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The tab stop cannot be modified.

Anonymous
2024-11-14T16:18:33+00:00

Hello, I can't modify the tab stops in Word. Here's the situation: as shown in Figure 1, I inserted references into my paper, but I found that they weren't aligned properly. So, I modified the tab stop, changing it from 2.1 to 2.5, to match the hanging indent (2.5). However, strangely, the reference style didn’t change. I clicked to check the settings, and I found that the tab stop is still set to 2.1(Figure 1). This issue has been bothering me for a whole day. Could you please tell me the reason? Also, when I try to modify the tab stop, everything is displayed in gray(Figure 2).

Figure 1

Figure 2

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  1. Suzanne S Barnhill 277.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-11-16T12:41:24+00:00

    You appear to be trying to create a new style based on Bibliography. Instead, change the tab stop in one reference paragraph, right-click on the Bibliography style, and choose Update Bibliography to Match Selection. Also, note that indent settings for numbered paragraphs must be set in the Define New Multilevel List dialog rather than the Paragraph dialog.

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  1. Suzanne S Barnhill 277.1K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-11-17T12:38:56+00:00

    I'm glad this worked for you. Perhaps you could mark my reply as the answer? Thanks!

    FWIW, by default, TOC styles are set to update automatically, so just making a change in one entry (through the Define New Multilevel List dialog) should update the style for you.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-11-17T09:03:05+00:00

    Setting tab stops via a ruler is not a very wise choice, especially in serious paper writing.
    As shown in Figure 2, the tab stop is gray. Although you can also modify the number and set a new tab stop size, the modification does not work.

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-11-17T08:56:34+00:00

    Thank you very much.
    The solution you provided perfectly addressed the challenge that had been holding me back for days.

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  4. Anonymous
    2024-11-16T09:34:27+00:00

    Hi, KUNG CHI

    Thank you for using Microsoft products and posting them to the community.

    Where are you trying to change?

    If it's as pictured here: reforming the table position won't help.

    You can change the width here, by moving: (view - ruler to open)

    And then regarding the gray display, is it clickable on your end, despite the gray? Or is it unclickable? Because after testing, it's showing the same as gray on our side:

    Looking forward to your reply.

    Best wishes

    Aiden.C - MSFT |Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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