Greetings folks,

I'm writing operating instructions in Word 2007. My OS is Windows 7 (64 bit).

The doc includes numerous single-word text boxes, and each time I reopen the doc, the line spacing in the text boxes changes from 1.0 to 1.5, which then throws off the spacing of the word within the box. (I.e., it's no longer centered vertically in the box.)

Thanks in advance for your help,


Frank

You apparently have the document set to refresh styles from the template upon opening. This is not the setting you want to have for any document.

You can change this setting by clicking on the Document Template button on the Developer Tab.

The style being changed is probably the normal style. You can check on that by clicking in the textbox and press Shift-F1 to Reveal Formatting. Check the box at the bottom to Distinguish style source.

Thanks for the reply.

When I click on the Document Template button, the Templates and Add-ins window opens, but I don't see any controls pertaining to "refresh styles from the template."

Once I get that part worked out, then I'll pursue the second part of your answer ("the style being changed is probably the normal style").

Thanks,
Frank

Try "Automatically update document styles."

Hi Charles,

I suspected that might be the control in question, but I had my doubts, due to:

a) the different verbiage ("refresh styles from the template upon opening" vs. "automatically update document styles"); and

b) your description: "you apparently have the document set to ... " [etc.]. Your description sounded like a radio button or checkbox that had been inadvertently selected/checked, while my "Automatically update document styles" box wasn't checked.

Not blaming you, mind you ... just explaining my (Word novice's) way of thinking! ;-)

At any rate, I've checked the "Automatically update" box following your latest reply. But that alone didn't seem to accomplish my goal. (The doc still re-opened with different spacing in the text boxes.) So I renamed one of my styles "Text Box" and modified it accordingly, then applied that style to all my text boxes.

Seems to have fixed it!

(Just FWIW, I've used Word casually for 10-15 years, but I'm using it more intensely than ever in my current role as a tech writer. I pick up tips and tricks from associates or via "Word Help," and just joined this forum as well. But I estimate that I'm only using Word to 50-60% efficiency, so I'm taking a series of intensive Word classes in the next few months to get a more comprehensive grasp on how Word works.)

So, thanks again for your help ... looking forward to learning more!
Frank

Sorry for not being clearer. You do NOT want this box checked, ever. (There are times to check it, but you will know if you need it checked. They are primarily for developing documents to use as templates. It should never be left checked.)

Take a look at Lynda.com's video courses. They are relatively inexpensive and good.

Learn to use Styles.
Understanding Styles in Microsoft Word
Why use Microsoft Word’s built-in heading styles?
If you use Word more than two hours a day, the time you spend on learning to use Styles will be repaid tenfold within the first two months.

If you read through just the linked article below, you will be far ahead of most Word users in your effectiveness: Basic concepts of Microsoft Word: An introduction

No matter what any help article, book or instructor tells you, do not use the Master Documents "Feature" without off-site backup of your document.

Charles,

Thanks for all the links!

- FG

PS: I also just went and UNCHECKED "Automatically update ..." per your advice. I had also gone in and "fiddled with" the styles a few days ago. So far, things have been working as I had hoped. (We'll see next time, though!)

Looking forward to doing more of these kinds of things because I KNOW what I'm doing, rather than merely stumbling unto something that seems to work, but not knowing why. :-)