How To Insert A Horizontal Line In Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Inserting horizontal lines in Microsoft Word documents is a simple yet effective way to visually separate sections, emphasize key points, or add a touch of design. Whether you’re creating a report, a resume, or a simple letter, knowing how to insert and customize these lines can significantly improve the readability and aesthetic appeal of your document. This guide will walk you through the various methods available to insert horizontal lines in Word, ensuring you can choose the technique that best suits your needs.

From simple keyboard shortcuts to using the Borders and Shading options, Word offers multiple ways to add these lines. We’ll cover each method in detail, providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions. You’ll also learn how to customize the appearance of your horizontal lines, adjusting their thickness, color, and style to perfectly match your document’s overall design.

What Are The Ways To Insert A Horizontal Line In Word?

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Word provides a few quick keyboard shortcuts that automatically create horizontal lines. These are the fastest methods for inserting a basic line.

Type three hyphens (---) and press Enter. This will create a thin, single solid line.
Type three underscores (___) and press Enter. This will create a thicker, single solid line.
Type three asterisks (***) and press Enter. This will create a dotted line.
Type three equal signs (===) and press Enter. This will create a double line.
Type three tildes (~~~) and press Enter. This will create a wavy line.

Inserting a Line via Borders and Shading

This method offers more control over the style and appearance of your horizontal line.

Place your cursor where you want the horizontal line to appear.
Go to the “Home” tab.
In the “Paragraph” group, click the dropdown arrow next to the “Borders” button.
Select “Borders and Shading…” at the bottom of the menu.
In the “Borders and Shading” dialog box, go to the “Borders” tab.
In the “Setting” section, choose “None” to clear any existing borders.
In the preview area on the right, click the bottom border line. This will add a line below the current paragraph.
Customize the line style, color, and width using the options in the “Style,” “Color,” and “Width” dropdowns.
Click “OK” to insert the customized horizontal line.

Using Shapes to Draw a Line

This method allows for the most customization, as you’re drawing a line object.

Go to the “Insert” tab.
In the “Illustrations” group, click “Shapes.”
Select the “Line” shape (usually the first option under “Lines”).
Click and drag to draw a line where you want it. Hold down the Shift key while dragging to create a perfectly straight horizontal line.
Once the line is drawn, the “Shape Format” tab will appear.
Use the “Shape Outline” options to change the color, weight (thickness), and style (dashes, arrows, etc.) of the line.
Adjust the line’s position and length by clicking and dragging its endpoints.

Tips for Working with Horizontal Lines

Consistency: Use the same method and style of horizontal line throughout your document to maintain a consistent look.
Spacing: Adjust the spacing above and below the line to create visual balance. You can do this by modifying the paragraph spacing settings.
Line Length: Consider the length of your lines in relation to the width of your document. Shorter lines can be used to emphasize specific sections, while full-width lines can separate larger blocks of text.
Customization: Experiment with different line styles, colors, and thicknesses to find the combination that best suits your document’s design.

Choosing the right method

The best method depends on the situation. Here’s a comparison:

Method	Speed	Customization	Use Cases
Keyboard Shortcuts	Fastest	Limited	Quick, basic lines for simple documents.
Borders and Shading	Medium	Moderate	Separating sections with customizable styles.
Shapes	Slowest	Highest	Precise control over line appearance and placement in complex layouts.

Adding Lines with Ease

Inserting horizontal lines in Word is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the visual organization and appeal of your documents. By mastering these methods, you can create professional-looking documents with ease.

FAQ

How do I remove a horizontal line created with keyboard shortcuts? Place your cursor directly above the line and press Backspace. Alternatively, select the line and press Delete.

Can I change the color of a horizontal line created with keyboard shortcuts? No, lines created with keyboard shortcuts have limited customization options. You’ll need to use the Borders and Shading or Shapes method for more control.

How do I make a dashed horizontal line? Use the Shapes method. Draw a line and then, in the “Shape Format” tab, use the “Shape Outline” > “Dashes” options to select a dashed style.

Why does Word sometimes create a border instead of a horizontal line when using borders and shading? Ensure you’ve selected “None” in the “Setting” section of the “Borders” tab before clicking the bottom border line in the preview area. This clears any existing borders.

How can I ensure my horizontal lines are perfectly straight? When using the Shapes method, hold down the Shift key while drawing the line. This will constrain the line to be perfectly horizontal or vertical.