Fixing alignment in Microsoft Word is a straightforward task that enhances the readability of your documents. First, highlight the text you want to align. Then, choose the appropriate alignment option from the toolbar: Left, Center, Right, or Justified. This guide will walk you through the steps to fix alignment in Word, making sure your documents look professional and polished.
How to Fix Alignment in Word
By following these steps, you’ll learn how to adjust the alignment of your text in Microsoft Word, ensuring your document is visually appealing and easy to read.
Step 1: Open Your Document
First, open the Word document that needs alignment adjustments.
Make sure the document is open and you can see the text that needs realignment. If you don’t have Word installed, you can use the online version via your browser.
Step 2: Highlight the Text
Second, select the text by clicking and dragging your cursor over the text you want to align.
This step is crucial because Word needs to know which part of the text you want to modify. Make sure to highlight only the text you need to adjust to avoid unnecessary changes.
Step 3: Go to the Home Tab
Third, click on the "Home" tab on the ribbon at the top of the Word window.
The "Home" tab contains all the basic text formatting options, including alignment settings. It’s your go-to place for such modifications.
Step 4: Choose the Alignment Option
Fourth, select the alignment option you need: Left, Center, Right, or Justified, from the alignment group.
Each alignment option has an icon that represents how the text will look. Left aligns the text to the left margin, Center positions it in the middle, Right aligns it to the right margin, and Justified makes the text flush with both margins.
Step 5: Apply the Alignment
Fifth, click on the chosen alignment option to apply it to your highlighted text.
You should see your text move into the desired alignment immediately. If it doesn’t look right, you can always undo and try another alignment.
After completing these steps, your text will be neatly aligned according to your selection. This improves the overall appearance and readability of your document.
Tips for Fixing Alignment in Word
- Use "Justified" alignment for a professional look, perfect for formal documents.
- Center alignment works great for titles and headings.
- Be cautious with right alignment, as it’s typically used for specific elements like dates or page numbers.
- Always preview your document before finalizing, to ensure the alignment looks good on all pages.
- Use alignment shortcuts (Ctrl + L, Ctrl + E, Ctrl + R, Ctrl + J) for quicker formatting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Justified" alignment do?
Justified alignment stretches the text so that each line fills the width of the page, creating clean edges on both the left and right sides.
How can I align text using the keyboard?
You can use keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl + L (Left), Ctrl + E (Center), Ctrl + R (Right), Ctrl + J (Justify) for quick alignment.
Can I align images the same way as text?
Yes, you can align images using the same alignment options in the toolbar to position them in your document.
Why does my text look odd when justified?
Justified text can sometimes create large gaps between words. Adjust the formatting or try a different alignment if this happens.
How do I align text in a table?
Highlight the cells in the table, then use the alignment options in the "Table Tools" layout tab to adjust the text.
Summary
- Open Your Document
- Highlight the Text
- Go to the Home Tab
- Choose the Alignment Option
- Apply the Alignment
Conclusion
Fixing alignment in Word is a simple yet powerful tool to make your documents stand out. Proper alignment not only improves readability but also gives your work a polished, professional look. Remember to choose the alignment that best suits the content and purpose of your document.
Whether you’re drafting a report, crafting a newsletter, or preparing a presentation, mastering text alignment is a skill that will serve you well. Experiment with different alignments to see what works best for your specific needs.
For more detailed instructions or advanced features, consider checking out Microsoft’s official documentation or other reliable resources. By taking a few minutes to adjust the alignment, you’ll make a big difference in the presentation of your content.

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.