How to Insert a Horizontal Line in Word (4 Easy Ways)

A horizontal line is a quick way to separate sections of a letter, résumé, report, or notes in Microsoft Word. Word gives you several ways to add one: a typing shortcut that creates a line instantly, the Borders menu, a drawn shape, or a paragraph border you can style. This guide covers each method on Windows and Mac, how to change a line’s style, and how to delete the stubborn lines Word creates automatically.

Quick Answer

On a new line, type three hyphens (—) and press Enter. Word turns them into a full-width horizontal line. Or go to Home > Borders (the arrow next to the Borders button) and choose Horizontal Line.

Method 1: Typing Shortcuts (AutoFormat)

Type three of these characters on an empty line and press Enter:

Type	Line you get
---	Thin single line
___ (underscores)	Thick single line
===	Double line
***	Dotted line
~~~	Wavy line
###	Triple line with a thick center

The line is actually a bottom border on the paragraph above the cursor, so it spans from margin to margin.

Method 2: Horizontal Line from the Borders Menu

1. Click where you want the line.
2. On the Home tab, in the Paragraph group, click the arrow next to the Borders button.
3. Choose Horizontal Line.

To change it, double-click the line to open Format Horizontal Line, where you can set the width, height, color, and alignment.

Method 3: Draw a Line with Shapes

1. Go to Insert > Shapes and choose the straight Line.
2. Hold Shift and drag across the page to keep the line perfectly horizontal.
3. Use the Shape Format tab to change the color, weight, and dash style.

Shape lines float over text. Use them for designs and diagrams, and use Methods 1, 2, or 4 for lines that should move with the text.

Method 4: Custom Paragraph Border

1. Click in the paragraph above where the line should be.
2. Go to Home > Borders > Borders and Shading.
3. Choose a Style, Color, and Width. Then click the bottom edge in the Preview diagram.
4. Click Options to adjust the space between the text and the line, then OK.

This gives the most control and is ideal for résumé headings. Save it in a heading style so every section gets the same line.

Which Method Should You Use?

Need	Best method
Fastest divider	Type — and press Enter
Line with a custom color or thickness under a heading	Borders and Shading
Short, angled, or decorative lines	Insert > Shapes > Line
Signature lines	Tab with an underline leader, or Insert > Signature Line

How to Delete a Horizontal Line

• Right after it appears: press Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac) to undo the automatic line and keep your typed characters.
• AutoFormat or border lines: click in the paragraph just above the line, go to Home > Borders, and choose No Border.
• Horizontal Line objects and shapes: click the line to select it and press Delete.
• Can’t tell which paragraph has the border? Select the paragraphs around the line and choose No Border.

Stop Word from Creating Lines Automatically

1. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. On a Mac, go to Tools > AutoCorrect.
2. Open the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
3. Uncheck Border lines and click OK.

You can also click the lightning-bolt AutoCorrect Options button that appears after the line and choose Stop Automatically Creating Border Lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work in older versions such as Word 2013?

Yes. The typing shortcuts, Borders menu, and Shapes work the same in Word 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.

Can I add a vertical line?

Use Insert > Shapes > Line while holding Shift, or apply a left or right paragraph border.

Why does my line print differently?

Very thin lines (under 0.5 pt) may print faintly. Increase the width in Borders and Shading.

Summary

1. Type — (or ___, ===, ***) and press Enter.
2. Or use Home > Borders > Horizontal Line.
3. Use Borders and Shading for custom styles, or Shapes for free-floating lines.
4. Remove automatic lines with Borders > No Border, and turn off Border lines in AutoFormat.