Instructions in Microsoft Word: How to Make a Line

Written by: Cindy Marcelle • Edited by: Michele McDonough
Updated Aug 2, 2009 • Related Guides: Microsoft | Microsoft Word | Microsoft Word 2007

This series brings you step-by-step instructions to unlocking the full potential of Microsoft Word, and in this chapter of “Instructions in Microsoft Word” we examine how to make a line.

Using Lines and Connectors in Microsoft Word

Taking your Microsoft Word files to the next level by embellishing them with lines and connectors can add panache to any document, and creating them can be quick and easy once you learn these basic steps.

Please note that this article is in reference to Microsoft Office Word 2003 and all tips, tricks, and shortcuts are specific to said edition. Please check the edition of your program to see if it differs and adjust accordingly.

If you're using Microsoft Word 2007, use this guide to the drawing toolbar to find out how to create different shapes, lines, and even shadows right within your document. Microsoft Word 2003 users can continue reading about setting up a drawing toolbar, using the Line feature, and how to connect two sections or objects together with lines.

Setting up a Drawing Toolbar

1) Click on the Insert Menu found in the top right portion of the screen.

2) Select Picture from the drop-down menu.

3) Choose the AutoShapes option.

Once you have completed these steps, the Drawing Toolbar will stay located under your drop-down menus. (Click any image in this article for a larger view.)

Setting up a Drawing Toolbar in Microsoft Word

Quickly Drawing a Line

With your Drawing Toolbar now located below your drop-down menus, drawing a line is quick and convenient. Just click the Line graphic found on your Drawing Toolbar. A Line graphic will appear in place of your regular cursor graphic that you can drag and draw to create your desired design.

click to enlarge

Manipulating your line can be done by holding down the Shift key as you drag which constrains the line at a 15 degree angle from its starting point. Holding down the Control key as you drag and draw your line will lengthen it in opposite directions.

Drawing Connector Lines

When you’re looking to connect two objects together, such as compatible diagrams, there are three types of connector lines to choose from: straight, angled (elbowed), and curved. Your connector line will appear as blue circles as your cursor moves around the screen.

To Draw a Connector:

1) Select the Connectors graphic from your AutoShapes toolbar.

2) Select Connectors and choose your connecting line.

3) Click on what you want to attach.

4) Drag cursor to the object you wish to attach to.

Drawing Connector Lines in Microsoft Word

click to enlarge

Feel free to move objects around, remembering that objects that are unlocked will appear as green circles and connected objects will appear as red circles.

Drawing a line in Microsoft Word is just one of the many features the program offers. To find out more about some of the other capabilities of the software, check out the other articles in Bright Hub's collection of Microsoft Word user guides.

Bill Aug 16, 2011 11:12 PM

drawing multiple parallel lines

I simply want to draw multiple equally spaced parallel horizontal lines by drawing one and repeating the rest. Not just one line. This is so simple on a Mac but clearly incredibly complicated and high end graphics for Office Word. Word's "Help" tab is as always utterly useless.

Khiladi 420 Jul 15, 2011 6:42 AM

RE: Instructions in Microsoft Word: How to Make a Line

thank you for the instructions, it really helped me a lot

sukhi Jan 28, 2011 11:35 AM

THANKS BOB

Lines
Type in three dashes "---" and hit enter

SHIRYA Sep 3, 2010 10:49 AM

IT'S VERY USEFUL THANK U VERY MUCH

IT' S NICE AND SOMEWHST USEFUL

Sasuke Sep 1, 2010 8:00 PM

@bob Thanks, you helped me a lot.

bob Jun 16, 2010 10:20 AM

Lines

Type in three dashes "---" and hit enter

tooni May 27, 2010 10:56 PM

Question!

Thanks for the article!! But, question: Why is it that when I draw two parallel horizontal lines, the top one is darker than the bottom? I checked the formatting for each and though the values appear to be identical, visually and even when I print, they are clearly different. I tried to copy and paste first the darker line and then the lighter line but that, too, produced a bolder top line and a lighter bottom one. Is my Word just being quirky? What am I doing wrong? Any help would be much appreciated!

Cindy Marcelle Mar 21, 2010 9:21 AM

to the readers

cindy marcelle here, the author of this article. i just wanted to drop a line and say THANK YOU for all of the great comments. i'm glad that, in conjunction with bright hub, my article has sparked such a great discussion. happy reading!

rigne Jan 17, 2010 9:13 AM

thank you!

thank you for the instructions, it really helped me a lot
about drawing lines in microsoft word...:)♥

spark Oct 29, 2009 2:12 AM

Hi i'm haapy abu that instruction...wt u had given to me

zaba Oct 5, 2009 10:19 AM

HAPPY =)

THANK YOU SUPER MUCH, I SPENT 2 MINS TRYING TO FIGURE THIS PUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Instructions in Microsoft Word: How to Make a Line

Using Lines and Connectors in Microsoft Word

Setting up a Drawing Toolbar

Quickly Drawing a Line

Drawing Connector Lines

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