Absolute positioning

Question

How can I tell the absolute positioning of some text in a Word document, i.e. inches from the top margin and inches from the left margin. Better yet, how can I position the text the number of inches from the top/left that I want it to be.

I have a printed document that I want to make a copy of in Word and then make some minor changes. I am using it to create an overlay on our mainframe computer.

Answer 1

It would be far simpler to insert a textbox and position that where you want it to be. The formatting tools allow you to size and position the textbox exactly where you want it. You can remove its border too, if you don't want one. Do be aware that your default paragraph format might add some white-space before the first text line. You can omit that by changing the 'before' spacing. Similarly, textboxes have default internal margins, which you might want to reduce to 0, via the textbox formatting tools.

If there are numerous data-entry areas, you might find it better to use a single multi row/column table instead of multiple textboxes. As well as fixing row heights and column widths, you can resize, split and merge individual table cells to get the effect you're after.

Answer 2

As well, there is the peripherally related:

Absolutely Positioning a Graphic

by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 14, 2013)

http://word.tips.net/T001441\_Absolutely\_Positioning\_a\_Graphic.html

Answer 3

Thanks Pam, that was the clue I was looking for

Understanding the **ADVANCE** Field (Microsoft Word)

Oct 10, 2012 ... You can use the Advance field to change where text is positioned in your document. This tip shows how to use it and the options available.

word.tips.net/T000547_Understanding_the_ADVANCE_Field.html

Exactly Positioning Text (Microsoft Word)

Oct 10, 2009 ... Those familiar with WordPerfect may also be familiar with its advance feature. This allowed you to quickly and easily place text in a specific ...

word.tips.net/T007347_Exactly_Positioning_Text.html

Answer 4

Take a look at the advance field.