hanging brackets in financial tables

[markelectric]

In a financial report, the tables show minus figures within brackets
like (12,345) and positive figures simply as 12,345 without the
brackets. But to align all these figures vertically in a column, the
closing bracket has to sit outside the figures something like below:
12,345
(12,345)
12,345

This is a very simple operation in Quark and InDesign by applying an
'align on' tab and in the area that tells the tab what to 'align on'
you insert the closing bracket.

Then you can create style sheets so that when you select a whole
column of figures they will align correctly allowing the reader to
check the figures more easily and avoid making mistakes.

How is this achieved in Word?

Thanks in advance,

Mark

 

[CyberTaz]

Hello Mark -

Even though your example indicates whole numbers try using a Decimal Tab.
The tab setting can be included in a style but depending on how many
locations require it you may find it simpler to just select the column of
figures then set the tab at the desired location. Also, if you set the tab
stop when doing the first entry in the column the setting will carry down to
successive paras as you press return.

As you've found, Word doesn't give you the option of specifying an alignment
character - something I've bemoaned for years but have struggled along
without whenever Word is the designated weapon. It's one of the few things I
really missed when abandoning WordPerfect. You might take a moment to use
Help> Send Feedback & add your voice to those who through the ages have
requested the feature. Perhaps we might still see it added in a future
release if the clamor continues