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How to Fix Unusual Letter Spacing in Times New Roman in Word
Question details
The user needs to correct abnormal gaps and letter spacing appearing around specific letters, such as 'm', when typing in Times New Roman.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing or editing a document using the Times New Roman font, where spacing inconsistencies appear.
- Observed behavior
- Unusual spacing or gaps appear around specific letters (like 'm') in Times New Roman, which may differ between the desktop version of Word and Word for the Web.
Ensure your Microsoft Word is updated to the latest version, as display bugs are frequently patched. You can also switch to 'Print Layout' view to confirm if the spacing issue is just a temporary screen rendering glitch.
Optimize Character Positioning in Word Display Settings
Change Word's advanced display settings to prioritize layout positioning over readability, which typically resolves unnatural spacing between letters.
Microsoft Word sometimes adjusts character spacing dynamically for better on-screen readability. This can cause fonts like Times New Roman to display with odd gaps around wider letters like 'm' or 'w'.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' at the very bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Advanced' from the left-hand pane.
Scroll down to the 'Display' section. Check the box labeled 'Optimize character positioning for layout rather than readability'.
Click 'OK' to save your changes. Review your document to see if the spacing around the letter 'm' has returned to normal.
Check for Hidden Formatting Using Reveal Formatting
Use Word's Reveal Formatting tool to identify if invisible spacing or kerning adjustments have been accidentally applied to the affected text.
Easily Manage Character Spacing in WPS Writer
If you continue to experience rendering bugs in Microsoft Word, WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface to precisely control character spacing and kerning, ensuring your Times New Roman text looks perfect every time.
- 1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the Word document that is experiencing the unusual letter spacing.
- 2. Select the text: Highlight the words or specific letters in Times New Roman that have abnormal gaps.
- 3. Open Font settings: Right-click the highlighted text and select 'Font' from the context menu, or press 'Ctrl + D'.
- 4. Adjust character spacing: Switch to the 'Character Spacing' tab in the Font dialog box, set the 'Spacing' drop-down to 'Normal', and click 'OK'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Times New Roman look spaced out in Word?
This usually happens due to Word's advanced display settings prioritizing on-screen readability over exact layout positioning, or due to hidden character formatting differences between desktop Word and the browser version.
How do I turn on Reveal Formatting in Word?
You can open the Reveal Formatting pane by selecting your text and pressing 'Shift + F1'. If you are using a laptop with dual-function keys, you might need to press 'Fn + Shift + F1'.
Can my default printer cause unusual letter spacing in Word?
Yes. Microsoft Word relies on your default printer's driver to render the page layout accurately on screen. If your printer driver is outdated, it can cause text to display with unusual gaps. Switching your default printer to 'Microsoft Print to PDF' can help troubleshoot this issue.
Does zooming in or out affect letter spacing glitches in Word?
Sometimes, display glitches related to character positioning only appear at specific zoom levels. Adjusting your zoom level or switching between Web Layout and Print Layout can temporarily bypass visual spacing issues.
