The simplest way to add a line in Word

To add a line in Microsoft Word, go to the Insert tab at the top of the screen, then click Shapes, and select the straight line from the dropdown menu. Click and drag on your document where you want the line to appear. Word will draw the line between the two points you click.

This method works the same way in Word on Windows, Mac, and the web version. The line appears as an object you can move, resize, or delete like any other element in your document. You can change its color, thickness, and style after you draw it.

If you need a line that sits between paragraphs rather than floating over text, use a border instead — this keeps your document formatting cleaner and makes it easier to edit later.

Key Takeaways

  • The Insert menu gives you access to shapes, including straight lines that you can draw anywhere on the page.
  • Lines drawn as shapes can be resized by dragging the endpoints and styled by right-clicking and choosing format options.
  • A paragraph border creates a line effect that stays attached to text and moves with it when you edit.
  • Horizontal lines under headings or between sections are easiest to manage using borders rather than drawn shapes.

Drawing a line with the Insert menu

Open your Word document and click the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top. Look for the Shapes button — it usually shows a small square or circle icon. Click the dropdown arrow next to it to see shape options.

Scroll down to find the Lines section. Click the straight line option (the first one, which looks like a diagonal line). Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click at the point where you want the line to start, then drag to where you want it to end, and release the mouse button.

The line now appears on your page as a selected object with small circles at each end. You can drag these circles to move the endpoints and change the line's angle or length. If you want to move the entire line without changing its angle, click in the middle of the line and drag it to a new location.

Changing the line's color, thickness, and style

Right-click on the line you just drew. A menu will appear with several options. Click Format Shape (or Format Line depending on your Word version). A panel will open on the right side of your screen.

In this panel, you can change the line's color by clicking the color swatch. You can make it thicker by adjusting the Width slider. You can also change it from solid to dashed or dotted by clicking the Dash type dropdown. Experiment with these options until the line looks the way you want it.

If you want to remove the line entirely, click it once to select it and press the Delete key on your keyboard.

Using borders for lines between paragraphs

If you want a line to sit between paragraphs or under a heading without it floating over your text, use a border instead. Borders stay attached to the paragraph they belong to and move with your text when you edit.

Click at the end of the paragraph where you want the line to appear. Go to the Home tab, then find the Borders button (it looks like a small square with lines around it). Click the dropdown arrow next to it. Select Borders and Shading from the menu.

A dialog box will open. Under the Presets section, click the icon that shows a line at the bottom of the box. This adds a border below your paragraph. You can change the line's color and thickness using the options in this same dialog. Click OK when you are done.

Horizontal lines across the full page width

To create a line that stretches all the way across your page, a border is usually the best choice. Click in the paragraph where you want the line, go to Home, click Borders, and select Borders and Shading.

In the dialog that opens, look for the Presets section. Click the icon that shows a line at the bottom. This creates a border that extends the full width of your text area. If you want the line above the paragraph instead, click the icon with the line at the top.

You can also create a full-width line by inserting a table with one row and one column, then removing the cell borders except for the bottom. This gives you more control over the line's exact position, but it is more complicated than using a border.

Deleting or moving lines you have already drawn

Click once on the line to select it. You will see small circles appear at the endpoints. Press the Delete key to remove the line completely.

To move a line without changing its angle, click in the middle of the line and drag it to a new location. To change the line's angle or length, drag one of the endpoint circles. If you want to move the line to a different page, cut it using Ctrl+X (or Cmd+X on Mac), go to the page where you want it, and paste it using Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a vertical line in Word?

Yes. Use the same Insert > Shapes > Line method, but drag your cursor straight up or down instead of diagonally. You can also hold Shift while dragging to force the line to be perfectly vertical, horizontal, or at a 45-degree angle.

Why does my line disappear when I type?

The line is probably behind your text. Right-click the line, select Wrap Text, and choose In Front of Text. This brings the line forward so it sits on top of your words instead of underneath them.

How do I make a dotted or dashed line?

Right-click the line and select Format Shape. In the panel that opens, find the Dash type dropdown and choose dotted, dashed, or another pattern. This works for lines drawn as shapes but not for borders.

Can I add a line in Word Online?

Yes, the process is the same. Click Insert, then Shapes, then select the line. Word Online has fewer formatting options than the desktop version, but you can still draw lines and change their basic color and thickness.