In Microsoft Word, how can I get rid of those spacing and paragraph and return marks that show up in my text?

Question

In Microsoft Word, how can I get rid of those spacing and paragraph and return marks that show up in my text?

Answer 1

shut off 'show characters'

Answer 2

The dots, which replace blanks, certainly are a nuisance, but those ¶ symbols are really your friends. They show exactly where each paragraph ends. Since all paragraph formatting (tabs, indents, margins, line spacing, before and after paragraph spacing, ...) is attached to them, accidentally deleting one can cause mysterious reformatting problems. I've found it's nice to know where they are.

Now, the other characters that may also appear aren't as useful and can be safely turned off. Here's how (with Word XP (2002) and the adjacent versions):

1. Click the Tools->Options menu item.

2. Click the View tab.

3. Under Formatting Marks, select ONLY Paragraph Marks and deselect all others.

4. Click OK.

In Word 2007 (Vista), do this:

1. Click the Office Button.

2. Click the Word Options button.

3. On the left side of the dialog box, click Display.

4. Under Always Show These Formatting Marks On The Screen, put a check mark next to Paragraph Marks.

5. Make sure all the other entries in this section are unchecked.

6. Click OK.



That's it.