The simplest way: use the underscore key

The fastest way to add a line in Word is to type a series of underscores on a blank line, then press Enter. Hold Shift and press the hyphen key (the one next to 0) as many times as you need to span the width you want. When you release Enter, Word converts the underscores into a solid line that stretches across the page.

This method works because Word recognizes the underscore pattern as a formatting instruction. The line will be the same width as your text margins, so it stays within the boundaries of your document automatically. You can delete it by clicking on the line and pressing Delete, or by pressing Backspace at the beginning of the line below it.

Key Takeaways

  • Type multiple underscores on a blank line and press Enter to create a solid horizontal line that spans your page width.
  • The Borders feature under the Design tab lets you add lines above or below specific paragraphs without creating blank lines.
  • The Insert menu has a Shapes option where you can draw custom lines at any angle or thickness you choose.
  • Horizontal lines created with underscores delete easily — just click the line and press Delete, or backspace from the line below.

Using borders to add lines without extra space

If you want a line under a heading or paragraph without creating a blank line, use the Borders feature. Select the paragraph or heading you want a line under, then go to the Design tab (or Home tab, depending on your Word version). Look for the Borders button — it usually shows a small square with lines around it. Click the dropdown arrow next to it and choose "Borders and Shading."

In the Borders and Shading window, you can choose where the line appears: above the paragraph, below it, on both sides, or all around. Select your preference and click OK. The line attaches directly to the text, so if you move the paragraph, the line moves with it. This is useful for forms, headers, or any document where you want structure without wasted space.

Drawing custom lines with the Insert menu

For lines at angles or in specific locations, use the Insert menu. Click Insert, then look for Shapes. Word shows you options for lines, arrows, and connectors. Click the straight line option and your cursor changes to a crosshair. Click where you want the line to start, then click where you want it to end. Word draws a line between those two points.

You can adjust the line after you draw it by clicking on it and dragging the endpoints. Right-click the line to change its color, thickness, or style (solid, dashed, dotted). This method gives you the most control but takes longer than the underscore method. Use it when you need a line in a specific location or at a specific angle.

Adding lines to tables and forms

If you are building a form or table, Word adds lines automatically when you insert a table. Go to Insert, then Table, and choose how many rows and columns you need. Word creates a grid with lines already in place. You can remove lines by selecting cells, right-clicking, and choosing Table Properties, then Borders and Shading.

For signature lines or fill-in blanks on a form, the underscore method works well — type the underscores on their own line, and users can type over them or write on the printed page. If you want a more formal appearance, use the Insert menu to add a line shape instead, which you can position precisely and format to match your document style.

Why Word sometimes converts your underscores automatically

Word has an AutoFormat feature that converts certain patterns into formatted elements. When you type three or more hyphens (---) or equals signs (===) on a line by themselves and press Enter, Word automatically converts them into a line. Three hyphens become a thin line; three equals signs become a thicker line. If you do not want this to happen, press Ctrl+Z when ready after pressing Enter to undo the conversion.

You can turn off AutoFormat entirely if it bothers you. Go to File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab and uncheck the box next to "Borders." This stops Word from converting hyphens and underscores into lines, but you can still create lines manually using any of the methods above.

Removing lines you no longer need

Lines created with underscores or hyphens sit on their own line in your document, so delete them the same way you delete any line: click on the line and press Delete, or position your cursor at the beginning of the line and press Backspace. Lines created with the Borders feature are attached to a paragraph, so select the paragraph, go back to Borders, and choose "None" to remove them.

Lines drawn with Shapes are objects you can click and delete individually. Click the line once to select it (you will see small squares at the endpoints), then press Delete. If you have trouble selecting a line, try clicking directly on it rather than near it. If a line is behind text, right-click it and choose "Send to Back" or "Bring to Front" to change the layering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a line a different color?

Yes, but only for lines created with Shapes or Borders. Lines made with underscores are just text characters and take the color of your font. For Shapes, right-click the line and choose "Format Shape," then pick a color. For Borders, select the paragraph, go to Borders and Shading, and choose a color before you explore the border.

What if the underscore line does not convert when I press Enter?

AutoFormat may be turned off on your computer. Try typing three hyphens (---) instead of underscores, or go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and turn on "Borders" under AutoFormat As You Type. If that does not work, use the Borders feature or Shapes method instead.

How do I make a line that only covers part of the page width?

Use the Shapes method — draw a line to the exact length you need. You can also use a table with one row and multiple columns, then delete the lines you do not want, leaving only the ones you need for your form or layout.

Can I add a line between columns in Word?

Yes. Go to Layout, then Columns, then click "More Columns." In the Columns window, check the box next to "Line between" and click OK. Word adds a vertical line between your columns automatically. You can remove it by unchecking the same box.