How to Change the Margins in Word
Margins are the blank space around the edge of the page. Make them narrower to fit more on a page, or wider for a cleaner, more readable look.
Quick reference
| What you want | How |
|---|---|
| Preset margins | Layout → Margins |
| Exact sizes | Layout → Margins → Custom Margins… |
| Drag by eye | View → Ruler, drag the grey edge |
| Make it the default | Custom Margins → Set As Default |
1. Choose a preset
1. Go to the Layout tab.
2. Click Margins.
3. Pick a preset:
• Normal — 2.54 cm (1 inch) all round.
• Narrow — 1.27 cm (0.5 inch). Fits the most on a page.
• Moderate and Wide — somewhere in between, or more generous.
2. Click Margins.
3. Pick a preset:
• Normal — 2.54 cm (1 inch) all round.
• Narrow — 1.27 cm (0.5 inch). Fits the most on a page.
• Moderate and Wide — somewhere in between, or more generous.
2. Set exact margins
1. Layout → Margins → Custom Margins…
2. Type values for Top, Bottom, Left and Right.
3. Under Apply to, choose Whole document or This point forward.
4. Click OK.
2. Type values for Top, Bottom, Left and Right.
3. Under Apply to, choose Whole document or This point forward.
4. Click OK.
3. Drag the ruler
Turn on View → Ruler. The grey areas at each end of the ruler are the margins. Hover over the boundary until you see a double arrow, then drag. Hold Alt while dragging to see exact measurements.
4. Make your margins the default
In the Custom Margins box, click Set As Default and confirm. Every new blank document will use these margins from now on.
5. Printing a booklet? Add a gutter
A gutter is extra space on the binding edge so text isn't lost in the spine. In Custom Margins, set the Gutter size (1 cm is a good start) and its position.
For double-sided printing, set Multiple pages to Mirror margins so inside and outside margins swap on alternate pages.
6. Different margins for one page
Insert a section break (Layout → Breaks → Next Page) before and after that page, click inside it, then change the margins with Apply to: This section.
Troubleshooting
"One or more margins are set outside the printable area." Your printer can't print that close to the edge. Click Fix or increase the margins slightly.
The default didn't stick. Close Word and click Save if it asks about the Normal template.
Wrapping up
Layout → Margins for quick changes, Custom Margins for exact sizes, and Set As Default so you never have to do it again.
