How to Create and Customize Headings in Microsoft Word

👉 Watch the updated version of this tutorial at • How to Create and Cust... . Learn how to create headings in Microsoft Word using styles. Then, learn how to customize those styles to your preferred font, font size, alignment, and color.
These steps are for Word for Office 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.
🤔 Do you want to create your own custom heading style? Check out my other tutorials "How to Create a Custom Heading Style in Microsoft Word" ( • How to Create a Custom... ) and "How to Create a Custom Heading Style in Word for Mac" ( • How to Create a Custom... ).
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:55 Why Are Heading Styles Important?
1:50 Create Headings Using Word's Heading Styles
2:58 Customize Word's Heading Styles
📝Corresponding Blog Post/Transcript for this Video
=========================================
How to Create and Customize Headings in Microsoft Word:
erinwrightwriting.com/how-to-...
💻Related Resources
======================
How to Use Microsoft Word Playlist: • How to Change Your Use...
How to Create and Update a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word (Video)
• How to Create and Upda...
How to Adjust Page Margins in Microsoft Word (Video)
• How to Adjust Page Mar...
💻 Please visit my blog at erinwrightwriting.com for more easy-to-follow tips on writing, editing, and document software.
Thank you for watching!
#microsoftword #microsoft365
All Rights Reserved © 2024 Erin Wright

[@erinwrightwriting]

The corresponding blog post for this video is at erinwrightwriting.com/how-to-create-and-customize-headings-in-microsoft-word/. Thank you for watching!

[@daniellevergara6552]

Hello Erin, I am a student who is visualy impaired, and you have no idea how much you’ve made my day by simply mentioning how beneficial headings are for those of us who use screen readers!!! From personal experiences, lack of headings in a word document can be frustrating to navigate when there are no headings if I want to get to a specific part using my screen reader.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Hello, Danielle. I really appreciate your comment. I wish you all the best with your studies!

[@TheHeatingEngineer]

Clear, concise, and a good pace (as per Charles Norris' earlier comment). I, and it appears to be true for many others, find it difficult to create text which is truly concise, to the point and yet contains all the instruction required for the specific subject. You have achieved that with great precision. Well done and thank you.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for taking the time to share such a kind comment! I really appreciate it!

[@garyfearon4774]

Thank you, Erin. Exactly what I was looking for!

[@erinwrightwriting]

Glad to hear it. Thank you for watching!

[@holistichealthcareltd3498]

amazing tutorial....i have been dying to learn how to do this..super frustrating not knowing how to customize heading style but now i know so absolutely loving it thanks.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I really appreciate your kind comment. Thank you for watching!

[@charlesnorris8147]

Clear, concise, and a good pace. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I appreciate your positive feedback!

[@charlesnorris8147]

@@erinwrightwriting Last week, my friends and I were talking and I told them how great KZbin is for getting knowledge on almost anything. All of the people that share their knowledge on KZbin should get a medal. Because you guys are very selfless and giving for sharing the way you do. I think most people take you guys for granted. Well, I don't; I really appreciate what you guys on KZbin do when you share your knowledge with the rest of us. Keep up the good work. Take care.

[@facebookblueprintinhindi5039]

You, Robbed My ❤️, Because Of so Much Information In A little Video.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@tlux2991]

Finally someone who can clearly explain this process. Thank you.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@saraverrall4302]

Thank you! Exxactly the help I needed; clear and concise. Perfect

[@erinwrightwriting]

I'm so glad to hear that. Thank you for watching!

[@tranduy8553]

This video pace is steady, straight to the point and informative. Excellent. Thank you.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I appreciate your kind words! Thank you for watching!

[@apps99pulks]

Thank you so much for this! Quick, to the point and brilliant content.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I really appreciate your kind comment. Thank you for watching!

[@apps99pulks]

@@erinwrightwriting 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kirangoudamudukanagoudra5080]

@@erinwrightwriting hai

[@peterwstevens3375]

excellent clear straightforward and extra context for neanderthal's like I was!!!!

[@erinwrightwriting]

I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for watching!

[@anniecnt]

Thank you, your video is easy to follow and perfectly clear!

[@erinwrightwriting]

I'm happy to hear that. Thank you for watching!

[@getkraken8064]

You just saved me more headaches than a bottle of 222s.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am glad to hear that! I wish you all the best with your document!

[@satulicoloco6188]

Thank you so much!

