Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 26, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
For some documents you may have a need to insert vertical lines. There are actually four or five ways you can do this in Word. The actual method you choose depends on your document needs and which appeals to you the most.
The first method involves drawing a line:
The second method involves using bar tab stops. You can see how these appear by following these steps:
Figure 1. The Tabs dialog box.
The bar tab stops are simple, one-point black vertical lines. (There is no way to change line weight or color.)
Another method that works well if you want the line to appear beside a paragraph is to use borders:
If you have multiple columns in your document and you want vertical lines between the columns, you can follow these steps:
Figure 2. The Columns dialog box.
The final way to create vertical lines is to use tables. While this may seem a bit convoluted, it will work great for small sections of text. To use this method, follow these general steps:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9503) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Vertical Lines in Word.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Getting graphics to appear right where you want them in relation to the text in your document can be a challenge. One ...
Discover MoreTwo of the long-time features in Word are text boxes and WordArt. You might not think these two are related, but they are ...
Discover MoreYou can use the Find and Replace feature of Word to replace inline graphics with other graphics. This tip explains how ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2021-06-26 10:10:23
Tomek
If you want to draw a line that is perfectly vertical, press the Shift key while dragging the mouse. This will limit the line drawn to vertical, horizontal, or 45°.
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