How do I change the default formatting of text boxes.

[seseem]

I want to change the default formatting of text boxes. Currently, when I draw
a box, the first letter/word starts completely outside (to the left) of the
text box. I want it to align with the box and with the other lines.

 

[Tom Conrad]

You didn't identify your word version.

This is unusual behavior for a text box, or for an autoshape rectangle
within Word 2003 and below. Both objects act as containers and hold the
embedded text.

Normally, if text within a text box, exceeds the dimensions of the text box,
then the text does not display. The same applies to frames, autoshapes
(rectangles, circles, etc.) and table cells.

I was unable to re-create your problem using word 2003. You may be
experiencing this issue because of a corrupted Normal.dot file.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

By default, the text in a text box is in the Normal style. Have you applied
a negative first-line indent (or a negative indent) to the Normal style?
Because that's what your problem description suggests.

 

[Tom Conrad]

Suzanne,

I tried to recreate the problem using both negative paragraph indenting, and
a negative internal left margin for the text box. The inside margin cannot be
set to a negative value.

I was able to set a paragraph negative indent, but text outside the left
margin does not display outside the text box, at least not in Office 2003.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Did the OP say that it displayed outside the text box or just that it *was*
outside the text box?