To section a document, you can easily insert a horizontal line in Word. When not needed, you can remove it too. Here is how to do both.
It may not be every time, but when you want to section a document or create a clear divide between two specific parts on a single page, you can make Word insert a horizontal line. For example, if you are trying to change the topic or moving on to a different point of view on the same page, inserting a horizontal rule to divide the sections is useful. That way, you don’t have to use fancy images or other not-so-reliable hacks to section parts of a document.
Though not readily apparent, Word has a specific option to insert a horizontal line. As with most options, you just need to know where to find it. In fact, you can even use a keyboard shortcut to add the horizontal line wherever you need. Of course, when you don’t need it, you can also remove the horizontal line in Word.
In this quick and easy Word instruction guide, let me show you two methods to insert a horizontal line in Word and remove it when not needed.
- Insert horizontal line in Word
- Use a keyboard shortcut to insert a horizontal line
- Remove the horizontal line in Word
1. Insert horizontal line in Word with Borders option
You can use the Paragraph Borders option to add a horizontal line in any Word document quickly. Here is how.
- Open the Word document.
- Set the cursor where you want to add the line.
- Switch to the “Home” tab.
- Click on the “Borders” dropdown menu.
- Select the “Horizontal Line” option.
- With that, Word inserts a horizontal line in the document.
Detailed steps:
First, open the Word document. Next, set the cursor where you want to add a horizontal line. Next, go to the “Home” tab and click on the “Borders” dropdown menu under the “Paragraphs” sections. Next, click on the “Horizontal Line” option to insert a horizontal line where you set the text cursor.
As soon as you do that, Word will add a new horizontal line to the document.
2. Use a keyboard shortcut to insert a horizontal line
Along with the Borders option, Word also lets you add a horizontal line using a simple key shortcut. Here is what it is and how to use it.
As always, open the Word document and set the cursor where you want to add the line. Next, hold down the “Shift” key on your keyboard and press “-” (minus) three times to type three underscores. Next, release the “Shift” key and then press the “Enter” button immediately.
As soon as you do that, Word will insert a horizontal line where the text cursor is.
As you can see, if you are frequently adding horizontal lines, the keyboard shortcut method is much faster. After all, it removes the necessity to move your hand to use the mouse.
3. Remove the horizontal line in Word
To remove the horizontal line in Word, set the mouse cursor right next to it or under it and press the “Backspace” button. This action will remove the horizontal line.
If you’ve added the horizontal line using the Borders option, i.e., the first method, you can select it with your mouse pointer and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard to remove it.
That is all. It is that simple to insert a horizontal line in Word.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
