How to Add a Border in Word

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4 min read

How to Add a Border in Word

Adding a border to your document can make your work look more polished and professional. Whether you want to frame your entire page or highlight specific sections, Microsoft Word offers a range of border options to suit your needs. Follow these simple steps to add a border in Word and give your documents a visually appealing touch.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Border in Word

1. Open Your Document

First, open Microsoft Word and load the document to which you want to add a border.

2. Select the Content

If you want to add a border around specific text, select that text. If you want to add a border around the entire page, there's no need to select anything.

3. Navigate to the Borders and Shading Menu

Go to the "Design" tab at the top of the window. In the "Page Background" group, click on "Page Borders." If you’re adding a border to selected text, you can also go to the "Home" tab, find the "Paragraph" group, and click on the "Borders" button.

4. Choose Your Border Style

In the "Borders and Shading" dialog box, you’ll see several options. Under the "Borders" tab, choose the style, color, and width of the border. You can also select whether you want a box border, a shadow border, a 3D border, or a custom border.

5. Apply the Border

For page borders, switch to the "Page Border" tab in the "Borders and Shading" dialog box. Select the desired border style, color, and width. You can also choose which sides of the page the border should appear on: top, bottom, left, right, or all sides.

6. Customize the Border Settings

Use the "Options" button within the "Borders and Shading" dialog box to adjust the border margins relative to the text. This allows you to control the distance between the border and the text or edge of the page.

7. Preview and Confirm

Before applying, use the preview pane on the right side of the dialog box to see how your border will look. Once satisfied, click "OK" to apply the border.

8. Save Your Document

After adding the border, don’t forget to save your document to preserve the changes. Go to "File" and click "Save" or "Save As" to store the document on your computer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I add a border to just one side of the page or section?

A: Yes, in the "Borders and Shading" dialog box, you can choose to apply the border to any combination of sides (top, bottom, left, right).

Q: How can I remove a border once it’s been added?

A: To remove a border, go back to the "Borders and Shading" dialog box and select the "None" option under the border settings. Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Q: Can I create a custom border with unique designs?

A: Yes, Word allows you to create custom borders by choosing the "Custom" setting in the "Borders and Shading" dialog box. You can mix different styles, colors, and widths.

Q: How do I add a border to a table?

A: Select the table, go to the "Table Tools Design" tab, and use the "Borders" button to choose the desired border style for the table.

Q: Are there preset borders available?

A: Yes, Word offers preset border options like box, shadow, and 3D. These can be quickly applied from the "Borders and Shading" dialog box.

Q: Can I add a border around an image in Word?

A: Yes, select the image, right-click, and choose "Format Picture." From the "Format Picture" pane, go to the "Line" section to add and customize the border around the image.

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