How to Remove Unwanted Horizontal Lines in Microsoft Word

Horizontal lines often appear in Microsoft Word when you least expect them. If you’ve ever typed several dashes, underscores, or equal signs and pressed Enter, you may have noticed a line stretching across the page. This isn’t just text it’s actually a border automatically added by Word’s AutoFormat feature. While helpful for some users, it can be frustrating when it shows up unintentionally. Here’s a simple guide on how to remove lines in Word and prevent them from appearing again.

Why the Line Appears

When you type:

Three or more dashes (—),
Equal signs (===), or
Underscores (___),

and then press Enter, Word automatically converts them into a border line. Since this line is a formatting feature—not actual text—you can’t just delete it with Backspace.

Quick Fix: Undo Immediately

If the line appears and you want it gone right away, simply press Ctrl + Z or click the Undo button on the toolbar. This cancels Word’s automatic formatting instantly.

Removing the Line with the Borders Menu

If the line is already in your document:

Place your cursor just above the line.
On the Home tab, go to the Paragraph group.
Click the Borders icon (the small square with four borders).
Select No Border from the dropdown list.

This will remove the unwanted horizontal line.

Preventing Word from Creating Lines Automatically

To stop Word from inserting these lines in the future:

Go to File > Options.
Select Proofing, then click AutoCorrect Options.
Under the AutoFormat As You Type tab, uncheck the option labeled Border lines.
Click OK to save changes.

From now on, typing dashes, equal signs, or underscores will no longer trigger Word to create a border line automatically.

Alternative Method: Clear Formatting

If the line persists:

Highlight the paragraph containing the line.
Go to Design > Borders or click the Borders button on the Home tab.
Select No Border to clear the formatting.

Final Thoughts

Horizontal lines in Microsoft Word are a common formatting issue, but they’re easy to fix once you know the cause. By using the Undo command, the Borders menu, or adjusting the AutoFormat settings, you can take control of your document layout and keep it looking professional.