To clear a tab stop in Word, the quickest way is to drag it off the ruler: click the tab marker on the horizontal ruler and drag it down into the document, then release. For exact control, go to Home > Paragraph launcher > Tabs, select the tab position and click Clear, or Clear All to remove every custom tab stop. Select the paragraphs first so the change applies to the right text.
Quick Answer
Drag the tab marker off the ruler, or open Tabs (Paragraph launcher > Tabs), select the stop and click Clear or Clear All.
Steps to Clear a Tab Stop
- Select the paragraph or paragraphs with the tab stop.
- If the ruler isn’t showing, tick Ruler on the View tab.
- To remove one stop, drag its marker off the ruler and release.
- For precision, open Home > Paragraph launcher and click Tabs.
- Select a tab position and click Clear, or Clear All to remove them all, then OK.
Tab Stop Actions
| Task | How |
|---|---|
| Remove one stop | Drag it off the ruler, or Tabs > Clear |
| Remove all custom stops | Tabs > Clear All |
| Move a stop | Drag it along the ruler |
| Add a stop | Click the ruler, or Tabs > Set |
| Change the tab type | Click the tab selector at the ruler’s left end |
Troubleshooting
- Text jumps after clearing: It falls back to the default tab stops (usually every half inch). Add a new stop if needed.
- Only one line changed: Select all the paragraphs first; tab stops are per paragraph.
- Setting a right tab: See adding a right tab stop.
- Aligning text: See aligning with tabs in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where’s the Tabs dialog?
Open the Paragraph dialog (Home > Paragraph launcher) and click the Tabs button at the bottom left.
Why do I still see tabbing after clearing?
Default tab stops remain. They just aren’t shown as markers on the ruler.
Can I clear stops in a style?
Yes. Modify the paragraph style and clear its tabs so text using that style updates.
Summary
- Select the paragraphs.
- Drag the marker off the ruler, or open Tabs.
- Click Clear or Clear All.
- Add new stops if the layout shifts.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.