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How to Create a Modified Block Layout in Word 2007

In a modified block letter, the date, closing, and signature start at the middle of the page; the rest of the letter is aligned with the left margin. The way to do this in Word is to set a left tab in the center of the margins. If you are in a portrait document with 1” left and right margins, the center would be at the 3.25” mark.

If you set the tab when you start typing the document, you’ll just need to push the tab key at the beginning of the lines you want indented.

If you are setting the tab after the letter is typed up, remember to select the parts of the letter you want to apply it to before setting the tab. You can also use the Format Painter to copy the set tab from the line it was set on to the lines where it is needed.

How to Set a Tab

1. Turn on the ruler in Word, if it isn’t showing.
2. The Tab Type button should show a Left Tab.
3. Determine where the center of the margins is. For this example use 3.25”.
4. Click the 3.25 position on the ruler to set the tab.
5. You will need to push the Tab key to see the tab actually work. If you are setting the tab for existing text, remember to select the text before setting the tab and you will still need to push the tab key at the beginning of every paragraph it should be used on.

From left to right: Left tab, set left tab, Show Ruler button.

If the letter is already typed up, you can select the parts to set the tab on by holding Ctrl while single-clicking in the left margin area with the mouse pointing at the lines. Select all the lines, then set the tab. You will still have to go back and push the tab key at the beginning of each line.

If you used the modified block style frequently, you could create a template with the tabs pre-set or save the already-tabbed date, closing, and signature as Quick Parts.

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