How to Add a Border in Word

In desktop publishing and creating professional-looking documents, adding borders is a great way to enhance your text’s visual appeal and organization. Microsoft Word offers a variety of border options that are easy to use, whether you want to add a simple line around your text or create a more intricate design. This guide teaches how to add a border in Word and customize it to fit your needs.

Understanding Borders in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word allows users to add borders to text, paragraphs, pages, and tables. They serve different purposes:

1. Text Borders: These apply to specific words or sentences directly.
2. Paragraph Borders: These can frame entire paragraphs, making them stand out.
3. Page Borders: They encircle the whole page, adding a decorative touch to the document.
4. Table Borders: Used to frame tables, enhancing their readability and structure.

How to Add a Text Border in Word

A border around text can highlight important information or create a more polished look. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Select the Text: Select the text to which you want to add a border.
2. Go to the ‘Home’ Tab: Navigate to the ‘Home’ tab in the Ribbon at the top of the screen.
3. Click the ‘Borders’ Button: Find the ‘Borders’ button within the ‘Paragraph’ section. It typically looks like a square split into four segments.
4. Choose Your Border Style: A drop-down menu will appear. You can choose ‘Outside Borders’ to add a border around the selected text.

For more customization:

1. Select ‘Borders and Shading’: Find the ‘Borders and Shading’ option at the bottom of the drop-down menu and click on it.
2. Choose ‘Borders Tab’: In the dialog box that appears, select the ‘Borders’ tab.
3. Select Line Style, Color, and Width: You can choose your preferred line style, color, and width.
4. Apply to ‘Text’: Make sure the ‘Apply to’ drop-down menu shows ‘Text.’
5. Click ‘OK’: Apply the border by clicking ‘OK.’

How to Add a Paragraph Border in Word

Bordering an entire paragraph can make specific sections of your document stand out. Here’s how:

1. Select the Paragraph: Click anywhere inside the paragraph you want to add a border.
2. Go to the ‘Home’ tab in the Ribbon. Ensure you are on the ‘Home’ tab.
3. Click the ‘Borders’ Button: As with text, find the ‘Borders’ button in the ‘Paragraph’ group.
4. Choose Your Border Style: You can select ‘Outside Borders’ or another style that fits your needs.

For even more options:

1. Click ‘Borders and Shading’: Select ‘Borders and Shading from the drop-down menu.’
2. Select the ‘Borders’ Tab: Ensure the dialog box displays the ‘Borders’ tab.
3. Customize Your Border: Choose the line style, color, and width you want.
4. Apply to ‘Paragraph’: Make sure the ‘Apply to’ drop-down menu is set to ‘Paragraph.’
5. Click ‘OK’: Save your settings and apply the border.

How to Add a Page Border in Word

A border around an entire page adds a finished look to any document. Here’s the process:

1. Go to the ‘Design’ Tab: Head to the ‘Design’ tab.
2. Click ‘Page Borders’: This is in the ‘Page Background’ group.
3. Select Your Style: In the ‘Borders and Shading’ dialog box, select the ‘Page Border’ tab.
4. Customize Border: Choose your preferred style, color, and width. You can also add art borders from the ‘Art’ drop-down menu.
5. Apply to ‘Whole Document’: Ensure the ‘Apply to’ drop-down menu is set to ‘Whole Document’ unless you want to apply it to specific sections.)
6. Click ‘OK’: Confirm and apply your border settings by clicking ‘OK’.

How to Add a Table Border in Word

Table borders enhance readability and structure. Here’s how to add them:

1. Select the Table: Click on the table or select the specific cells to which you want to add a border.
2. Go to the ‘Table Tools – Design’ Tab: This tab will appear once you select the table.
3. Click the ‘Borders’ Button: In the ‘Table Styles’ group, find and click on the ‘Borders’ button.
4. Choose Your Border Style: Select the type of border you want from the drop-down menu (e.g., ‘All Borders’, ‘Outside Borders’).

For further customization:

1. Click ‘Borders and Shading’: Find ‘Borders and Shading’ at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
2. Select the ‘Borders’ Tab: Click on the ‘Borders’ tab in the dialog box.
3. Customize Your Border: Choose your preferred style, color, and width.
4. Apply to ‘Table’: Make sure the settings apply to the table.
5. Click ‘OK’: Apply your changes.

Advanced Border Customization in Word

Microsoft Word also offers advanced options to fit your specific needs:

1. Compound Borders: Combine different line styles and colors.
2. Shadow and 3D Borders: Add depth and dimension with shadow and 3D effects.
3. Diagonal Borders: Use for creative layouts and complex tables.
4. Padding and Spacing: Adjust the space between text and borders for a balanced look.

Tips for Using Borders in Word

• Consistency: Keep your borders consistent throughout your document for a professional look.
• Color Matching: Match border colors with your document’s theme.
• Moderation: Use borders sparingly to avoid clutter.
• Print Preview: Always preview and print to ensure your borders look as intended.

Troubleshooting Border Issues in Word

Common issues include:

• Borders Not Showing: Ensure ‘View Gridlines’ is enabled.
• Borders Not Printing: Check your printer settings and document margins.
• Border Cuts Text: Adjust border size, padding, or text wrap settings.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to the Query: How To Add A Border In Word?

Q. How do I add a border to a page in Word?
A. To add a border to a page, go to the “Design” tab. Click on “Page Borders.” You can choose the border’s style, color, and width in the dialog box. Once you make your choices, click “OK” to apply it.

Q. Can I add a border to just one side of the page?
A. Yes! When you go to “Page Borders,” you can select which sides of the page get the border. Just click on the side you want to include in the preview section.

Q. Can I change the color of the border in Word?
A. Absolutely! You can choose a color in the “Page Borders” dialog. Click on the color box and pick the option you like best.

Q. Is it possible to add borders to a specific paragraph or section?
|A. Yes! To incorporate a border to a specific paragraph, highlight the paragraph first, go to the “Home” tab, then click on the “Borders” drop-down in the paragraph section. From there, you can select the type of border you want.

Q. What if I want a double border instead of a single one?
A. You can easily create a double border! In the “Page Borders” dialog, select “Borders,” and you’ll see an option for “Style.” Choose the double-line option from the list.

Q. Can I remove a border once I’ve added it?
A. Yes! Return to the “Page Borders” dialog to remove a border and select “None.” This action will remove any borders you’ve previously set.

Q. Can I use different styles for borders on other pages?
A. Yes, you can! Go to the page you want to change, open the “Page Borders” dialog, and set a different style for that page.

Q. How do I add a border to a table?
A. To add a border to a table, click inside the table, go to the “Table Design” tab, and choose “Borders.” You can select different border styles for the whole table or specific cells.

Q. What if my borders don’t show up in print?
A. Sometimes, borders might not print if they are too light or if your printer settings are off. Ensure your border color is dark enough, and check your print settings to ensure borders are enabled.

Q. Can I save my border settings for future use?
A. Yes! Once you’ve set up your borders, you can save them as a style. Go to the “Design” tab and look for “Page Borders.” After setting it up, you can choose “Add to Template” to use it again later.

Conclusion

Adding borders in Word is a straightforward way to enhance your documents. Word offers a range of customization options, whether for text, paragraphs, pages, or tables. Use this guide on how to add a border in Word to create polished, professional documents easily.