Horizontal lines in word

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Use these three methods to quickly insert a line in your document

Updated on December 4, 2020

What to Know

  • AutoFormat: Type the three characters for the desired line style > Enter.
  • Horizontal Line tool: In Home tab, select Borders drop-down menu > Horizontal Line.
  • Shapes menu: Go to Insert > Shapes. In Lines group, select and drag a line shape across the page.

This article covers three ways to insert horizontal lines in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, Word 2013, and Word 2010.

Use AutoFormat to Insert a Line in Word

You can quickly insert a line into a Word document with the AutoFormat feature. To create a line, place the cursor in the location that you’d like to insert it, type the three characters for the desired line style, then press Enter.

To create the different types of lines, press the associated keys on the keyboard:

  • Plain single line: Three hyphens (—)
  • Plain double line: Three equal signs (===)
  • Broken or dotted line: Three asterisks (***)
  • Bold single line: Three underline symbols (___)
  • Wavy line: Three tildes (~~~)
  • Triple line with a thick center: Three number signs (###)

Here’s what each of these line types looks like in Word:

Use the Horizontal Line Tool to Insert a Line in Word

To insert a line into a Word document using the built-in Horizontal Line tool:

  1. Place the cursor where you want to insert a line.

  2. Go to the Home tab.

    By default, the Home tab is selected when you open a new or existing Word document.

  3. In the Paragraph group, select the Borders drop-down arrow and choose Horizontal Line.

  4. To change the look of the line, double-click the line in the document.

  5. In the Format Horizontal Line dialog box, modify the width, height, color, and alignment of the line.

Use the Shapes Menu to Insert a Line in Word

A third way to add a line to a Word document is to draw it on the page. The Shapes menu contains several line options, including lines with arrow points on one or both ends. After you draw the line, customize the color and appearance.

  1. Place the cursor in the spot where you want to insert a line.

  2. Go to the Insert tab.

  3. In the Illustrations group, select the Shapes drop-down arrow.

  4. In the Lines group, choose a line shape.

  5. In the Word document, drag across the location where you want the line to appear.

  6. To change the look of the line, select the line to enable the Shape Format tab. (Some versions of Word call this Format.)

  7. Go to the Shape Format tab and change the color, use a different line style, or apply effects.

FAQ

  • How do I change line spacing in Word?

    To fix spacing in Word, highlight the text whose spacing you want to change and select the Home tab. Next to Paragraph, select the down arrow to expand the options. In the Spacing section, set the amount of space before and after line breaks or choose a preset line-spacing option.

  • How do I add a signature line in Word?

    To insert a signature line in Word, go to the Insert tab and select Signature Line. Selecting few or no options leaves a blank line, and a signature line will appear in the document.

  • How do I add line numbers in Word?

    To add line numbers in Word, go to Layout > Page Setup > Line Numbers and choose Continuous, Restart Each Page or Restart Each Section > Line Numbering Options.

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A user-friendly guide to making different types of lines in Microsoft Word


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  • Using Shapes to Draw a Line
  • |

  • Using Borders to Add a Line
  • |

  • Using Keyboard Shortcuts
  • |

  • Using the Mobile App
  • |

  • Q&A
  • |

  • Tips

Do you want to create a horizontal line in your resumé or other Microsoft Word document? If you want to customize the color and format of the line, you can use the Shapes tool. If you need to make a quick, basic line, you can use the keyboard shortcut. While you can use the keyboard shortcut on Windows and Mac, you cannot use it on the mobile app. This wikiHow will show you how to insert different lines in Microsoft Word on your Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android device.

Things You Should Know

  • On desktop, go to the Insert tab. Click Shapes, then select a line. Click and drag across the document to create a line.
  • To customize the line, double-click it. Click Shape Outline to change the color.
  • On mobile, click the three dots. Tap Home and select Insert. Tap Shapes to select a line. Tap and drag across the document to create a line.
  1. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 1

    1

    Open Microsoft Word on your Windows or Mac computer. Click or double-click the Word app icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background.

    • If you want to draw a line in an existing Word document, double-click the Word document to open it and skip the next step.
    • You’ll need a subscription to use Office 365.
  2. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 2

    2

    Click Blank document. It’s in the upper-left side of the page.

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  3. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 3

    3

    Click the Insert tab. This tab is in the blue ribbon at the top of the Word window, between Home and Draw.

  4. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 4

    4

    Click Shapes. It’s in the Insert toolbar, next to the icon of an overlapping circle and square.

    • A drop-down menu will appear.
  5. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 5

    5

    Select a line shape. In the «Lines» heading, click one of the line templates. You can choose a line, line arrow, double line arrow, and more.

