How to Remove Grid in Word
If you’re working in Microsoft Word and those pesky gridlines are distracting you, don’t worry—getting rid of them is a breeze. With just a few clicks, you can make your document look clean and professional. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business report, or a personal letter, this guide will show you step-by-step how to remove the grid in Word.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Remove Grid in Word
In this section, we will walk you through each step to remove the gridlines in your Word document. Follow these simple instructions, and say goodbye to those unwanted lines.
Step 1: Open your Word document
First, open the Word document from which you want to remove the gridlines.
Make sure your document is open and active. You can either open it from your File menu or by double-clicking the document icon.
Step 2: Go to the "Layout" Tab
Next, navigate to the "Layout" tab on the ribbon at the top of the Word window.
The "Layout" tab contains various settings for adjusting your document’s layout and design. This is where you’ll find the options to control gridlines.
Step 3: Click on "View Gridlines"
In the "Layout" tab, find the "View Gridlines" option and click on it.
This option is usually located in the "Table" section of the Layout tab. Clicking this will toggle the gridlines on or off.
Step 4: Confirm Gridlines Are Removed
Check your document to ensure that the gridlines have disappeared.
After clicking "View Gridlines," the gridlines should no longer be visible in your document. If they’re still there, try clicking the option again.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Word document should be free of any distracting gridlines. Your text and images will now look cleaner and more polished, making your document easier to read and more visually appealing.
Tips for How to Remove Grid in Word
-
Use Keyboard Shortcuts: If you need to toggle gridlines frequently, learn the keyboard shortcut for this action (Alt + W, T, G).
-
Check Print Preview: Always check the Print Preview to ensure gridlines aren’t printed if they’re not supposed to be.
-
Customize Your Ribbon: Add the "View Gridlines" button to your Quick Access Toolbar for easier access.
-
Save Settings: If you find yourself always disabling gridlines, consider saving your settings in a template.
-
Use Help Resources: If you get stuck, Word’s Help feature can provide additional guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Remove Grid in Word
What are gridlines in Word?
Gridlines are the dotted lines that help you align objects and text in your Word document. They are not printed but can be seen on the screen.
Why can’t I see the "View Gridlines" option?
Make sure you are in the "Layout" tab and that a table is selected. The option is sometimes hidden unless a table is in use.
Will removing gridlines affect my document’s formatting?
No, removing gridlines will only make them invisible on the screen. Your document’s formatting will remain the same.
Can I remove gridlines from a specific section only?
Gridlines are a global setting in Word, meaning they apply to the entire document. However, you can manage their appearance through table properties.
How do I turn gridlines back on?
Just follow the same steps and click "View Gridlines" again to toggle them back on.
Summary of Steps to Remove Grid in Word
- Open your Word document.
- Go to the "Layout" tab.
- Click on "View Gridlines."
- Confirm Gridlines Are Removed.
Conclusion
There you have it—a straightforward guide on how to remove grid in Word. This small tweak can make a big difference in the presentation of your document, making it look cleaner and more professional. Whether you’re preparing a document for work, school, or personal use, knowing how to remove gridlines ensures that your content stands out without unnecessary distractions. For more tips and tricks on using Microsoft Word effectively, check out our other articles or visit the Help section on Word. Happy typing!

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.