To insert a page border in Word, click the Design tab, then click Page Borders on the far right. On the Page Border tab, choose Box, pick a style, color, and width, and click OK. To put a border around a paragraph instead, select the text, go to Home, and click the arrow next to the Borders button in the Paragraph group.
Here’s how to add borders to pages, paragraphs, pictures, text boxes, and tables, plus how to put a border on only one page.
How to add a page border in Word
- Click the Design tab. In Word 2010 and earlier, it’s under Page Layout.
- Click Page Borders in the Page Background group.
- On the Page Border tab, under Setting, click Box, Shadow, or 3-D.
- Choose a Style, Color, and Width. For a decorative border, choose one from the Art menu.
- Under Apply to, choose Whole document or another option.
- Click OK.
Add a border to only one page
- First page only: Under Apply to, choose This section – First page only. This is handy for cover pages.
- Any other single page: Put a section break before and after the page with Layout > Breaks > Next Page. Click inside that page, open Page Borders, and choose This section.
Move the border closer to or farther from the edge
In the Page Border tab, click Options. Change the margins, or set Measure from to Text to draw the border around your text instead of near the page edge. Some printers cut off borders that are too close to the edge.
How to add a border around a paragraph
- Select the paragraph or text.
- On the Home tab, click the arrow next to the Borders button in the Paragraph group.
- Choose Outside Borders for a box, or Bottom Border for a line under the text.
- For more choices, click Borders and Shading at the bottom of the menu.
Quick tip: Type three hyphens (—) and press Enter to draw a line across the page. Type three equals signs (===) for a double line.
How to add a border to a picture or text box
- Picture: Select it, go to Picture Format > Picture Border, and pick a color and weight. See how to add a border to a picture in Word.
- Text box or shape: Select it, go to Shape Format > Shape Outline, and choose a color. To remove one, see how to remove a border from a text box in Word.
How to add borders to a table
- Click inside the table.
- On the Table Design tab, choose a Line Style, Line Weight, and Pen Color.
- Click the arrow under Borders and choose All Borders, Outside Borders, or another option.
How to remove a border
- Page border: Open Design > Page Borders, choose None, and click OK.
- Paragraph border: Select the text, click the Borders arrow, and choose No Border.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Page Borders in Word for Mac?
Click the Design tab, then Page Borders. The options are the same as on Windows.
Can I add a page border in Word for the web?
Word for the web has limited border options. You can add paragraph borders from Home, but for page borders, open the file in the Word desktop app.
Why doesn’t my border print?
The border may be outside your printer’s printable area. In Page Borders > Options, increase the margins or measure from the text.
Can I use a picture as a page border?
Use the Art menu for built-in decorative borders. For a custom image, insert it in the header with Behind Text wrapping so it appears on every page.
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.