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@joemqondomuhle884]

Thank you so much with the help of customising heading in Microsoft word document.

[@erinwrightwriting]

You are most welcome! I wish you all the best with your Word project!

[@waadsaeed7837]

Thank you so much, your video is easy and perfectly clear!

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am happy to hear that. Thank you for watching!

[@rasimmedunjanin3697]

I appreciate easy to follow video. Thank you

[@erinwrightwriting]

You are very kind. Thank you for watching!

[@MissRaex]

Thank you so much! I finally am able to do this by myself, instead of using someone else's template!

[@erinwrightwriting]

I'm really happy to hear this. Thank you for watching!

[@MissRaex]

@@erinwrightwriting No, thank you for sharing! I couldn't handle everyone else's videos being 20 to 1 hour long.

[@PMF2022]

Thank you! You just solved my problem!

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am so happy to hear that. Thank you for watching!

[@zaidhamamah5391]

Thanks a lot Erin

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@abdulmalikal-abbasi534]

Thank you very much for posting this video, know that it is sincerely appreciated. I would like to inquire if it is actually possible to copy a text from a different word file with different (fonts,text color size, etc...) and once it's pasted in a separate word document if it's possible for the pasted text to automatically adjust and display in the same format that has been modified in the heading of the said seperate word document?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! You can use Merge Formatting (Home > Paste > Merge Formatting) to paste text that will then inherit the formatting of the receiving document. Unfortunately, this doesn't usually work with headings, only body text. I am trying to locate a solution. If I find one, I will be sure to post an update. Best of luck!

[@sbandi9]

Thank you so much for the video. Is it possible to have continuous numbering from the beginning of the document/report to the end (irrespective of the headings/level)

[@erinwrightwriting]

That is a great question! You can select Home > Multilevel List button > Define New Multilevel List, and then change the number for each level so they will appear continuous. Thank you for watching!

[@MehrdadIrani24]

Nice work. Have you made the video for themes and templates yet? Thank you 😊.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I haven't made that video yet, but it's definitely on the list for the coming months. Thanks for watching!

[@obviously1871]

thanks fam!

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@varunteja7230]

Thank u so much ❤️

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@williamlau2405]

Thank you for a very helpful video.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am glad to hear that this tutorial is helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@Randomyoutubevideosforyou]

Thanks for teach

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@zamdageuza6253]

Thank you, this is very useful and easy to follow

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am delighted to hear that! Thank you for watching!

[@alanbenton]

Great! Thank you!

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@user-rs8ff2ml2n]

This is really helpful I really appreciate your efforts 🙏🏽

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am glad that it helped! Thank you for watching!

[@horilalsoni]

ThanksIt was good & helpful.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I'm happy to hear that. Thank you for watching!

[@maame_5533]

Thank you so much 😚😚😚😚

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@sagnikdatta6130]

Thank You Erin

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@adik9441]

Thanks

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@dhanushrameshanitha7850]

Thank you Erin

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@MajidAli-wx3px]

Very informative Video. Thanks.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am so glad it was informative! Thank you for watching!

[@bodoimre]

Thank you. Very useful. Imre

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am glad to hear that! Thank you for watching!

[@BNK-NorMuhaiminBinAhmad]

thanks it reallt helps

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am so glad it helped! Thank you for watching!

[@zt7489]

Hi Erin, thank you for this simple to follow tutorial. Can you have a heading, say Heading 1 made into two different styles for different sections of a single document - e.g. the heading has a different back ground colour? Will this mess things up re: a TOC? Kind regards.

[@erinwrightwriting]

That is a great question! You can have multiple custom styles for the same heading levels. I have a separate tutorial explaining the process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5LNeZKmor-VgJo. I wish you all the best with your Word project!

[@zt7489]

@@erinwrightwriting Thanks very much, Erin.

[@mail4izi]

very clear and easy to implement with your instructions! THX

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching. I appreciate your positive feedback!

[@fh.kager1980]

Love ur work where are u from ❤

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you! I live in the United States.

[@DrivelineMaster]

This was helpful and well done but I'm interested in making a permanent change to the default heading styles so I don't have to keep changing the heading styles every time I want to create a document. How do I do this?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching my video! There are a few different ways to change the default heading styles. However, a better option may be to create your own style by selecting the heading in the Styles group, selecting the down menu arrow, and then selecting "Create a Style." A dialog box will appear that lets you create a new style based on the heading level you selected. Your new style will then be added to the Styles group. Best of luck!

