Layout and Format

The computer program (Microsoft Word, for example) you choose for laying out your paper will play a role in how much flexibility you have in layout. If you choose to lay it out in Microsoft Publisher, you have many more choices. Make certain you are familiar with whatever program you choose.

When it comes to format, will you space between paragraphs or will you indent each new one? Will you single space or double space or compromise and use line-and-a-half spacing? How long will your lines be? What about margins? Will your paper be bound? If so, you need to leave an extra inch of space on the left in order for the text to be centered after it is bound. Do you want to lay your paper out to look like another one that you like? Then get your ruler out as well as a table of type fonts so you can match that paper.