Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated April 8, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365
Word allows you to add line numbers to your documents, as you have learned in other issues of WordTips. You might be wondering how to change the formatting of the line numbers. Word makes it quite simple by relying on styles for its line numbers. Simply follow these steps:
Figure 1. The Modify Style dialog box.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (6272) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Formatting Line Numbers.
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2025-07-25 09:24:58
Allen Wyatt
Lori, your comment made me go back and check in Microsoft 365. There *is* style called Line Number. In the Styles task pane, you need to make sure that all styles are listed and it is helpful to list them in alphabetical order. (You can do both by clicking Options at the bottom of the Styles task pane.)
Anyway, it really is there.
-Allen
2025-07-24 20:18:08
Lori
There is no style call line number, or anything similar. I'm using 365 Apps for Business.
2024-03-18 19:04:47
Exactly what I was going for
2023-12-15 17:44:40
Shane
Thanks! It worked!!!
2023-09-26 22:45:32
H
Thank you, this was very helpful for my manuscript! The different font was really bothering me :)
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