Getting rid of those pesky blue paragraph symbols in Microsoft Word is easy and just takes a few simple steps. You’ll be able to follow along with this guide to turn off the formatting marks that have been driving you nuts. Here’s a quick overview: All you need to do is go to the ‘Home’ tab, locate the ‘Paragraph’ group, and click on the paragraph symbol button (¶) to toggle it off.
How to Get Rid of Blue Paragraph Symbols in Word
Alright, let’s dive into the steps to finally get rid of those blue paragraph symbols in Word. This will clean up your document’s look, making it easier to read and more professional.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First, you need to open Microsoft Word on your computer.
Make sure that you open the document where you’re seeing the blue paragraph symbols. If Word isn’t open yet, double-click its icon to get started.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Home’ Tab
Next, navigate to the ‘Home’ tab at the top of the screen.
The ‘Home’ tab is where you’ll find most of your basic formatting tools, including the one we need to get rid of those symbols.
Step 3: Locate the ‘Paragraph’ Group
Within the ‘Home’ tab, look for the ‘Paragraph’ group.
The ‘Paragraph’ group houses various tools related to text formatting, including alignment, indentation, and the infamous paragraph symbol.
Step 4: Click on the Paragraph Symbol Button (¶)
Find and click on the paragraph symbol button (¶) in the ‘Paragraph’ group.
This button toggles the visibility of formatting marks, such as paragraph symbols. Clicking it once will hide these marks.
Step 5: Confirm the Symbols are Gone
Finally, check your document to ensure the blue paragraph symbols have disappeared.
If they’re still there, you might need to click the button one more time. Sometimes, it takes a moment for the changes to apply.
After you complete these steps, the blue paragraph symbols should vanish, leaving you with a much cleaner and more readable document.
Tips for How to Get Rid of Blue Paragraph Symbols in Word
- If you still see symbols, try restarting Word.
- Make sure you’re clicking the correct paragraph symbol button in the ‘Home’ tab.
- If the symbols reappear later, you might have accidentally hit the button again.
- Remember that showing these symbols can sometimes help with formatting issues.
- Explore other formatting tools in the ‘Paragraph’ group for enhanced document editing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I see blue paragraph symbols in Word?
You’re seeing blue paragraph symbols because the formatting marks are turned on. This helps users see hidden formatting.
Can these symbols affect my printed document?
No, the paragraph symbols won’t show up on printed documents. They’re just for on-screen editing purposes.
How do I turn off other formatting marks?
Click the same paragraph symbol button (¶) in the ‘Home’ tab to toggle all formatting marks on or off.
Is there another way to access this feature?
Yes, you can also go to ‘File’ > ‘Options’ > ‘Display’ and uncheck ‘Show all formatting marks.’
What if the paragraph symbol button doesn’t work?
If the button doesn’t work, try restarting Word. Also, make sure your document isn’t protected or locked in any way.
Summary of Steps
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Go to the ‘Home’ tab.
- Locate the ‘Paragraph’ group.
- Click the paragraph symbol button (¶).
- Confirm the symbols are gone.
Conclusion
Tired of those annoying blue paragraph symbols messing up the look of your document? By following our easy steps, you can swiftly turn them off and enjoy a clutter-free Word experience. Remember, while these symbols can be helpful for troubleshooting formatting issues, they can also be easily hidden when you need a cleaner view.
If you’re interested in learning more about Word’s formatting tools, browse through the other options in the ‘Home’ tab. They can be real lifesavers when it comes to making your documents look just right. Getting rid of blue paragraph symbols in Word can make your editing process more streamlined and pleasant. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how much better your document looks without those pesky marks.

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.