Word gives you several ways to add a dotted line: a keyboard shortcut that turns three asterisks into a full-width dotted line, a paragraph border you can style exactly, a drawn line you can put anywhere, and dot leaders that fill the space between text (like a table of contents). This guide covers all four in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021/2019/2016 and Word for Mac, plus how to remove a dotted line you can’t select.
Quick Answer
On a new line, type three asterisks (***) and press Enter. Word turns them into a dotted line across the page. For more control, use Home > Borders > Borders and Shading and choose a dotted style.
Method 1: AutoFormat Shortcut (Fastest)
- Click on an empty line.
- Type *** and press Enter.
Other characters create other lines:
| Type | Result |
|---|---|
| *** | Dotted line |
| — | Thin solid line |
| ___ | Thick solid line |
| === | Double line |
| ~~~ | Wavy line |
| ### | Thick line between two thin lines |
If nothing happens, turn it on in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type and check Border lines.
Method 2: Dotted Paragraph Border (Custom Style)
- Click in the paragraph where you want the line (or select several paragraphs).
- Go to Home and click the arrow next to the Borders button.
- Choose Borders and Shading.
- On the Borders tab, select a dotted or dashed Style, then a Color and Width.
- In Preview, click the bottom (or top) edge to apply the line there.
- Make sure Apply to says Paragraph and click OK.
Use Page Border tab for a dotted border around the whole page.
Method 3: Draw a Dotted Line Anywhere
- Go to Insert > Shapes and choose the Line.
- Hold Shift and drag to draw a straight horizontal or vertical line.
- With the line selected, open Shape Format > Shape Outline > Dashes and pick Round Dot or Square Dot.
- Change the thickness in Shape Outline > Weight and the color in Shape Outline.
Drawn lines float over text. Right-click the line > Wrap Text > In Line with Text to keep it in place with a paragraph. This method is ideal for cut lines on coupons and forms.
Method 4: Dot Leaders (Table of Contents or Menu Style)
- Type the left text, for example “Chapter 1.”
- Open the Paragraph dialog (small arrow in the Paragraph group) and click Tabs.
- Enter a tab stop position near the right margin, such as 6″, choose Right alignment and Leader 2 ……..
- Click Set and OK.
- Press Tab after the left text and type the right text (for example a page number). Dots fill the gap.
For a fill-in-the-blank line, press Tab with only a leader set to create a dotted line for writing on.
Word for Mac and the Web
- Mac: the *** shortcut, Borders and Shading (Format > Borders and Shading or the Borders button), shapes and tabs all work the same.
- Web: Word for the web supports the Borders button and some AutoFormat lines; drawn shapes and full border styling are more limited.
How to Remove a Dotted Line
AutoFormat lines are paragraph borders, so you can’t select and delete them like text. Click just above the line, go to Home > Borders and choose No Border. For other kinds of dotted lines (text boundaries, spelling underlines, page break lines), see how to remove dotted lines in Word.
Building a worksheet or form? Our guide to fill-in-the-blank lines in Word uses the same tab leader technique with underlines.
Related: How to Draw a Line in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a vertical dotted line?
Use Insert > Shapes > Line, hold Shift while drawing vertically, and set Dashes to a dotted style. Or apply a dotted left/right border to a paragraph or table cell.
Can I make the dots bigger?
Yes. Increase the Width in Borders and Shading or the Weight for a drawn line.
Why does the line extend across the page?
Paragraph borders run the width of the paragraph. Change the paragraph’s left and right indents to shorten it.
Summary
- Type *** and press Enter for a quick dotted line.
- Use Borders and Shading for custom styles.
- Draw a Line shape with Round Dot dashes for any position.
- Use tab leaders for dots between text.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.