The quickest way to insert a line

Open your document in Microsoft Word and place your cursor where you want the line to appear. Type three hyphens in a row (---) and then press Enter. Word will automatically convert those three characters into a full-width horizontal line.

This method works in Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word Online. The line appears as a paragraph border, so it spans the width of your page margins and stays in place if you add or delete text above it.

Key Takeaways

  • Type three hyphens and press Enter to create a line when ready without opening any menus.
  • You can also use the Borders menu under the Home tab to draw lines with more control over thickness and style.
  • Lines created with hyphens are paragraph borders, so they move with the text if you edit your document.
  • If the automatic line does not appear, check that AutoFormat is turned on in Word's options.

Using the Borders menu for more control

If you want to choose the line thickness, color, or style, use Word's Borders feature instead. Click the Home tab, then find the Borders button in the Paragraph section (it looks like a small grid with lines). Click the dropdown arrow next to it.

Select Borders and Shading from the menu. A dialog box opens where you can pick the line style (solid, dashed, dotted), the thickness in points, and the color. Under the Preview section, click the bottom border icon to place a line below your current paragraph. Click OK when you are done.

This method gives you a line that behaves like a paragraph border — it stays attached to the text above it and moves if you edit your document. If you want a line that floats independently on the page, use a text box or shape instead.

Drawing a line with shapes

For a line that does not attach to text, use Word's drawing tools. Click the Insert tab, then select Shapes. In the Lines section, click the straight line icon. Your cursor will change to a crosshair.

Click and drag on your page to draw the line where you want it. Once you release the mouse, the line appears and you can move it, resize it, or change its color by right-clicking and selecting Format Shape. Lines drawn this way sit on top of your text layer, so they do not move when you edit paragraphs.

Troubleshooting: The automatic line did not appear

If you typed three hyphens and pressed Enter but no line appeared, AutoFormat may be turned off. Click File, then Options. In the left sidebar, click Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoFormat tab and check the box next to Replace hyphens with dash. Click OK twice to save and close.

Try the three-hyphen method again. If it still does not work, use the Borders menu instead — that method works regardless of AutoFormat settings.

Removing a line you no longer need

If you created a line with three hyphens and want to remove it, click on the line to select the paragraph. Click the Home tab, then click the Borders dropdown. Select No Border. The line disappears but the text stays.

If you drew a line using shapes, click on it once to select it and press Delete. The line vanishes and your text remains unchanged.

When to use each method

Use the three-hyphen shortcut when you want a quick line that stays with a paragraph — for example, to separate sections of a document or to mark the end of a chapter. Use the Borders menu when you need control over the line's appearance, like making it thicker or changing its color to match your document's design. Use shapes when you want a line that floats independently, such as a decorative element that should not move if you edit text nearby.

All three methods create lines that print correctly and work the same way in Word for Windows, Word for Mac, and Word Online, so your choice depends only on what look and behavior you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the line a different color?

Yes, but only if you use the Borders menu or shapes. The automatic three-hyphen line is always black. To change the color, use Borders and Shading (select Home, then Borders, then Borders and Shading) and pick a color from the Color dropdown. For a shape line, right-click it and select Format Shape, then choose your color.

What if I want a line that spans only part of the page width?

Use a shape instead of a border. Click Insert, select Shapes, choose the line tool, and draw it to whatever length you need. You can then resize it by dragging the handles at either end. Borders always span the full width between your page margins.

Does the line stay in place if I add more text?

It depends on how you created it. A line made with three hyphens or the Borders menu is attached to a paragraph, so it moves down if you add text above it. A line drawn with shapes stays in the exact spot you placed it, even if you add or delete text.

Can I use other characters besides hyphens to make a line?

Word only recognizes three hyphens as the trigger for an automatic line. Three underscores or three equal signs will not work. If you want a different style, use the Borders menu to pick dashed, dotted, or other line styles instead.