To enable or disable the vertical and horizontal ruler in a Microsoft Word document, click the link below. Depending on the version of Microsoft Word you have, for steps on how to do this.

Microsoft Word 2013 and 2016

Click the View tab, then click the Ruler check box to show the horizontal and vertical ruler.

The horizontal ruler is displayed below the menu or Ribbon bar and the vertical ruler is displayed on the left side of the Word program window.

  • Microsoft Word 2013 and 2016.
  • Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010.
  • Earlier versions of Word, OpenOffice, and other word processors.

Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010

Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010 use the Ribbon instead of the file menu. Enabling and disabling the rulers is done through either of the following methods.

Click the View Ruler icon on the top of the right vertical scroll bar, as shown in the picture.

You can also click the View tab and check the box for Ruler.

Earlier versions of Word, OpenOffice, and other word processors

  • Click the View drop-down menu at the top of Word.
  • Check Ruler to enable the Ruler or uncheck Ruler to disable the Ruler.

You may need to click the bottom chevrons if you do not see the Ruler option.

  • How to enable and disable the ruler in WordPad.
  • See our ruler definition for related information and links.
  • Microsoft Word help and support.