How to Fix Black Dots or Squares Before Word Headings
Question details
The user wants to understand why black dots or squares appear to the left of document headings and needs to know how to hide or remove them.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a document with formatted headings and noticing black square icons appearing in the left margin next to the text.
- Observed behavior
- Small black dots or squares appear at varying heights before heading text, usually indicating a specific paragraph formatting rule is active.
Rest assured that these black squares are only visual formatting indicators and will not show up when you print the document. Before hiding them entirely, determine if your document layout relies on the 'Keep with next' feature they represent.
Hide Formatting Marks via the Home Tab
The quickest way to make the black squares disappear is to toggle off the visibility of all formatting marks using the ribbon menu.
This method turns off the display of all hidden characters, including paragraph returns, spaces, and the black squares associated with text-flow formatting.
Open your document and click on the Home tab located on the top ribbon menu.
Find the section of the ribbon labeled 'Paragraph', which contains text alignment and list options.
Click the Show/Hide ¶ button to toggle the visibility of formatting marks off. The black squares will instantly disappear.
Toggle Formatting Marks with a Keyboard Shortcut
Use a convenient keyboard shortcut to quickly show or hide formatting marks without having to search through the ribbon menus.
Remove the 'Keep with next' Formatting
If you want to keep formatting marks visible but permanently remove the black square from a specific heading, you must change its paragraph properties.
Manage Document Formatting Effortlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Writer functions similarly to Microsoft Word, allowing you to easily view, hide, and manage formatting marks like paragraph indicators and text-flow squares. It provides a seamless and intuitive interface for perfectly formatting your professional documents.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the heading marks.
- 2. Toggle editing marks: Navigate to the Home tab and click the 'Show/Hide Editing Marks' icon to instantly hide the black squares.
- 3. Adjust paragraph layouts: To change the text flow, right-click the heading, select 'Paragraph', and modify the 'Keep with next' setting under Line and Page Breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these black squares appear when I print my document?
No, the black squares are strictly visual formatting marks meant to help you edit your document. They will not appear on your printed pages or in exported PDF files.
Why do the black squares only appear on some headings?
The square indicates that a specific paragraph rule, usually 'Keep with next' or 'Keep lines together', has been applied to that text. Headings without these specific text-flow settings will not display the black square.
Why are the black dots at different heights on different lines?
The vertical position of the black dot or square is influenced by your paragraph's line spacing as well as the spacing set before or after the paragraph. Regardless of its exact height, it serves the same purpose.
Can I hide the black squares but keep paragraph marks visible?
The Show/Hide button toggles all formatting marks at once. If you want to hide the black square while keeping other marks visible, you must manually remove the 'Keep with next' formatting from the specific heading's paragraph settings.
