Erin Wright Writing

Writing-Related Software Tutorials

How to Set Gutter Margins in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

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This tutorial shows how to set gutter margins in Microsoft Word. Gutters are extra spaces along the sides of pages that allow printed documents to be bound like a book or magazine. Without gutters, the text and images might be hidden in the binding.

Watch all the steps shown here in real time!

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The images below are from Word for Microsoft 365. These steps also apply to Word for Microsoft 365 (a.k.a., Word for Mac), Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013 (PC only).

How to Set Gutter Margins

Important Note: Documents don’t always print as expected. Therefore, I strongly recommend performing these steps on a short practice document and then printing that document to see the results before performing these steps on a long document.
  1. Select the Layout tab in the ribbon.
  2. Select Margins in the Page Setup group.
  3. Select Custom Margins from the drop-down menu.
Custom Margins option in the Layout tab in Word 365
Figure 1. Custom Margins option
  1. Select an option from the Multiple pages menu in the Page Setup dialog box (PC) or Document dialog box (Mac):
    • Normal is for printing on one side of the paper.
    • Mirror margins is for printing on both sides of the paper.
    • 2 pages per sheet and Book fold are for printing small pages on one piece of paper that will be folded vertically or horizontally.
Multiple pages menu in the Page Setup dialog box in Word 365
Figure 2. Multiple pages menu
  1. Enter a depth into the Gutter text box.

The gutters appear in the preview image as cross-hatching.

  1. If you selected Normal in the Multiple pages menu, you can select an option from the Gutter position menu. (If you selected Mirror margins, 2 pagers per sheet, or Book fold, the position will be set automatically.)
  2. Select the Okay button.
Gutter options in the Page Setup dialog box in Word 365
Figure 3. Gutter options and preview

Your content should adjust on the page to accommodate the new gutters.

Gutter margins don’t affect existing page margins. However, gutters do reduce the available space on the page thereby forcing content downward onto additional pages. As such, you might increase your page count when adding gutters.

Related Resources

How to Insert Page Numbers on Opposite Sides in Microsoft Word

How to Start Page Numbers on a Specific Page in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)