Adjusting Left and Right Margins Using the Ruler and Page Settings

Adjusting Left and Right Margins Using the Ruler and Page Settings — FAQ

How do I change the left and right margins using the horizontal ruler?

Use the document editor's horizontal ruler: click and drag the left or right margin marker (the shaded edge or triangle/handle on the ruler) to expand or reduce the available page width. The visible change is applied immediately in the editor so you can see how content reflows. For step-by-step visuals and exact steps, see more information.

How do I set precise numeric left and right margins?

Open the Page Settings (or Page Setup) dialog in the document editor and enter the desired numeric values for the left and right margins. This method is the recommended way to set exact measurements (e.g., inches or millimeters) rather than estimating with the ruler. For details on the Page Settings dialog and options, see more information.

What’s the difference between using the ruler and using Page Settings?

The ruler is faster for visual adjustments and quick layout tweaks; Page Settings is used for precise, repeatable numeric values. Use the ruler when you want immediate visual feedback and Page Settings when you need exact measurements or to apply consistent margins across multiple documents or templates. See the editor guide for examples and guidance: more information.

Will changing margins affect headers, footers, or existing content formatting?

Changing left or right margins affects the document body width and will cause content to reflow accordingly. Headers and footers tied to page edges will also align with the updated margins if they inherit document margin settings. If you need headers/footers to remain unaffected, check their specific settings in the header/footer controls. For related layout guidance, see more information.

Can I apply margin changes to only part of a document (a single section) or only to new pages?

If the editor supports section-level page settings, margin values can typically be applied to the current section or the whole document depending on the Page Settings options. Use section breaks and then adjust Page Settings for that section if you need different margins in different parts of the document. For how the document editor handles sections and page settings, see more information.

How can I verify margins will print as shown on screen?

After adjusting margins (either via the ruler or Page Settings), use the editor’s print preview or export-to-PDF function to confirm how the margins will appear when printed. Page preview will reflect margin changes and help you catch issues before printing. For printing and preview instructions, see more information.

I adjusted margins but text still appears too close to the page edge—what should I check?

Check that the page size, printer printable area, and header/footer margins are all set appropriately. Some printers have non-printable margins that reduce usable area. Also confirm you adjusted the document margins (not just an individual paragraph indent). If you need more details about margin vs. indent settings, see more information.

Any tips for maintaining consistent margins across multiple documents or templates?

Create or update a document template with the desired left/right margin values in Page Settings, then base new documents on that template. This ensures consistent layout across documents and reduces repetitive manual adjustments. For template and document setup best practices, see more information.