Key that moves the cursor to the next tab stop

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Tab stop – a location where the cursor (insertion point) would stop when the Tab key is pressed.

• Tab stops are used to allow users to align text at a specific location in a document.
• A Tab stop defines length of Indent used at beginning of a line or paragraph.
• Pressing the Tab key (on the keyboard) will move the cursor to the next tab stop (which itself is invisible).
• The tab stop appears on the horizontal ruler at the top of the Word window.

• Left Tab – text is aligned to the left of the tab stop.
• Center Tab – text is centered in the middle of the tab stop.
• Right Tab – text is aligned to the right of the tab stop.
• Decimal Tab – numbers are aligned by their decimal points.
• Bar Tab – inserts a vertical line (bar) into a line of text.

The tab selector (tab indicator) – a small button located in the left corner of the horizontal ruler that supplies the user with a variety of tab marker (tab stop) options (left, right, center, etc.).

Insert a tab stop

Method 1

1. Select the paragraphs / sentences you wish to set tab.
2. Cli

   Tab stop facts for kids

   A tab stop is a special spot on a line where your cursor jumps to when you press the tab key on your keyboard. Think of it like a hidden marker that helps you line up text perfectly in programs like Microsoft Word. Tab stops make it easy to create neat lists, tables, or sections of text without having to press the spacebar many times.

   What Are Tab Stops?

   Tab stops are tools found in word processors. They help you organize text. When you press the tab key, your cursor moves to the next tab stop. This lets you quickly line up words or numbers. It's much faster than using the spacebar.

   Why Use Tab Stops?

   Tab stops are super useful for making your documents look tidy. Imagine you need to create a list of items and their prices. Without tab stops, it would be hard to make the prices line up perfectly. Tab stops help you:

   • Create organized lists.
   • Make simple tables.
   • Indent text neatly.
   • Align numbers, especially decimals.

   Where Do You Find Tab Stops?

   You'll usually find tab stops in word processing software. Programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer all use them. They are often shown on the ruler bar at the top of your docum
   
   

   Set Tab Positions in Word
3. Move your cursor to the start of the January, February, March line of text in your document
4. Locate the Paragraph panel in the Home ribbon at the top of Word
5. Click the small arrow in the bottom right of the Paragraph panel:

When you click the arrow you should see a dialogue box appear. This one:

Click the Tabs button in the bottom left. Another dialogue box will emerge, and will look like this:

The area to concentrate on is Tab stop position, right at the top. When you crave to set a tab cease, you type in a number in the text box below the words "Tab stop position". Then you press the "Set" button.

We are going to position tab stop positions at 3, 5 and 7 centimetres from the left hand side. (If your Word measurements are arrange to inches the figures to use are 1.18, 1.97, and 2.75.)

1. Enter a 3 in the Tab stop position message box
2. Click the "Set" button
3. Enter a 5 in the Tab stop position text box
4. Click the "Set" button
5. Enter a 7 in the Tab terminate position text box
6. Click the "Set" button

When you are finished, your Tab dialogue box should look like this:

Click the OK butto


Tab key facts for kids

The tab key is a useful button on your computer keyboard. You can usually find it on the far left side, just above the caps lock key. It helps you move around quickly when you are typing or using different computer programs.

What the Tab Key Does

The tab key has a few important jobs. It helps you organize text and move between different parts of a program.

Moving Text with Tabs

When you are writing in a program like a word processor, the tab key helps you line up your text neatly. Instead of pressing the space bar many times, you can press the tab key once. This moves your cursor (the blinking line that shows where you are typing) to a special spot called a tab stop. Tab stops are like invisible markers that help you create organized lists or columns of text.

Navigating Programs with Tab

The tab key is also great for moving around in computer programs without using your mouse. In most programs with a visual display, pressing the tab key will move your focus from one button, box, or menu to the next. This means you can easily fill out forms or click on options just by using your keyboard. For example, if you are filling out an online form, you ca