How to Create a Straight Line in Microsoft Word Effortlessly

Lines in Microsoft Word - How to Create a Straight Line in Microsoft Word Effortlessly 3

It’s almost impossible to make a straight line on a computer using a mouse pointer alone. You definitely need an additional “tool” to prevent the line from skewing, and of course, you won’t use a traditional ruler to keep the pointer aligned.

On Microsoft Word, you can create a straight line easily by using a mouse and keyboard — something that your computer should already have.

Here is the guide!

The following guide is based on Microsoft Word 365 version 1902. It may have a slightly different interface but the overall look should be similar to other Microsoft Word versions.

How to create a straight line in Microsoft Word

Time Needed : 2 minutes

In this guide, you will learn how to create a straight line in Microsoft Word in a very easy way. The result is either a straight horizontal or vertical line even if you don't have a steady hand.

  1. Go to the Insert menu.

    Insert menu Word - How to Create a Straight Line in Microsoft Word Effortlessly 5

  2. Click on Shapes, and select which type of line you want to draw.

    Shapes Lines - How to Create a Straight Line in Microsoft Word Effortlessly 7

  3. Press the Shift button on the keyboard while dragging the pointer to form a straight line (horizontal or vertical).

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  4. The straight line has created! You can go to Format > Shape Outline to customize its style and look.

    Shape Outline - How to Create a Straight Line in Microsoft Word Effortlessly 11

  5. There are plenty of options you can choose to decor the line you just made.

    Lines in Microsoft Word - How to Create a Straight Line in Microsoft Word Effortlessly 13

Tools
  • Microsoft Word
  • Shapes tool
Materials
  • Lines

Remember, the most important component for creating a straight line in Microsoft Word is the Shapes tool and pressing Shift while drawing a line. If you want to make the line longer or shorter, click and hold the tip while pressing the Shift button to keep it straight.

This method also applies to other Microsoft Office programs, such as PowerPoint and Excel.

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