Changing the period size in Word 2016 can be a handy trick to subtly increase the length of your document without changing the font size or spacing. It’s a quick and easy process that can make all the difference when you’re trying to meet a page count for a school assignment or work project.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Change Period Size in Word 2016
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why you might want to change the period size in your Word document. Sometimes, you may need to slightly increase the length of your paper to meet a requirement, and adjusting the period size is a simple way to do this without making your text look noticeably different.
Step 1: Select the Replace function
Open the “Find and Replace” dialogue box by pressing Ctrl + H on your keyboard.
Step 2: Enter the period character
In the “Find what” field, type a period.
Step 3: Change the font size
Click on the “More” button, then “Format,” and select “Font.” Choose the desired font size for your periods, then click “OK.”
This will ensure that only the periods in your document are affected by the change in size, leaving all other text the same size as before.
Step 4: Replace all
Click on “Replace All” to apply the change to every period in your document.
After completing these steps, all periods in your Word document will be the new size you specified. This can add extra length to your document without any obvious changes to the text itself.
Tips for Changing Period Size in Word 2016
- Make sure you’re only changing the size of the periods, and not any other punctuation marks.
- Experiment with different period sizes to see which one looks the most natural.
- Remember that changing the period size can affect the layout of your document, so check for any formatting issues.
- Use this technique sparingly, as overdoing it can make your document look odd to a discerning reader.
- Consider using this method in combination with other subtle changes, like adjusting margins or line spacing, to reach your desired page count.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I undo the period size change?
To undo the period size change, simply repeat the steps and set the period size back to the original font size.
Will changing the period size be noticeable?
If done subtly and not excessively, changing the period size should not be easily noticeable.
Can I change the size of other punctuation marks?
Yes, you can change the size of any character in your Word document using the same steps.
Does changing the period size affect the document’s readability?
If the size change is minor, it should not significantly affect readability.
Is changing the period size considered cheating?
It depends on the context. For academic papers, it’s always best to follow your instructor’s guidelines.
Summary
- Select the Replace function.
- Enter the period character.
- Change the font size.
- Replace all.
Conclusion
Changing the period size in Word 2016 is a clever and almost imperceptible way to increase the length of your document. Whether you’re a student trying to meet a page count for an essay or a professional aiming to fill out a report, this simple yet effective technique can make all the difference without compromising the overall look of your work. However, it’s essential to use this method responsibly and in moderation. Overuse can lead to a noticeable alteration in your document’s appearance and raise questions about the integrity of your work. Always consider the purpose of your document and the expectations of your audience before deciding to adjust the period size. Ultimately, delivering quality content should be your top priority, and formatting tricks like changing period size in Word 2016 should only be used as a last resort.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.