Generally speaking, a decimal tab aligns text on the first non-numeric
character in a string (other than the thousands separator). I have only
rarely used it to align times, but where it really comes in handy is when
you're trying to align figures in a table where some are in parentheses
(negative numbers) or have asterisks or other note reference characters
after them.
I see that my article at
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Formatting/SettingTabs.htm explains how to set
tabs but doesn't really explain what the different kinds do. When I revamp
that article, I should probably add that.
--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA
Word MVP FAQ site:
http://word.mvps.org
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"JoAnn Paules [MVP]" wrote in message
.. .
I recently learned about being able to use colons in a decimal aligned
tab.
I can't find diddly on it anywhere. It's pretty cool because now I can
line
up times in a Publisher document that I am making but I'll be darned if I
can find anywhere that times me that the tab properties can use colons
that
way.
If Word is more than you need, try WordPad instead.
--
JoAnn Paules
MVP Microsoft [Publisher]
"WFM" wrote in message
...
Thanks, JoAnn and Suzanne for the replies.
I still don't understand the "white space" feature. Really though the
bigger problem is that Word is so big, complex and full of esoteric
features
that it I find it unweildy when I try to do anything out of the my
normal
routine. Trying to figure out something that should be a simple task,
such
as using a downloaded template, usually becomes a muti-hour excercise in
frustration!
I'm not complaining about the product per se, because I think Word is a
terrific program. But it really needs a more user-friendly way for us
non-professionals to learn how to use program features. I'm not
interested
in taking Word training courses because I have neither the time nor the
inclination. I just want things clearly and completely explained in an
easily-used Help section. I could find nothing in my Help searches that
even
remotely refered to the "white spaces" problem. How was I to know? But
then, maybe I just missed it! Or perhaps, I didn't use the proper key
word
when I did the search. Very frustrating and time-consuming!
Thanks again, I appreciate your help.
WFM