Align or alignment is a term that describes how text is placed on the screen. For example, left-aligned text creates a straight line of text on the left side of the page (like this paragraph). Text can be aligned along the edge of a page, cell, div, table, or another visible or non-visible line. Below are some different examples of aligned text.

Examples of alignment

Left-aligned

When aligning or positioning text, never press spacebar a bunch of times. Using this method to position text on a page causes many problems. Text should be positioned using one of the alignments mentioned below, or using tab stops and Tab.

Tab-aligned

Center-aligned

Right-aligned

What are the alignment shortcut keys?

The alignment keyboard shortcut keys can vary depending on what program is used and the type of computer. However, generally speaking, use Ctrl+L to left align, Ctrl+E to center, Ctrl+R to right align, and Ctrl+J to justify text.

How many alignments are in Microsoft Word?

In Microsoft Word and most word processors, there are four alignments for text: left, center, right, and justified.

What is the default alignment?

With programs designed for English users, the left alignment is the default alignment. With languages that write right-to-left, the right alignment is the default alignment.

Center, Flush left, Flush right, Horizontal, Left align, Margin, Ragged, Right align, Ruler, Tab stop, Typography terms, Vertical, Word processor terms, Word wrap

  • How to align text in Microsoft Word, Writer, and Google Docs.
  • How to align text in Microsoft Excel, Calc, and Google Sheets.
  • How to align text on a web page in HTML or CSS.