When a custom tab stop is set, Word                 .

In Microsoft Word, default tab stops are set at regular intervals, typically every 0.5 inches. When you insert a custom tab stop, Word automatically clears all default tab stops that are positioned to the left of your new custom tab. This ensures that when you press the Tab key, the cursor jumps directly to your defined custom position rather than stopping at the intervening default intervals. Default tab stops located to the right of your custom tab stop remain active and unaffected.