages, but for multi-page documents with a lot of text, it might not be appropriate. Also, consider the visual weight of other elements on the page, like images or tables, as these can affect the perceived balance of your text.
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of your margins. Larger margins can make your centered text appear higher on the page, while smaller margins can push it down. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where everything looks just right.
And here’s a fun fact: did you know that vertically centered text in Word 2013 can make your document feel more “open” and “airy”? It’s true! By allowing more white space around your text, you create a sense of freedom and ease, which can be very appealing to the reader’s eye.
Summary
- Highlight the text.
- Click on “Page Layout.”
- Open “Page Setup” dialog box.
- Go to “Layout” tab.
- Select “Center” from the “Vertical alignment” menu.
- Apply to the whole document or selected text.
- Click “OK.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does vertical centering mean in Word 2013?
Vertical centering means positioning the text equally between the top and bottom margins of the page.
Can I vertically center text in a specific section of a document?
Yes, you can. Just highlight the section you want to center before following the steps.
Does vertical centering affect the horizontal alignment?
No, it doesn’t. Horizontal alignment (like left, center, or right) is handled separately.
Can I vertically center text in a table?
Yes, you can center text within a table cell by using the cell alignment options.
Will the vertical centering remain if I change the page size?
You may need to adjust the centering if you change the page size, as the margins and available space will change.
Conclusion
Mastering how to vertically center text in Word 2013 is like adding a new weapon to your document-design arsenal. It’s a simple technique, but it can make a world of difference in how your document is perceived.
Whether you’re crafting a single-page announcement or a title page for a major report, vertical centering can help you make that strong visual statement. Remember, the key is to use it judiciously and always keep the overall design in mind. Now go forth and center with confidence!
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.