Removing lines in Word may sound like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. Whether you’ve added a line by accident or inherited a document with a stubborn line that just won’t budge, the process is straightforward. A few clicks and you’ll have a clean, line-free document.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Remove Line in Word
Before we jump into the steps, let’s understand what we’ll accomplish here. We’re going to remove horizontal lines – also known as borders – from your Word document. These can be automatically generated by Word or manually inserted, and sometimes they can be a little tricky to get rid of. But fear not, we’ll walk you through it.
Step 1: Identify the Line
Identify whether the line is a border, a graphic, or something else.
Knowing what kind of line you’re dealing with will help you choose the right approach to remove it. Borders are the most common and can be removed through formatting options, while graphics require a different method.
Step 2: Select the Line
Click directly on the line or the paragraph immediately above it.
If the line is a border, you’ll need to select the paragraph it’s attached to. If it’s a graphic, you should be able to select it directly.
Step 3: Navigate to the Borders Menu
Go to the ‘Home’ tab and click on the ‘Borders’ icon.
In the ‘Paragraph’ group on the ‘Home’ tab, you’ll find the ‘Borders’ icon. This is where you can adjust all border settings, including removing them.
Step 4: Remove the Line
Choose ‘No Border’ from the drop-down menu or the Borders and Shading dialog box.
This should remove the line. If it doesn’t, or if the line is a graphic, you might need to delete it manually by pressing the ‘Delete’ key after selecting it.
After you’ve completed these steps, the line should be removed from your Word document. If it was a border, the text will now flow without interruption. If it was a graphic, there will be an empty space where the line used to be, which you can fill with text or other content.
Tips: How to Remove Line in Word
- If the line is created by formatting (like underlining), remove it by clearing the formatting.
- If multiple lines are present, select the paragraphs affected and remove the borders all at once.
- Double-check for hidden formatting by revealing paragraph marks and other hidden symbols.
- Always save a copy of your document before making changes, just in case.
- If you’re unable to remove the line, try copying the content into a new document and format it there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the line doesn’t go away after I select ‘No Border’?
Sometimes Word can be a bit stubborn. If the line persists, try selecting the paragraph and choosing ‘Borders and Shading’. Then, in the dialog box, set the border to ‘None’.
Can I remove a line that someone else added to a shared document?
Yes, you can remove lines from any document that you have editing rights to. If you can’t edit the document, you’ll need to ask the owner for permission.
What if the line is actually a shape or graphic?
If the line is a shape or graphic, you can click on it to select it and then press ‘Delete’ on your keyboard to remove it.
Why does Word add these lines automatically?
Word has an auto-format feature that interprets certain keyboard inputs (like multiple underscores) as a command to insert a horizontal line. You can turn this feature off in the AutoFormat settings.
How can I prevent accidental lines in the future?
Be aware of the auto-format triggers, like multiple hyphens, underscores, or equal signs, and avoid using them in succession unless you want a line. Alternatively, you can adjust the AutoFormat settings to stop creating lines automatically.
Summary
- Identify the type of line you’re dealing with.
- Select the line or associated paragraph.
- Use the Borders menu in the Home tab.
- Choose ‘No Border’ or delete manually if it’s a graphic.
Conclusion
And there you have it – a quick and painless guide to removing lines in Word. No more frustration over pesky borders or unwelcome graphical elements breaking up your text. With these steps and tips, you’re now equipped to tackle any lines that come your way. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to play around with the functions of Word to become more familiar with what each feature can do. The key is to keep experimenting and learning.
Whether you’re tidying up a document for work, school, or personal use, understanding how to remove line in Word is a skill that will always come in handy. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch as your documents transform from cluttered to clean with just a few clicks. And if you’re ever in doubt, come back and revisit this guide – it’s here to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of word processing. Happy editing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.