The horizontal and vertical rulers in Word are often used to align text, graphics, tables, and other elements in a document.

To view the horizontal ruler across the top of your Word document and the vertical ruler along the left edge of your document, you must be in Print Layout view .

Show or hide the horizontal and vertical rulers

Note The vertical ruler will not appear if it is turned off. To turn on the vertical ruler, do the following:

  1. Click the Microsoft Office Button button image, and then click Word Options.
  2. Click Advanced.
  3. Under Display, select the Show vertical ruler in Print Layout view check box.