  6. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 6

    6

    Draw your line. Click and drag across the document to create your line.

    • If you need to adjust the line’s length and orientation, click the left or right circle. Drag it left or right to adjust the length, or drag it up and down to adjust the orientation.
    • To move the line, double-click and drag it to the desired position.
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  1. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 7

    1

    Open Microsoft Word on your Windows or Mac computer. Click or double-click the Word app icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background.

    • If you want to draw a line in an existing Word document, double-click the Word document to open it and skip the next step.
  2. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 2

    2

    Click Blank document. It’s in the upper-left side of the page.

  3. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 9

    3

    Click the Home tab. This tab is in the blue ribbon at the top of the Word window, between File and Insert.

    • You may already be on this tab by default.
  4. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 10

    4

    Click the «Borders» arrow. This is next to the icon of the dotted square with a solid bottom line.

    • A drop-down menu will open.
  5. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 11

    5

    Click Horizontal Line. This will be towards the bottom, above Draw Table.

    • A horizontal line will be added.
  6. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 12

    6

    Format your line. Double-click the line; a dialogue box will appear.

    • To change the line thickness, use the up and down arrow below Height. The higher the number, the thicker the line will be.
    • To change the color, click the color box underneath Color. Select your desired color.
    • Click OK to save and apply your changes.
    • To move the line, double-click and drag it to the desired position.
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  1. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 13

    1

    Open Microsoft Word on your Windows or Mac computer. Click or double-click the Word app icon, which resembles a white «W» on a dark-blue background.[1]

    • If you want to draw a line in an existing Word document, double-click the Word document to open it and skip the next step.
  2. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 17

    2

    Click Blank document. It’s in the upper-left side of the page.

  3. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 18

    3

    Place your cursor where you want your line to appear. You’ll need to be on a blank line, as this won’t work if there is text before or after your cursor on the same line.

    • You’ll be creating a horizontal line that spans from one edge of your page to the other. The line will stop at your set margins.
    • If you want to make the line span the whole page, you’ll need to change your document margins.
  4. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 19

    4

    Type three dashes in a row. Use your dash key on the number row at the top of your keyboard, or on the numeric pad.

  5. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 20

    5

    Press Enter to convert the dashes into a line. AutoCorrect will automatically create a solid line that will situate itself directly beneath the previous line of text.

    • Note that the line does not occupy the space of a line of text, but instead exists between lines of text.
    • If you do not have AutoCorrect enabled, do so by clicking File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options…. This will open a new window.
      • Make sure the Border Lines box is checked. This can be found underneath Apply as you type.
      • If you want to turn off AutoCorrect, uncheck the boxes.
  6. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 21

    6

    Use different characters for different line styles. There are a variety of different lines that you can create by using characters other than the dash:[2]

    • Thin line: Three hyphens (-).
    • Thick line: Three underscores (_).
    • Double line: Three equal signs (=).
    • Dotted line: Three asterisk (*).
    • Triple line: Three pound signs (#).
    • Squiggly line: Three tildes (~).
  7. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 22

    7

    Move the line by entering text above it. You can prompt the line to move down by typing text above it and then pressing Enter.

    • Deleting text above the line will prompt it to move upward.
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  1. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 20

    1

    Open a document in the Microsoft Word app. This looks like a blue notebook next to a W.

    • Microsoft Word is available for iOS in the App Store and for Android in the Google Play Store.
    • Tap Blank document to open a new document or tap a file to open an existing document.
  2. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 21

    2

    Tap ••• . This can be found above the keyboard, to the right.

    • If you don’t see your keyboard, tap the document to bring it up.
    • A new menu will open.
  3. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 22

    3

    Tap Home. This will be to the left of the formatting window.

    • A drop-down menu will open.
  4. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 23

    4

    Tap Insert. You’ll see a list of all objects you can insert.

  5. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 24

    5

    Tap Shapes. This is next to the icon of an overlapping circle and square.

  6. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 25

    6

    Select a line shape. In the «Lines» heading, tap one of the line templates. You can choose a line, line arrow, double line arrow, and more.

  7. Image titled Insert a Line in Word Step 26

    7

    Draw your line. Tap and drag across the document to create your line.

    • Use two fingers to pinch and zoom out to view the entire document.
    • If you need to adjust the line’s length and orientation, tap the left or right circle. Drag it left or right to adjust the length, or drag it up and down to adjust the orientation.
    • To move the line, tap and drag it to the desired position.
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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I view all available symbols in Microsoft Word?

    Community Answer

    Click «Insert» and then click «Symbols» and you should be shown a box with all of the symbols in it.

