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The University of Tennessee

Thesis/Dissertation Consultant

Frequently Used Tools:



Thesis/Dissertation website » Dot Leader Fix


How to Align Dot Leaders (....) in Microsoft Word

  1. Select/highlight all titles/headings and page numbers in Table of Contents, List of Figures, or List of Tables.
  2. In Word 2007, choose the “Home” tab, then click on the “expand” icon in the bottom right corner of the “Paragraph” group. Click on the “Tabs” button in the lower left corner of the “Paragraph” window.

    *Note: In Word 2003, go to “Format” and select “Tabs”.

  3. Set a 'Tab Stop Position.' The number you select will be added to your left/inside margin number. Ignore 'Default Tab Stops.' (Ex. A 5.5 inch tab stop will place your page numbers 1 inch from the right/outside margin because a 5.5 inch tab stop plus the 1.5 inch left/inside margin is 7 inches.)
  4. Under 'Alignment' select 'Right.'
  5. Under 'Leader' select '2…..'
  6. Click the 'Set' button, then the 'OK' button.
  7. Highlight and delete the dot leaders (….) between your first title/heading and page number.
  8. Leave the cursor between the last letter of the title/heading and the first page number, then hit the tab key.
  9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 for all titles/headings in Table of Contents, List of Figures, or List of Tables.

Contact The Consultant

111 Student Services Bldg.
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-1337
Email (preferred): thesis@utk.edu

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