Flush-left text in Word is simply left-aligned text: the left edge is even while the right edge remains uneven. It is different from justified text, which stretches lines to align both edges.
- Select the paragraph or paragraphs.
- Open the Home tab.
- Choose Align Left, or press Ctrl+L.
- Check the Paragraph settings if the text still appears offset from the left margin.
- Remove an unintended left indent or first-line indent if necessary.
The four alignment options
| Alignment | Windows shortcut | Mac shortcut | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Align Left (flush left, ragged right) | Ctrl+L | Command+L | Body text, letters, reports |
| Center | Ctrl+E | Command+E | Titles and headings |
| Align Right (flush right) | Ctrl+R | Command+R | Dates, addresses, page numbers |
| Justify | Ctrl+J | Command+J | Newspaper-style columns. See justifying a paragraph in Word. |
Make text truly flush with the margin
- Select the paragraphs.
- On the Home tab, select the small arrow in the corner of the Paragraph group to open the Paragraph dialog.
- Under Indentation, set Left to 0 and Special to (none).
- Make sure Alignment shows Left, then select OK.
For more on clearing stray indents, see how to remove an indent in Word.
Alignment and indentation are separate
A paragraph can be left-aligned and still have a half-inch left indent. Use the ruler or Paragraph dialog when the text does not begin where you expect.
Lists
Bullets and numbered lists intentionally use indents. Do not remove list indentation merely to make the text look flush with ordinary body paragraphs.
Tables and text boxes
Text can be left-aligned within a table cell or text box while the container itself sits elsewhere on the page. Select the correct object before adjusting margins or position.
Styles
If all body paragraphs should be flush left, update the relevant paragraph style so new text inherits the correct alignment.
Keyboard shortcut scope
Ctrl+L applies paragraph alignment to the paragraph containing the cursor even when no text is selected. Select multiple paragraphs first when you want the change to cover a larger section.
Frequently asked questions
Is flush left the same as left-justified?
People often use the terms the same way, but in Word “Justify” means both edges are straight. Flush left means only the left edge is straight, which Word calls Align Left.
What does ragged right mean?
It describes the uneven right edge you get with flush-left text. It is easier to read than justified text in narrow columns because word spacing stays even.
Why does Ctrl+L do nothing?
The text may already be left-aligned and the gap is an indent, a tab, or leading spaces. Turn on formatting marks (Ctrl+Shift+8) to see what is pushing it in.
Can I align different parts of the same line differently?
Alignment applies to whole paragraphs. To put text on the left and right of one line, use a right-aligned tab stop. Our guide to aligning paragraphs in Word covers more layouts.
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.
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