  • Question

    How do I add a line on the first page, and no lines on the second?

    Community Answer

    Click «Insert» and then click «Symbols» and you should be shown a box with all of the symbols in it.

  • Question

    How do I change the color of the line?

    Community Answer

    In the paragraph section, open the drop-down menu on the «Borders» button. At the very bottom is a «Borders and Shading» option. In that option, change the color of the bottom border to your specified color. Click the «Borders» button.

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About This Article

Article SummaryX

1. Click Insert.
2. Click Shapes.
3. Select a line template.
4. Click and drag across your Microsoft Word document to draw the line.

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Microsoft Word has many functionalities, including inserting horizontal lines. This guide will teach you four methods to insert a horizontal line in Word.

Many people choose to work with Microsoft Word for its extensive features and the ability to customize their documents. With tools such as inserting a line in Word, you can easily create separate sections, add visual interest to your page, and add that extra professional touch to win over your readers.

In this article, you will learn how to insert a line in Word and change how your lines look in all versions of Word.

To insert a line into a Word document using the built-in Horizontal Line tool:

  1. Place the cursor where you want to insert a line.
  2. Go to the Home tab.
  3. In the Paragraph group, select the Borders drop-down arrow and choose Horizontal Line.
  4. To change the line’s look, double-click the line in the document.

 Let’s discuss these steps in detail!

Method 1: How to Insert a Horizontal Line in Word

Microsoft Word has a built-in tool specifically for inserting all kinds of horizontal lines. You can find it by following these instructions:

  1. Place your blinking cursor where you want to insert a line in your document.
  2. Open the Home tab from the Ribbon interface on top of your screen. This is the default tab when you create or open a document.
  3. In the Paragraph section, click on the arrow next to the Borders icon (as shown in the image below).
    how to insert a horizontal line in word
  4. Choose Horizontal Line from the drop-down menu. This will insert a plain, solid line into your document, which you can leave as is or customize.
    insert a line in word
  5. To customize the line, double-click on it once it’s in your document. The Format Horizontal Line dialog box will open in a new window.
  6. Change all attributes you want to modify and click the OK button.

Method 2: Use keyboard shortcuts (AutoFormat) to insert a line in Word

By far, the most efficient way of inserting a line in Word is the AutoFormat feature, especially when looking for style. 

This only allows you to insert horizontal lines. However, it gives you the ability to choose from a variety of styles. All you need to do is type the correct symbols and automatically hit the enter key on your keyboard to insert a full-page length line.

Here are all the lines you can insert by using the AutoFormat shortcuts in most desktop versions of Word:

  1. To insert a solid single horizontal line: Type three hyphens (—) & Press Enter.
    Insert a single line in word
  2. To insert a solid double line: Type three equal signs (===) & Press Enter.
    Insert double line in word
  3. To insert a Dotted line: Type three asterisks (***) & Press Enter.
    insert dotted line in word
  4. To insert a Bold single line: Type three underlined symbols (___) & Press Enter.
    insert bold single line in word
  5. To insert a Wavy line: Type three tildes (~~~) & Press Enter.
    insert wavy line in word
  6. To insert Triple line with a thick center: Type three number signs (###) & Press Enter
    insert triple line with a thick center

All of these lines adjust to the full length of your document, or when inserted into a column, adjust to the width of the column. 

Method 3: Use the Shapes function to draw a line in Word

The third way of adding a line to your Word document is by using the Shapes inside the application. This allows you to draw both horizontal and vertical lines or lines going in any direction. Here’s how you can use this tool in Word.

  1. Place your blinking cursor where you want to insert a line in your document.
  2. Select the Insert tab in the Ribbon interface, which can be found at the top of your screen.
  3. Expand the Shapes group inside the Illustrations section, as shown below on the image.
    insert a line in word using auto format
  4. In the Lines group, select a line that you want to insert.
    lines groups
  5. Click and drag your cursor inside your document to draw a line. You can hold the Shift key to ensure your line is perfectly aligned.
  6. Let go of your mouse button to insert the line into your document.
    draw a shape in word
  7. To customize your line, select it by clicking on it once and opening the Shape Format (or simply Format in some versions of Word) tab in the Ribbon.

Final thoughts

We hope that this article was able to help you learn how to insert a horizontal or vertical line in Word. You can now customize your documents further and deliver more professional products.

Now that you’re a PRO in inserting a line in Word consider subscribing to our Newsletter for more tips and GET 10% off Your Purchase!

Further Reading

> How to Insert a Signature in Microsoft Word
> How to Sort by Date in Excel
> How to Wrap Text in PowerPoint
> Insights into the Windows 10 Start Menu

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