Introduction to Microsoft Word and Basic Functions

📄 Paragraph Formatting & Alignment in Microsoft Word

Updated in 9th of June 2025

Software

📄 Paragraph Formatting & Alignment in Microsoft Word


Now that you’ve mastered typing and text styling, it’s time to organize your paragraphs and make them look clean, readable, and professional!


Line Spacing & Paragraph Spacing

Spacing helps your text breathe.

  • Line Spacing controls the space between lines in a paragraph (e.g., single, 1.5, double).

  • Paragraph Spacing adds space before or after a paragraph — useful for separating sections.

Find these under the Home → Paragraph group → Line & Paragraph Spacing icon.

Try This - Write two short paragraphs. Set one to single spacing and the other to double spacing. Notice the difference?



Text Alignment: Left, Center, Right & Justify

Make your text sit exactly where you want:

  • Left Align: Standard alignment for most text.

  • Center: Great for titles and headings.

  • Right Align: Useful for dates or document footers.

  • Justify: Aligns text evenly on both sides (often used in newspapers or reports).

Challenge - Type a short sentence 4 times and apply a different alignment to each.



Bullet Points & Numbered Lists

Perfect for steps, lists, and organizing ideas:

  • Use bullets for general points.

  • Use numbers for steps or sequences.

Go to Home → Paragraph group → Bullets or Numbering icons.

Example - Create a 3-point to-do list using bullets, then turn it into a numbered list.



Using Indentation

Indentation shifts your text inward from the margin:

  • Use the Increase Indent or Decrease Indent buttons in the Paragraph group.

  • For more control, go to Layout → Indent settings.

Try This - Indent a paragraph to visually separate it, like a quote or sub-note.



Quick Challenge:

  1. Type a 4-line paragraph.

  2. Change the line spacing to 1.5.

  3. Align it to Justify.

  4. Add a bullet list below it.

  5. Indent one bullet point.


Note - You`re not just formatting — you’re giving your words structure and flow.



The video below will guides you through all essential aspects of the software, applicable across different Word versions. It begins by thoroughly explaining the Word interface, including tabs, the ribbon, various toolbars, and different document views, before moving on to practical skills like creating, saving, opening, and editing documents. The tutorial covers fundamental text manipulation such as typing, deleting, selecting, moving, and copying text, alongside the powerful Find and Replace feature for efficient document management.


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