Formatting Issues

How to Add Cross-Hatching to a Word Table Cell

John Wilson Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to apply a cross-hatch pattern or diagonal lines to a specific table cell to mark it as a non-option or invalid choice.

How to Add Cross-Hatching to a Word Table Cell

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a grammatical terms table or similar document where certain cells need to be visually crossed out.
Observed behavior: Word lacks a dedicated one-click cross-hatching fill pattern for table cells, requiring workarounds like applying diagonal borders or inserting multiple shapes.

Before you start

Ensure your table is fully constructed and you have identified the exact cells you wish to cross out before applying these formatting techniques.

Solution 1Recommended

Simulate Cross-Hatching Using Diagonal Borders

The most efficient way to cross out a cell in Word is by applying diagonal borders through the Borders and Shading menu.

While Word does not feature a patterned cross-hatching fill for cells, applying an 'X' using diagonal borders achieves the same functional result. This method ensures the lines scale perfectly if the cell is resized.

Select the Target Cell

Click inside the table cell that you want to apply the cross-hatching effect to.

Open the Borders and Shading Menu

Navigate to the 'Table Tools' (or 'Table Design') tab on the top ribbon. Click the 'Borders' dropdown arrow and select 'Borders and Shading' at the bottom of the list.

Apply Diagonal Borders

In the Borders and Shading dialog box, look at the Preview section. Click the two diagonal border buttons (top-left to bottom-right, and bottom-left to top-right) to create an 'X' inside the cell.

Adjust Style and Confirm

If needed, change the color and width of the lines using the Style options in the same dialog box. Click 'OK' to apply the borders.

Simulate Cross-Hatching Using Diagonal Borders

Pro Tip: You can still type text inside a cell with diagonal borders. The text will automatically sit over the crossing lines.

Solution 2

Create a Cross-Hatched Effect with Line Shapes

If you need a more complex, multi-line cross-hatching pattern rather than a simple 'X', you can draw multiple intersecting lines using Word's Shape tool.

Easy Document Formatting

Easily Manage Table Borders and Shading in WPS Writer

WPS Office provides a highly intuitive interface for table formatting. You can quickly add diagonal lines and customize cell borders to indicate non-applicable options without struggling through complex menus.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing your table.
2. Select the Cell: Click inside the table cell you wish to cross out.
3. Access Table Tools: Click on the 'Table Tools' tab that automatically appears on the ribbon.
4. Open Borders Settings: Click the 'Borders' icon and choose 'Borders and Shading'.
5. Apply Diagonal Lines: Select the diagonal line icons in the preview pane to form an 'X' and click 'OK'.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word table formats (.docx).Intuitive Table Tools ribbon for instant border adjustments.Free and lightweight office suite for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a true cross-hatch shading pattern fill in modern Word versions?

No, modern versions of Word removed the legacy pattern fills (like dense cross-hatching) for table cells. The best alternative is to use diagonal cell borders or insert a picture fill of a cross-hatched texture.

How do I remove the diagonal borders if I make a mistake?

Select the affected cell, go back to the Borders menu in Table Tools, and click on the diagonal border options again in the preview pane to toggle them off. Alternatively, select 'No Border' to clear all borders from the cell.

Can I type text over the cross-hatching?

Yes. If you use the diagonal borders method, any text you type in the cell will naturally appear over the crossing lines. If you use custom shapes, you may need to right-click the shapes and set their text wrapping to 'Behind Text'.

Will these diagonal borders print correctly?

Yes, diagonal borders are standard table formatting in Word and will print exactly as they appear on your screen, unlike some inserted shapes which might shift during printing if not anchored properly.

Document & File Issues