Insert a line

Adding horizontal lines, sometimes called horizontal rules, to a document or email message can help separate sections of text add visual appeal.

Draw a line

To add a line, follow these steps.

1. On the Insert tab, select Shapes.

2. Under Lines, select any line style you like.

   

3. Select a location in the document, hold and drag your pointer to a different location, and then release the mouse button.

Insert a line by typing a few characters

The fastest way to add a horizontal line or rule is to use the AutoFormat feature. When you type certain characters three times on their own line and then press Enter, those characters instantly become a horizontal line. 

1. Place the cursor where you want to insert the horizontal line.

2. Type three of the characters listed here, and then press Enter.

   

   The line is inserted for the full width of the page. When inserted into a column, the line is inserted to match the width of the column. To add text above the line, put your cursor where you want the text and begin typing.

Note: AutoFormat features are not available in Office Online. If you have a desktop version of Office, click Open in [Program Name] in your desktop program to open the document and use the cropping tools. If you don't have a desktop version of Office, you can try or buy the latest version now.