'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Show Horizontal and Vertical Rulers in Word Documents
Question details
The user is unable to view the horizontal and vertical rulers in Microsoft Word, and the Ruler option in the View tab appears unavailable or inactive.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to adjust document margins, tabs, or alignments using the interface rulers.
- Observed behavior
- The document rulers are missing, and the Ruler checkbox under the View tab cannot be enabled, even when vertical ruler settings are turned on in the application options.
Ensure your document is open in Microsoft Word and navigate to the View tab on the main ribbon to check your current document layout settings.
Switch to Print Layout View
Document rulers are hidden or partially disabled in certain views like Outline. Switching to Print Layout allows both horizontal and vertical rulers to be displayed.
Microsoft Word hides the ruler options depending on the current view of your document. For example, the Outline view disables rulers entirely, while the Web Layout and Draft views only display the horizontal ruler. To see both, you must use the Print Layout view.
Click on the 'View' tab located on the top ribbon menu in your Word document.
In the 'Views' group on the far left, click on 'Print Layout'.
Once in Print Layout view, look for the 'Show' group and check the box next to 'Ruler'. Both horizontal and vertical rulers will now appear.
Enable Vertical Ruler in Advanced Options
If you are already in Print Layout view and only the horizontal ruler appears, the vertical ruler might be explicitly disabled in Word's advanced settings.
Easily Manage Document Layouts and Rulers in WPS Writer
WPS Office Writer offers an intuitive interface where you can easily toggle horizontal and vertical rulers, switch document views, and manage your page layout seamlessly without digging through complex settings.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document you wish to edit.
- 2. Navigate to the View tab: Click on the 'View' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Toggle the Ruler: Check the 'Ruler' box to instantly display both horizontal and vertical rulers.
- 4. Verify Print Layout: Ensure the layout is set to 'Print Layout' in the same ribbon to guarantee full visibility of both rulers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my vertical ruler still missing in Print Layout?
Your vertical ruler may be disabled in the application's core settings. Go to File > Options > Advanced, scroll down to the Display section, and ensure the box for 'Show vertical ruler in Print Layout view' is checked.
Can I view the ruler in Web Layout or Draft view?
Yes, but with limitations. Only the horizontal ruler is available when working in Web Layout and Draft views. The vertical ruler is exclusively supported in the Print Layout view.
How do I change the measurement units of the Word ruler?
You can change the ruler units by navigating to File > Options > Advanced. Scroll down to the Display section, locate the 'Show measurements in units of' dropdown menu, and select your preferred unit, such as Inches, Centimeters, or Millimeters.
