WD: Bottom of Header/Footer Text Is Truncated (176123)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0a
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 6.0c
  • Microsoft Word for Windows NT 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95
  • Microsoft Word for Windows 95 7.0a
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0.1
  • Microsoft Word for the Macintosh 6.0.1a
  • Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition
This article was previously published under Q176123

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Word, when the contents of a header or footer in a document is larger than half the page size, part of the header or footer will be truncated (cut off).

CAUSE

This functionality is by design of Microsoft Word. By default, Word will not allow a header or footer to be larger than half the total page height.

For example, in a letter-sized document (8.5 x 11 inches) in portrait orientation, the header or footer can be a maximum of 5.5 inches in height. In landscape orientation, the header or footer can be a maximum 4.25 inches in height.

WORKAROUND

Set the Header or Footer to a fixed (absolute) height. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. On the File menu, click Page Setup.
  2. Click to select the Margins tab.
  3. In the Top Margin box, change the top margin to a negative value. For example, if your top margin is set to 1" (1 inch), change the top margin to -1" (-1 inch).
For more information about headers and footers, follow the steps appropriate for your version of Word.

Word 98 Macintosh Edition



Click the Office Assistant, type "Why is the text in my header cut off?," click Search, and then click to view "Troubleshoot headers and footers."

NOTE: If the Assistant is hidden, click the Office Assistant button on the Standard toolbar. If Microsoft Help is not installed on your computer, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component



Word 7.0 for Windows 95



On the Help menu, click Answer Wizard. Type "Why is the text in my header cut off?" and click Search. Click to select the topic "Troubleshoot headers and footers," and then click Display.

Word 6.0 (Windows and Macintosh)



On the Help menu, click "Search for help on." Type Headers, and then click Display. In the Topics Found dialog box, click "Page Setup: Margins, Page Numbers, and Other Items," click Display, and then click "Adjusting the position of a header or footer."
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbhowto kbprb KB176123
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.