You can quickly set tabs by clicking the tab selector at the left end of the ruler, choosing the type of tab you want, and then clicking the ruler at the location you want. But which type of tab stop should you use?

The Left Tab sets the start position of text that will then run to the right.

The Center Tab sets the position of the middle of the text.

The Right Tab sets the right end of the text. As you type, the text moves to the left.

The Decimal Tab aligns text around a decimal point. Independent of the length of the figure, the decimal point will be in the same position.

The Bar Tab is the odd one out, as it doesn't position text. It inserts a vertical bar at the tab position.

If you want your tab stops at precise positions that you can't get by clicking the ruler, you can use the Tabs dialog box (Format menu).