"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,820 tips!

Microsoft Publisher 2007

Toggle Paragraph Markers, Dots between Words, Other Hidden Characters

SUMMARY: Toggle whether or not hidden characters such as paragraph markers and dots representing spaces should appear when editing Publisher 2007 documents.

Depending on your configuration, special hidden characters may appear when editing Microsoft Publisher 2007 documents. These may include dots where spaces used to be between words, paragraph markers, right-pointed arrows representing tabs, left-pointed arrows representing soft returns, and other symbols / characters.

These characters may prove useful when editing textboxes to determine whether or not text is formatted in a new paragraph or separated via line breaks (soft returns). Also, these make it easier to see if extra space between words is due to full justification or an accidental extra hit of the space bar. You can also see whether or not a large group of spaces can be converted to tabs, allowing possible easier alignment editing later.

Example of a text box showing special characters

If you would like to view these characters, or conversely if they have appeared and you have no idea why (and wish to turn them off), do one of the following:

* Select "View" - "Special Characters"

* Press Ctrl + Shift + Y