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how do i get rid of the dots indicating a space between words?

Anonymous
2012-07-31T03:25:16+00:00

When I type a document i word, I see little dots between the words. I am usin g the prin t view, and these dots make it hard to edit .

How do I get rid of them?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-07-31T03:41:47+00:00

    You're seeing formatting marks. Tap Ctrl+Shift+8 or click the ¶ (i.e. pilcrow) button to toggle the display of these on and off.

    More control on what formatting marks are displayed is available within Word 2003's Tools, Options, View.

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-07-31T04:43:07+00:00

    Jeeped has covered the techniques for displaying / hiding the non printing formatting marks.

    Personally, I keep them on all the time, except maybe sometimes when I'm looking at final layout.  I like to know what is causing strange spacing without having to take the extra "effort" to look at the underlying causes.  But knowing the keyboard shortcut is a good alternative because it allows you to turn them on and off quickly.

    Another alternative is the tool I mention in my signature, "Crosseyes", I quite like it.

    Formatting Problems? Install CrossEyes - http://www.levitjames.com/Products/CrossEyes.aspx****

    This tool adds a pane that converts Word formatting into HTML/WordPefect like “codes”, displaying a WordPerfect like “Reveal Codes” pane. It is a great complement to MS’s inadequate attempt in the <SHF><F1> “Reveal Formatting” pane.

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  1. Stefan Blom 339.2K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2017-10-07T14:19:16+00:00

    How do I remove dots between words?

    In recent versions of Word, you can click File | Options | Display and clear all the boxes under "Always show these formatting marks on the screen."

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Doug Robbins - MVP - Office Apps and Services 322.9K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2015-09-14T07:22:42+00:00

    Go to File>Options>Display and make sure that you do NOT have a check mark in the box alongside Spaces.

    That setting is not overwritten by the use of the use of Ctrl+* (Ctrl+Shift+8) or by clicking the Show/Hide button.

    If that does not overcome the problem and you are seeing something other than the dots between words as shown above, please post a screen shot so that we can see the issue.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2012-08-06T06:01:30+00:00

    "and these dots make it hard to edit ."

    Actually just about all professional Word users keep this ON, because it makes editing easier.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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