How to Change the Gutter Position in MS Word 2016: A Step-by-Step Guide

Adjusting the Gutter Position in Microsoft Word 2016

Nailing the gutter setting in Microsoft Word 2016 makes all the difference, especially if your document is heading for binding. That little bit of extra space helps keep your text clear of the binding fold, which is a lifesaver when you want your report or project to open flat. The good news? Changing it isn’t complicated—it’s quite straightforward.

Setting Up the Gutter

The gutter is simply the extra margin added to the inside edge of your pages to accommodate binding. If you’ve ever struggled to read text close to the spine of a book, you’ll know what this is for. Adjusting the gutter gives your document a polished, professional look, particularly when printing double-sided.

Finding the Page Setup

To tweak the gutter settings, click on the ‘Layout’ tab at the top of Word. Then, select ‘Margins’. You’ll see a list of preset options, but for custom settings, choose ‘Custom Margins’ at the bottom. That opens a dialog box where the magic happens. If you prefer shortcuts, press Alt + P + M—pretty handy, right?

Gutter Size Matters

In the ‘Page Setup’ window, locate the ‘Gutter’ field. Enter the amount of space you need for binding—think of it as giving your text some breathing room. A larger number means more space, so input your preferred size. If you need to change measurement units, go to File > Options > Advanced and look for ‘Show measurements in units of’. Easy peasy.

Positioning the Gutter

Just below the gutter size input, you can select where the gutter sits—typically on ‘Left’ for standard documents. If you’re designing something like a calendar or a booklet, you might choose ‘Top’. Proper placement ensures your document looks sharp when printed. Also, for double-sided printing, turning on ‘Mirror margins’ (found under Layout > Margins > Mirrored) keeps everything aligned nicely.

Applying Changes Across the Whole Document

Once you’ve set the size and position, make sure to apply the settings to the entire document by selecting ‘Whole document’ from the ‘Apply to’ dropdown. You don’t want inconsistent formatting in different sections. Click ‘OK’, and your document will update with the new gutter settings.

Pro Tips for Gutter Management in Word 2016

Always preview your document using ‘Print Preview’ before finalising. Sometimes, what looks good on screen can behave differently in print. For most binding types, a gutter between 0.5 and 1 inch works well, but it’s best to check with your printer for precise measurements.

Be mindful of headers and footers—they can get squished if the gutter adjustment isn’t handled carefully. And of course, save your changes to avoid any regrets later on.

Common Questions About Gutter Adjustments

How Much Gutter Space Do I Need?

This largely depends on your binding method. For most projects, aim for a gutter of around 0.5 to 1 inch. Thicker bindings might need a bit more. It’s wise to consult your printer for recommended measurements.

Can I Set Different Gutter Sizes for Different Sections?

Absolutely! If you’re working on a complex document like a textbook or a catalogue, you can select ‘This section’ in the ‘Apply to’ dropdown when setting up gutters. Very handy for multi-part projects!

How Will Changing the Gutter Affect My Layout?

Adjusting the gutter can shift your content inward. Increasing it will pull text closer to the binding, which might affect the aesthetic if not managed carefully. Always double-check with ‘Print Preview’ or view in ‘Print Layout’ mode to ensure everything looks spot on before printing.

What’s the Difference Between Gutter and Margins?

Regular margins frame your text; the gutter is extra space on the inside edge to prevent text from disappearing into the binding. Understanding the difference is key to a neat and readable document.

Where Should Page Numbers Be Placed?

Usually, gutter adjustments won’t affect page number placement unless they’re positioned too close to the margins. After making layout changes, quickly check their position via Insert > Header or Footer just to be safe.

Getting the gutter just right can really elevate the look of your document. It’s easier than you might think, so don’t be afraid to experiment until it’s perfect.

Hopefully, this helps save you a bit of time along the way.