What is a Tab Stop?

A tab stop is a place in MS Word where the cursor stops after pressing the tab key. In word processors, tab stops are employed to allow users to align text. In the image of the Ruler in Microsoft Word below, each left tab stop is indicated by a large "L" symbol. If these were the right tab stops, the 'L' would be in the wrong position. The tab selector is a button that can be found to the left of the Ruler that offers alternatives for tab markers which is also known as the tab indication in Microsoft Word. The spacebar should never be used to align or place text because it can mess up the formatting. It is recommended to align text using one of the alignment options or by utilizing tab stops and the Tab key.

Categories of tab stop:

There are five different possibilities for where to stop a tab in Microsoft Word. Click the button in the image below until you reach the one you want to choose from to pick one of them.

The details for each sort of tab stop are provided below:

1. Left :

The text extends past the tab to the right.

2. Center :

In the middle of the tab, the text is centered.

3. Right :

The text extends past the tab to the left.

4. Decimal :

Text that contains a decimal point expands to the left and to the right, respectively.

5. Bar :

A vertical bar is visible on the tab.

6. First Line Indent :

The opening line of a paragraph should be indented.

7. Hanging Indent :

With the exception of the first line, indent every line in the paragraph.

The best way to make a tab stop:

The simplest way to create a tab stop in a word processor is to double-click the Ruler to open the tabs window.

Another way to make a tab stop in Microsoft Word is by using the Ribbon.

Method 1:

1. If it is not already selected, pick the Home tab.
2. The arrow that is pointing down and right in the bottom-right corner of the paragraph section.
   
3. Click the Tabs button in the bottom-left corner of the new Paragraph window to bring up the tabs menu.
4. Opens the Tabs settings The standard tab stop is set to 0.5. You can increase or decrease the default tab stop as desired. By entering or altering tab stop values in the text field and list for the tab stop position, you can also add or modify additional tab stops.
   

Method 2:

1. Choose the tab for the paragraphs or sentences you want to set.
2. The tab stop types you want to employ will appear when you click the Tab Selector until it does.
3. Click on the horizontal Ruler's lower edge in the precise location where you want the tab to appear. (Click on the View, then Ruler, to make the Ruler visible if it isn't already there at the top of the Word window.).
4. Click to position the insertion point in front of the text where the tab should be added.
5. Use the keyboard's Tab key to navigate.

Method 3:

1. Choose the tab for the paragraphs or sentences you want to set.
2. Select the Tabs from the Paragraph dialogue box launcher and click.
3. The measurement on the horizontal Ruler where you want the tab to appear should be entered in the "Tab stop position"
4. Pick a tab stop type from the list under "Alignment" (such as Left, Centre, Right, Decimal, etc.).
5. Press OK.

How to take a tab stop off:

Method 1:

The mouse cursor should be placed above the tab stop in the Ruler if you want to delete it. Drag the mouse down while continuing to the tab stop while continuing to hold down the left mouse button tab stop. Release the mouse button when the tab stop sign turns light grey, releasing the tab stop. Repeat this procedure for each tab stops in the Ruler if several of them exist.

Method 2:

1. Pick the sentences from which you want the tab to be removed.
2. Remove the tab stop marker from the horizontal Ruler by dragging.

Method 3:

1. Choose the sentences or paragraphs from which you want to remove the tab.
2. Select the Launcher for the Paragraph dialogue box.
3. To select a tab, click.
4. Click on Clear All.
5. Click ok.