In Word for Windows, you can add a horizontal line in a header or footer by opening that area, typing one of Word’s supported three-character shortcuts on a line by itself, and pressing Enter. Word converts the paragraph into one with a bottom border, which you can restyle through Borders and Shading. The shortcut steps may differ in Word for Mac or Word for the web.
Add a line in a Word header or footer in Windows
- Double-click inside the top margin to open the header, or inside the bottom margin to open the footer. You can also use Insert > Header or Insert > Footer to choose or edit one.
- Click in the paragraph where you want the line.
- On a line by itself, type one of Word’s supported three-character line shortcuts.
- Press Enter. Word converts the paragraph into one with a bottom border, creating the horizontal rule.
To change the line’s style, color, or width, place the cursor in the paragraph and open Home > Paragraph > Borders > Borders and Shading. The shortcut-created line is a paragraph border, not a floating shape.
When you are finished, select Close Header and Footer or press Esc.
Platform differences
| Word version | What to know |
|---|---|
| Word for Windows | Microsoft documents the three-character shortcut workflow for inserting a horizontal line. Use Borders and Shading to adjust the resulting paragraph border. |
| Word for Mac | Microsoft cautions that the steps and options may differ. Check the Borders controls available in your version rather than assuming the Windows shortcut behaves identically. |
| Word for the web | You can edit headers and footers through Insert > Header & Footer, but Microsoft cautions that the Windows shortcut steps may differ. Use the controls available in the web version. |
Check which pages show the line
A document can have different headers or footers for different sections and for odd and even pages. After adding a line, check the relevant section and page type; a line in one header or footer variant may not appear in the others.
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Remove header or footer content
If you want to remove the entire header or footer, use Insert > Header or Insert > Footer, then choose Remove Header or Remove Footer. In a document with multiple sections, you may need to repeat this for each section.
FAQ
How do I add a line under a header in Word?
In Word for Windows, open the header, click in the paragraph where you want the line, type one of Word’s supported three-character shortcuts on a line by itself, and press Enter. Word turns the paragraph into one with a bottom border.
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How do I add a horizontal line in a Word footer?
Open the footer and use the same documented Windows shortcut workflow: type one of Word’s supported three-character line shortcuts on a line by itself, then press Enter. Microsoft notes that steps may differ in Word for Mac or Word for the web.
How can I change the line’s appearance?
Place the cursor in the paragraph containing the line and open Home > Paragraph > Borders > Borders and Shading. Use the available controls to change the border’s style, color, or width.
Why doesn’t the line appear on every page?
Your document may use separate headers or footers for sections or for odd and even pages. Check the relevant header or footer variant on the pages where the line is missing.
Does the Windows line shortcut work the same way in Word for Mac or the web?
Microsoft cautions that steps and options may differ in Word for Mac or Word for the web. The web version supports editing headers and footers through Insert > Header & Footer, but do not assume the Windows shortcut behaves identically.
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