Word uses 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
This content applies to Word for Windows (including Word with a Microsoft 365 subscription). The steps and options may differ in Word for Mac or Word for the web.
Insert a horizontal line by typing a few characters
- Place the cursor where you want to insert the horizontal line.
- On a line by itself, type three of the characters shown below, and then press Enter.
The line is inserted across the available width of the document or message. 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.
On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, select the arrow next to Borders.
Select Borders and Shading at the bottom of the menu.
In the dialog, change the line's style, color, or width as needed and select OK.
To apply your changes, select the
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 from inserting a horizontal line when you type the three shortcut characters
- On the File tab, select Options.
- On the Proofing tab, select AutoCorrect Options and choose AutoFormat As You Type.
- Clear the Border Lines option.
- 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.