Formatting Issues

How to Add or Change Table Borders in Word Online

Steve K Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to add and customize table borders, such as making them thin, dotted, or styled in Word Online.

How to Add or Change Table Borders in Word Online

Product: Word Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Document formatting and table design customization.
Observed behavior: The user needs to locate the table design and border formatting tools to apply specific border styles to their tables.

Before you start

Ensure you are logged into your Microsoft account and have edit permissions for the Word Online document containing your table.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Table Design Tools

The most direct way to change table borders in Word Online is by using the built-in Table Design tab.

Select the table

Click anywhere inside the table to select it and reveal the Table Design tools on the ribbon.

Open Table Design

Navigate to the 'Table Design' tab that appears at the top of the window.

Choose a Border Style

Click on the 'Borders' dropdown menu and select the required border option, such as All Borders, Outside Borders, or No Border.

Quick Tip: If you want to apply borders to specific cells rather than the whole table, highlight only those cells before selecting your border option.

Solution 2

Apply Custom Borders via Borders and Shading

For more precise control over line styles, widths, and colors, use the Borders and Shading dialog box.

Solution 3

Draw Lines Using the Shapes Tool

If you need a custom line outside standard table borders, you can manually insert a line shape.

Efficient Word Processor

Easily Manage Table Borders with WPS Writer

WPS Office offers a powerful, desktop-level word processor with rich table design tools. You can customize table borders, colors, and line styles effortlessly for free.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file containing the table.
2. Select the table: Click anywhere inside your table. The 'Table Tools' tab will automatically appear on the top ribbon.
3. Adjust borders: Click the 'Borders' icon in the ribbon to quickly apply standard borders, or select 'Borders and Shading' for custom styles.
4. Customize line style: In the dialog box, pick your preferred line style, color, and width, then apply it to specific sides of the table.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx format).Intuitive Table Tools ribbon for quick border and shading adjustments.Advanced customization options for dotted, dashed, and colored borders.Lightweight software that runs smoothly across all platforms.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the color of my table borders in Word Online?

Yes, you can change border colors. Go to the Table Design tab, select Pen Color, and choose your preferred color before applying the borders to the table.

Why can't I see the Table Design tab?

The Table Design tab only appears when a table is actively selected. Click inside any cell of your table to make the tab visible on the ribbon at the top of your screen.

Can I make specific table cell borders invisible?

Yes, you can hide specific borders. Select the target cells, go to the Borders menu in the Table Design tab, and deselect the borders you want to remove, or choose 'No Border'.

Does changing table borders in Word Online affect the printed document?

Yes, whatever border style, thickness, or color you apply in Word Online will be accurately reflected when you print or export the document to PDF.

Document & File Issues