Have you ever been working on a Word document and accidentally inserted a horizontal line that you can’t seem to get rid of? It can be frustrating, but don’t worry – removing a horizontal line in Word is actually quite simple. In just a few steps, you can get rid of that pesky line and have your document looking just the way you want it.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Remove Horizontal Line in Word
Before we dive into the steps, let’s briefly discuss what these steps will accomplish. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to select and delete the horizontal line in your Word document, returning your document to its original format.
Step 1: Select the line
Click directly above the line to position the cursor.
When you see the horizontal line in your Word document, it’s actually a border that’s been applied to the paragraph above it. To remove it, you’ll need to select the paragraph by clicking directly above the line.
Step 2: Open the Borders and Shading menu
Go to the Home tab, then click on the Borders button and select Borders and Shading.
Once you’ve selected the paragraph, go to the Home tab in the Word ribbon at the top of the screen. Then, click on the Borders button, which will open a dropdown menu. From this menu, select Borders and Shading.
Step 3: Remove the line
In the Borders tab, click on None and then click OK.
In the Borders and Shading menu, you’ll see a tab labeled "Borders." Click on this tab, and then select the option for "None." This will remove the border (or line) from your paragraph. Click OK to apply the changes.
After you complete these steps, the horizontal line will be removed from your Word document. You can now continue editing your document without the distraction of the unwanted line.
Tips for Removing Horizontal Line in Word
- Make sure you’re clicking above the line, not below it, to select the correct paragraph.
- If the line doesn’t disappear after following the steps, try selecting the paragraph again and repeating the process.
- You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + Q to quickly remove any formatting from a paragraph, including horizontal lines.
- If you’re unable to remove the line, it may be an actual drawn line rather than a border. In this case, click on the line and press the Delete key on your keyboard.
- If you’re working with a document that has multiple horizontal lines, you’ll need to remove each one individually following the same steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I select the horizontal line in my Word document?
If you’re having trouble selecting the line, it’s likely because it’s a border applied to the paragraph above it. Click directly above the line to select the paragraph.
Can I remove all horizontal lines in my document at once?
No, you’ll need to remove each line individually by following the steps for each one.
What if the line is still there after I follow the steps?
Try selecting the paragraph again and repeating the process. If that doesn’t work, use the shortcut Ctrl + Q to remove all formatting from the paragraph.
Can I prevent horizontal lines from being added to my document in the future?
Yes, you can adjust your AutoFormat settings in Word to prevent automatic borders from being added. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat as You Type and uncheck "Borders."
What if the horizontal line is a drawn object rather than a border?
If the line is a drawn object, simply click on it and press the Delete key on your keyboard to remove it.
Summary
- Select the line by clicking above it.
- Open the Borders and Shading menu from the Home tab.
- Remove the line by selecting None in the Borders tab and clicking OK.
Conclusion
Removing a horizontal line in Word can seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right steps, it’s a breeze. Whether you’re working on an important document for work, a paper for school, or a personal project, getting rid of unwanted lines can help make your document look clean and professional. So the next time you find yourself stuck with a stubborn horizontal line, just remember these simple steps and you’ll have it out of your way in no time. And remember, if you have any other Word-related questions or issues, there are plenty of resources and forums online where you can find help and advice. So go ahead, give it a try and watch that line disappear!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.