Insert a horizontal line

Applies To
Word for Microsoft 365 Outlook for Microsoft 365 Word 2024 Outlook 2024 Word 2021 Outlook 2021 Word 2019 Outlook 2019 Word 2016 Outlook 2016

Word and Outlook use a three-character shortcut that inserts a full-width horizontal rule in your document or message. The appearance of that rule depends on which character you use, as shown in the image below. 

Note

The appearance and behavior of horizontal lines may vary slightly between Word documents and Outlook messages.

Insert a horizontal line by typing a few characters

  1. Place the cursor where you want to insert the horizontal line.
  2. Type three of the characters shown below, and then press Enter.
    Horizontal line example sampler
    The line is inserted across the available width of the document or message. In Word, the width may also match the column if used in a multi-column layout. To add text above the line, put your cursor where you want the text and begin typing.

Tip

To cancel a horizontal line and keep the three characters, press Backspace immediately after creating the line. 

Format the horizontal line after you create it

The three-character shortcut creates an empty paragraph with a bottom border. To change the look of that border line, use the Borders options.

  1. On the ribbon, select the down arrow next to Borders (from the Home tab in Word or Format Text tab in Outlook).

  2. Select Borders and Shading at the bottom of the menu.

  3. In the dialog, change the line's style, color, or width as needed and select OK. 

  4. To apply your changes, select the  Borders button icon Borders button again. 

Tip

Since the line is actually a paragraph, you can create a box by selecting All Borders or Outside Borders.

Turn off the automatic line feature

Here's how to prevent Word or Outlook from inserting a horizontal line when you type the three shortcut characters.

Word

  1. On the File tab, select Options.
  2. On the Proofing tab, select AutoCorrect Options and choose AutoFormat As You Type.
  3. Clear the Border Lines option.
  4. Select OK.

Outlook

  1. On the File tab, select Options.
  2. Select the Mail tab, and choose Editor Options.  
  3. On the Proofing tab, select AutoCorrect Options and choose the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
  4. Clear the Border Lines option under Apply as you type.
  5. Select OK.

Other ways to draw a line

To draw a line using a shape, see Draw a line in Word or Outlook.

To draw a freehand line using ink, see Draw and write with ink in Office.