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.
Create Custom Apps with VBA! Discover how to extend the capabilities of Office 365 applications with VBA programming. Written in clear terms and understandable language, the book includes systematic tutorials and contains both intermediate and advanced content for experienced VB developers. Designed to be comprehensive, the book addresses not just one Office application, but the entire Office suite. Check out Mastering VBA for Microsoft Office 365 today!
You can use Find and Replace to change the attributes of text in your document. When you want to make changes to lots and ...
Discover MoreVertical lines are even easier to add around a word than are horizontal lines. There are a variety of methods you can use ...
Discover MoreNeed to get the margins on your document exactly right? It can be a challenge to get the Word settings where you need ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
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 :)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments