Ever tried to type in small caps in Microsoft Word but weren’t sure how to go about it? Small caps can give your document a polished, professional look, and it’s easier than you might think to apply them to your text. In just a few simple steps, you can have your words looking sharp and stylish.
How to Type in Small Caps in Microsoft Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what we’re aiming for here. Small caps are uppercase letters that are the same height as lowercase letters, giving your text a uniform look. They’re often used for headings, titles, or to add emphasis without shouting at your reader in all capital letters. Ready to give it a go? Let’s get started.
Step 1: Highlight the Text
Highlight the text you want to change to small caps.
Once you’ve typed out your text, use your mouse to highlight the portion that you want to display in small caps. This could be a single word, a sentence, or a whole section. You can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A to select all the text in your document if you want everything in small caps.
Step 2: Open the Font Dialog Box
Right click on the highlighted text and select ‘Font’ from the context menu.
After highlighting the text, right click on it to open the context menu. Here you’ll see an option labeled ‘Font’. Click on this to open the Font dialog box where you’ll find a variety of options to customize your text.
Step 3: Select ‘Small Caps’
Check the ‘Small caps’ box in the Font dialog box.
In the Font dialog box, you’ll see a list of effects. Look for the one labeled ‘Small caps’. Click the checkbox next to it to enable small caps for your highlighted text. You can preview how it will look in the sample window at the top of the dialog box.
Step 4: Click ‘OK’
Click ‘OK’ to apply the small caps to your highlighted text.
Once you’ve checked the ‘Small caps’ box, all you have to do is click ‘OK’ at the bottom of the Font dialog box. Your selected text will instantly change to small caps. Simple, right?
After completing these steps, your selected text will be displayed in small caps. It’s a subtle change, but it can make a big difference in the overall look of your document. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other font effects to find the perfect style for your content.
Tips for Typing in Small Caps in Microsoft Word
- Small caps are great for acronyms or initials to keep them from standing out too much.
- Use small caps for a consistent, professional look in sections like your document’s header or footer.
- Remember that small caps can affect the readability of your text, so use them sparingly.
- You can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+K to quickly apply or remove small caps from your text.
- If you’re designing a logo or title, small caps can add a modern, sleek look to your design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert existing all-caps text to small caps?
Yes, just highlight the all-caps text and follow the steps to apply the small caps effect.
Will small caps affect my document’s formatting?
No, small caps are just a font effect and won’t change the overall formatting of your document.
Can I use small caps in combination with other text effects?
Absolutely! Small caps can be used alongside bold, italic, or underlined text for added emphasis or style.
Is there a keyboard shortcut to apply small caps?
Yes, you can use Ctrl+Shift+K to toggle small caps on and off for selected text.
Can I apply small caps to text in other Microsoft Office applications?
The process for applying small caps may vary, but the option is available in other Office apps like PowerPoint and Outlook.
Summary
- Highlight the text you want in small caps.
- Right click and select ‘Font’ from the context menu.
- Check the ‘Small caps’ box in the Font dialog box.
- Click ‘OK’ to apply the small caps to your text.
Conclusion
Mastering how to type in small caps in Microsoft Word is a skill that can elevate the look of your documents, presentations, and even professional correspondence. It’s a simple, yet effective way to add emphasis and style without going overboard with all caps. Whether you’re working on an academic paper, a business proposal, or a creative project, understanding the steps to apply small caps can help you communicate your message with more sophistication. Now that you know how to do it, don’t shy away from using this nifty feature to spruce up your Word documents. Happy typing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.