[@DrivelineMaster]

Thanks, I will give that a try. I tried to check the box to make changes to all template documents but It didn't work when I opened a new word file the following day.

[@Kentucky-ev7bd]

Cool.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@mister-Kayne]

I was wondering how to accomplish this using the keyboard using a screen reader I wish to change formatting information for Heading Level 1; BOLD, Font Size 14 and default Font. If there is a way to apply this heading style to other similar such instances using a keyboard shortcut my work is done. Thank you for sharing, I am still experimenting creating accessible word documents

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching my video! I'm not well-versed on screen reader technology, so I'm afraid I don't have a proper answer to your question. However, you may want to contact the accessibility answer desk, if you haven't done so already. (I'll put the link below.) Best of luck! www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/disability-answer-desk?activetab=contact-pivot%3aprimaryr9

[@mister-Kayne]

@@erinwrightwriting Thank you, the technique you shared in your video worked; the only difference being that I used the keyboard to accomplish it. However, that is too many keyboard shortcut keys to remember. Thanks for your comment and sharing this video; appreciate it much!

[@milessy7783]

Hi Erin nice to watch and learn on your channel can I ask if how to change heading '17 on word

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you so much for watching! Can you provide a bit more information about what you mean by heading '17?

[@meenravpk1]

Mostly 9 heading style available in MS Office Word. How to add more heading style beyond which can be visible in table of content with subheadings?

[@erinwrightwriting]

You can add additional heading levels through the Table of Contents Options dialog box. To get there, select the Reference tab > Table of Contents > Custom Table of Contents > Options. Best of luck and thank you for watching!

[@rajeevvr8258]

Thank you for the very informative video. I have a small doubt. currently, I am writing my research thesis. I have four chapters and the third chapter has two sections. I use heading 1 for the chapters, like chapter 1, chapter 2 and so on. But the third chapter has two sections 3A and 3B. When change heading 1 for this, it automatically applies to chapter 1 and chapter 2, si chapter 1 become chapter 1A. How can i solve this problem.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching my video! Word can be particularly temperamental about mixing list levels. My best suggestion would be to place both sections of your third chapter in a separate section and then try changing the numbering. Best of luck!

[@rajeevvr8258]

@@erinwrightwriting I got the idea from your video. By putting a section break, turning off the automatic update, and changing multilevel from "whole list" to "from this section forward" I could manage this.. thank you for your kind reply..

[@ryangredly1437]

Could we change documents style fonts ,size color ,by creating own style and same style will be followed

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! Yes, you can create your own style. I have a separate tutorial showing how to create custom heading styles, which you may find helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5LNeZKmor-VgJo.

[@ryangredly1437]

@@erinwrightwriting thanks, I got one format from company and need to convert into same format around 100 documents..

[@aliallen7777]

How do you separate a run-in heading like Bold Heading. Body text paragraph? I’m having trouble because the Body text wants to take on the Bold Heading level, even though Body Text is correctly assigned!

[@erinwrightwriting]

Run-in headings can be very temperamental in Word. If you only have a few, the easiest way is to select the heading text and then style them manually. If you have more than a few, you can create a custom heading style and then manually apply that style to only the run-in heading text. Best of luck!

[@joseph-the-seventh]

Is it possible to created a heading style that uses numbered list formatting?

[@erinwrightwriting]

That is a great question! I have a separate tutorial showing how to add numbers to headings: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXXWnHqBmrd0bcU. Thank you for watching!

[@danielwilliams2011]

How do I create a Shoulder Heading

[@snowbank8617]

Well organized and well given presentation. But I was looking for the further style customization for alignment, spacing (especially before/after heading) and indentation and some explanation that seemed to have been promised but not presented.

[@GodsRealPoo]

Refreshing to have a slow, methodical pace. Can focus on learning instead of trying to chase the instructor's lightning-fast cursor.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I appreciate your positive feedback! Thank you for watching!

[@metaverseant4470]

Does having the Heading in bold effect the accessibility?

[@erinwrightwriting]

That is a great question! As long as the text is formatted using Word's heading styles (and not just regular text with bold formatting), then boldness shouldn't affect accessibility. Thank you for watching!

[@christinelihavi7714]

Hello please can you create a tutorial about Microsoft excel please please

[@bilalwajid3068]

What if we want to use more than 9 headings ... because there is only 9 headings listed in styles... kindly help

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately, I am not aware of a stable way to create additional heading levels. However, you can reuse same-level headings as many times as is necessary. I wish you all the best finding a solution!

