WD: Decimal Tabs Don't Align Properly with Wordwrapped Text

• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 4.0, 5.0, 5.1
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows

SYMPTOMS

Decimal tab stops do not align properly when the same line of text that the tab is on reaches the right margin and wraps to the line below. For example, if a decimal tab is set at 2 inches followed by two lines of text, the tab jumps back to the left margin after the typing wraps to the second line.

CAUSE

A decimal tab ignores the right indent only if the information that extends past the indent is composed of numbers. If there is a text string that extends past the right indent, Word will display the symptoms outlined in the "Symptoms" section of this article.

WORKAROUND

To correct this problem, do the following:

1. Place a decimal tab on the ruler (for example, at 2 inches).

2. Place a left-aligned tab 1/8 inch (or two spaces) past the decimal tab you set in step 1 on the ruler.

3. Tab to the decimal tab and type the number.

4. Tab to the left-aligned tab and continue typing the rest of the lines. The decimal tab does not jump back to the left margin.

   ARTICLE-ID: Q118314
   TITLE     : Tabbed Text Misaligns with Center Paragraph Alignment