If you want to give your Word document a polished and professional look, adding outside borders can do the trick. It’s pretty straightforward: select the text or element, go to the Borders and Shading options, and apply the border. You’ll be done in a flash! Stick around and we’ll break it down step-by-step.
How to Add Outside Borders in Word
In this section, we’ll walk through the steps to add outside borders to your document. By the end, you’ll know how to make your text pop out with neat borders.
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
First, open the Microsoft Word document where you want to add the borders.
Whether you have an existing document or you’re starting from scratch, you need to have Word up and running. Make sure your document is saved to avoid losing any work.
Step 2: Select the Text or Element
Next, highlight the text or element you want to add the borders to.
This could be a paragraph, a table, or even an image. Just use your mouse to click and drag, or use your keyboard if you prefer.
Step 3: Go to the “Design” Tab
Navigate to the "Design" tab at the top of the screen.
The Design tab is where you can find various formatting options. It’s usually located in the middle of the ribbon.
Step 4: Click on “Borders and Shading”
In the Design tab, look for the “Borders and Shading” option and click on it.
A dialog box will pop up, giving you multiple options. This is where you’ll make your border selections.
Step 5: Choose “Outside Borders”
In the “Borders and Shading” dialog box, select “Outside Borders” from the options available.
You can customize the style, color, and width of the border. Play around with the options to see what looks best for your document.
Step 6: Apply and Save
Click “OK” to apply the border, and don’t forget to save your document.
Your selection will now have an outside border. If you’re satisfied, save your document to keep the changes.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your selected text or element will have a neat outside border, giving it a more distinguished and professional look.
Tips for Adding Outside Borders in Word
- Experiment with Styles: There are various border styles available. Experiment with dashed, dotted, and solid lines to find what looks best.
- Use Color Sparingly: While colorful borders can be eye-catching, they can also be distracting. Stick to neutral colors for a professional appearance.
- Thickness Matters: A thicker border can make text stand out, but too thick may look awkward. Find a balance that works for your content.
- Consistency is Key: If you’re adding borders to multiple sections, keep them consistent to maintain a clean look.
- Review Your Document: After adding borders, review your document to make sure everything looks the way you intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add borders to an entire page?
Yes, you can. Go to the “Design” tab, click on “Page Borders,” and select your desired border style.
How do I remove a border?
Select the text or element with the border, go to “Borders and Shading,” and choose “None.”
Can I customize the border color?
Absolutely! In the “Borders and Shading” dialog box, you can pick any color you like.
Are there preset border styles?
Yes, Word offers a variety of preset styles to choose from in the “Borders and Shading” options.
Can I apply borders to tables?
Of course! Select the table, go to “Table Tools,” and click on “Borders” to apply your preferred border style.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Select the text or element.
- Go to the “Design” tab.
- Click on “Borders and Shading.”
- Choose “Outside Borders.”
- Apply and save.
Conclusion
Adding outside borders in Word is a simple yet effective way to enhance the visual appeal of your document. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business report, or a personal letter, borders can add that extra touch of professionalism.
By following the steps outlined above, you can easily add and customize borders to suit your specific needs. Remember, the key is to experiment with styles and settings to find what looks best for your content. Don’t be afraid to play around until you achieve the perfect look.
If you found this guide helpful, why not explore other Word features? From adding watermarks to creating tables of contents, there’s a lot more you can do to make your documents stand out. Happy formatting!
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.