[@alishafaye8033]

I modify a heading but it doest work

[@jigonzales3191]

I'm looking on how to modify for level 4 and 5 APA 7th ed. In this level, I can't change the paragraph format without affecting the heading 4/5 because the paragraph begins on the same line as the heading. So annoying. Anyone can help huhu?

[@jigonzales3191]

I figured it works if I write down the heading and paragraph first in normal style. Then, highlight the heading and click the style. Otherwise it won't work. :/

[@jigonzales3191]

Nice talking to myself. Thanks self.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am glad you found a solution! Thank you for watching!

[@mominimran7316]

My heading style 4 and 5 don't show any number rather a black bar wt to do plz guide

[@catalincatalin3945]

it's possible to add bookmark în navigation panel ?

[@erinwrightwriting]

That is an interesting question! I am not aware of a way to add bookmarks to the navigation pane. However, if I stumble up a solution I will be sure to post something about it. Thank you for watching!

[@catalincatalin3945]

@@erinwrightwriting kind regards!

[@sks-nz6mz]

how to add header only and remove footer from all pages?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! To remove all the footers, double-click the top or bottom of any page to open the Header & Footer tab. Next, select the Footer button, and then select Remove Footer from the drop-down menu. Best of luck!

[@sks-nz6mz]

thank you for answering. i tried this but the footer stays there. is it because it shows the blank footer area? is there a way to hide it?

[@indiaeye]

Erin, You have explained, otherwise complicated topic, beautifully. Many thanks to you

[@erinwrightwriting]

I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for watching!

[@alexandredesmarais3848]

I just opened a document for an exam and only Heading 7, 8 and 9 are available. Any higher headings don’t show up on the headings section. Why won’t it let me use heading 1?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching my video. Word only offers 9 levels of headings, so there aren't any available higher levels. Best of luck!

[@alexandredesmarais3848]

@@erinwrightwriting I think you misunderstood. Word wouldn’t let me use headings 1 to 6. Only 7 to 9 were available. I think it was a glitch so I copied and pasted the text on another document and everything was normal again.

[@erinwrightwriting]

@@alexandredesmarais3848 Sorry for the misunderstanding. Glitches do happen. I'm glad everything worked out for you!

[@TheBtrivedi]

I wish numbering was covered in this video. Numbering in headings is very troublesome to fix.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! I appreciate your feedback and have added that topic to my list of upcoming tutorials.

[@TheBtrivedi]

@@erinwrightwriting Thank you Erin. I am impressed that you consider feedback on comments coming on even 2 year old videos. You got a subscriber 😇🙏

[@klushiro]

I already knew how to make headings but when I do so it decides to make the whole paragraph a title also

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! To avoid having the whole paragraph formatted as a heading, ensure that you have a paragraph mark at the end of the heading. If your paragraph marks are hidden, you can reveal them by selecting the Show/Hide button in the Home tab. (It looks like a paragraph mark.) Best of luck!

[@christinelihavi7714]

Hello please make a video how to mail merge in Microsoft word please l will appreciate alot 💕🥳 Christine

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for the great suggestion! I have added mail merge to my list of future tutorials. 🙂

[@brunonagamine5465]

what if the additional headings don't appear after you've used the higher level headings?

[@imadherraf1620]

How to change the heading orientation from "from left to right" to "from right to left"?

[@uteseebauer5508]

A bit winded. At 3.41 I have still not seen how to customize the heading, but I watched 2 adverts...

[@RyanFloysand]

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@eaglevonotto6430]

You start in the middle after talking for half the video?

[@matiasmartinez7201]

There's captions in the dropdown box you lazy twat

[@Rahul-oj9kq]

hitting dislike for extra talking, please try to value others time. disgusting

[@SuperSaiyan3985]

Didn't even show how to actually change the settings in the modify styles tab, absolutely useless.

[@georgemichaelides1694]

YOU NEED TO TALK LOUDER, MY VOLUME IS AT MAX AND YOU SOUND VERY FAINT!

[@shade5616]

I can hear it clearly maybe you're sound of you're phone is bad I don't mean to be rude so don't mind 😊

[@victorstroganov8135]

She speaks way too fast.

[@learningtogetheredu]

You motivated me to start a channel and as I started I have learnt a lot from you thank you so much.