WD: Superscript and Subscript Underline Misaligns in Word

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c
• 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
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, version 4.0
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 5.0, 5.0a, 5.1, 5.1a
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word, the underline for subscript text does not align with the underline for normal text. This problem also occurs with superscript text if you are using Word for Windows versions 6.0c and earlier or Microsoft Word for the Macintosh versions 6.0.1 and earlier.

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Use the Line Tool

In Word versions 6.0 and later, use the Line tool on the Drawing toolbar to draw lines under the text to simulate underlining.

TIP: Hold down the SHIFT key while drawing lines will help keep the line horizontal.

Method 2: Use an Equation Field to Create an Underscore Character

Create an equation field using the overstrike function to underscore words or phrases that contain superscript and subscript characters, similar to the following

   Syntax: {eq \o(<Text>,<Underscore characters>)}

   {eq \o(Apple,_____)}

In Word for the Macintosh (versions 4.x through 6) create the same effect with a formula similar to the following

   Syntax: {eq .\o(<Text>,<Underscore characters>)}

   {eq .\o(Apple,_____)}

NOTE: In Word 98 Macintosh Edition, simply type a plain \ (backslash) instead of the special .\ (COMMAND+OPTION+\) when creating formulas.

For all versions of Word, in the syntax above, <Text> is the string containing all the text to be underlined (normal as well as superscript and subscript text), and <Underscore characters> are the actual characters to underscore the "Text" characters.

NOTE: The underscore character may not match the one used by the underline character format command. You may need to experiment with different underscore characters (different fonts, point sizes, and so forth) to achieve a continuous underscore effect.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.