Formatting documents in Word

This page brings together help with formatting essays, reports, dissertations and other Word documents.

Use the quick links below to go straight to the task you need help with. For detailed step-by-step instructions, use the linked guidance and Microsoft help pages.

Always check your module handbook, assessment brief or dissertation guidance first. If local guidance says something different from the general advice here, follow the local guidance for your module.

Go straight to

heading styles
page numbers
table of contents
tables, figures and captions
Track Changes and comments

Basic document formatting

For most assignments, start with the basics:

page layout and margins
line spacing
fonts and readability
page breaks
using styles instead of manual formatting

Many formatting problems happen when students try to force the layout manually instead of using Word’s built-in tools. This can lead to inconsistent spacing, blank pages, strange gaps, and headings that are difficult to manage.

Set up these basics early rather than leaving formatting until the end. It is usually quicker and causes fewer problems later.

Dissertations and other long documents

For longer pieces of work, Word’s built-in tools matter much more. They are usually quicker, more accurate and easier to update than formatting everything manually.

For dissertations, project reports and other long documents, you will often need:

heading styles
automatic page numbering
an automatic table of contents
captions for tables and figures
better version control while drafting

Start with these pages:

Abertay guidance

Formatting expectations can vary by module, subject area or dissertation brief.

Before making major formatting changes, check whether your local guidance says anything about:

title page
headings
page numbering
appendices
tables and figures
referencing style

Need step-by-step help?

Use the linked guidance and Microsoft help pages for step-by-step instructions on the most common document tasks.