How to Create Lines in Word

Lines are a useful graphic element in Word documents that can organize and separate content, highlight text, and make the formatting look cleaner overall. In this tutorial, I’ll show you several quick and easy ways to make lines in Word.

Introduction

Lines are visual dividers that can break up sections, outline text, connect elements, and add decorative flair to documents. Some common uses for lines in Word include:

• Separating paragraphs or sections
• Ordering and grouping bullet points
• Drawing attention to text
• Creating borders and boundaries
• Adding visual interest

There are a few different techniques to make straight, angled, curved, and zig zagged lines in Word, including:

1. Inserting line shapes
2. Adding borders
3. Using the horizontal line tool
4. Customizing appearance
5. Layering multiple lines

Follow the steps below to start incorporating lines creatively in your Word documents.

Step 1: Insert Shapes as Lines

An easy way to add a line is by using Word’s built-in shape tools. On the Insert tab, click Shapes and select a line or arrow shape to drag onto the page.

This will insert the line as an editable object that can be moved and resized.

Step 2: Draw Borders

You can also add borders around paragraphs of text or other page elements. Highlight the content and right click to choose Borders.

Select the thickness, style, and color of the border line to frame the selected content.

Step 3: Use the Horizontal Line Tool

To insert a horizontal line across the full page width, look under Paragraph in the formatting toolbar and click the Horizontal Line icon.

This adds a simple horizontal divider line where the cursor is placed.

Step 4: Customize Appearance

Format the look of lines by changing the color, thickness, dash type, and alignment.

For lines inserted as shapes, use the Format Shape options. For borders, adjust the settings in the Borders window.

Step 5: Layer Lines

Combine multiple lines together. Overlap lines, use different alignments, and experiment with intersections to create more complex graphics and call-outs.

With these techniques, it’s easy to add stylish lines and visual dividers in your Word documents. Lines can organize content and give your formatting an elegant, polished look.