Re: Hard vs. Soft return

[hls_ut -at- comcast -dot- net]

Shannon

IMHO, a soft return is a formatting tool that has its uses 
regardless of the topic--whether it is or isn't a software 
manual is not particularly relevant.

I think of soft returns as tool to ensure the affected lines 
break exactly where I want them to while at the same time 
being considered by Word as part of the same paragraph.  
I don't use them very often, but sometimes they are exactly
what's needed.

If you use paragraph styles in Word with space defined 
before or after, there are occasions when hard returns 
(paragraph breaks) result in awkward looking formatting.  
Say you have an example of a street address in your 
document.  Hard returns after each segment create too 
much white space between the lines.  

Unless you often have this formatting need, why create 
a specialized, seldom-used style? Soft returns 
ensure that the segments of the address are tight
enough together.  

(When you require that certain words or numbers always 
stay together, like the segments of a date--as in July 1, 2008--
try a non-breaking space internally instead of a line break 
before "July".  You might also consider using Word's widow 
and orphan controls in your styles.  I've found them worthwhile 
in reducing manual editing overhead.)

--
Heidi
hls_ut -at- comcast -dot- net

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Shannon Wade" <SWade -at- daktronics -dot- com>
> Random question that I'm sure will generate some heated debate.
> 
> I'm using Word 2007 for manuals. I know. Throw things at me later. My question 
> is:
> 
> Disregarding software manuals, would there be a reason, other than avoiding 
> leaving a single word on a line, to use a soft return? I write only product 
> manuals (e.g. Insert tab A into slot B for honziwiggle products.) I know that 
> there are benefits to using soft returns for software manuals, but, again, I 
> don't write software manuals. Please help settle this debate.
> 
> I'm on digest, so replies to the list and my email would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
>  
> Shannon Wade
> DAKTRONICS
> 605-697-3219
> swade -at- daktronics -dot- com
> 
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