If you’ve ever needed to format a document in Microsoft Word to a legal size, you know it can be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the steps. Fortunately, it’s quite simple once you get the hang of it. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your document set to legal size in no time.
How to Put Legal Size in Word
Formatting your Word document to legal size ensures it fits legal paper (8.5 x 14 inches). This guide will walk you through each step so you can easily adjust the page size for your needs.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
Start by opening Microsoft Word on your computer.
Once Word is open, you can either create a new document or open an existing one that you need to format.
Step 2: Go to the "Layout" Tab
Navigate to the "Layout" tab at the top of the window.
The Layout tab is where you can change the format of your document, including the size, margins, and orientation.
Step 3: Click on "Size"
In the Layout tab, find and click on the "Size" button in the Page Setup group.
A dropdown menu will appear, showing different paper sizes you can choose from.
Step 4: Select "Legal" Size
From the dropdown menu, select “Legal” (8.5 x 14 inches).
Choosing "Legal" from the list will automatically adjust your document’s size to legal paper dimensions.
Step 5: Verify the Change
Check your document’s size to ensure it has changed to Legal size.
You can do this by looking at the rulers along the top and side of your document or by opening the Page Setup dialog box to confirm.
After completing these steps, your document will be formatted to legal size, and you can continue editing or printing as needed.
Tips for Setting Legal Size in Word
- Check Printer Settings: Make sure your printer is set to accommodate legal size paper, or you might face printing issues.
- Adjust Margins: After changing the document size, review and adjust the margins so the content fits well.
- Save as Template: If you frequently use legal size, save it as a template for easy access in the future.
- Preview Before Printing: Always use the Print Preview feature to ensure everything looks right before sending your document to the printer.
- Use Page Breaks: For longer documents, use page breaks to control where content starts on the legal-sized pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Putting Legal Size in Word
How do I know if my document is set to legal size?
Look at the rulers along the top and side of your document or check the Page Setup dialog box.
Can I set legal size as the default for all new documents?
Yes, you can modify the Normal.dotm template to default all new documents to legal size.
What if I don’t see the "Legal" option in the Size menu?
Ensure that your printer drivers are up-to-date and that Word is fully updated.
Will changing the size affect my document’s layout?
Yes, changing the size may affect the layout, so you may need to adjust formatting and margins.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to change the paper size?
No, paper size changes need to be done through the Layout tab and Size menu.
Summary
- Step 1: Open Microsoft Word.
- Step 2: Go to the "Layout" tab.
- Step 3: Click on "Size."
- Step 4: Select "Legal" Size.
- Step 5: Verify the Change.
Conclusion
Changing your document to legal size in Microsoft Word is straightforward once you know where to look. Now that you’ve learned these steps, formatting any document to fit legal paper should be a breeze. Remember to preview your document before printing to avoid any formatting mishaps. If you frequently use legal size, consider saving the settings as a template to save time. For more advanced formatting options, exploring further Word features can be beneficial. Happy formatting!
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.