How to Add Vertical Line Borders in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user wants to add vertical lines inside a Word document, specifically for formatting legal pleading cover pages and multi-section documents.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting professional or legal documents that require continuous vertical rules along the page margins or specific text blocks.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to display consistent vertical lines across single pages or multiple headers throughout the document.
Determine whether you need the vertical line to span the entire page margin (common in legal documents) or just alongside a specific paragraph, as each requires a different formatting tool.
Insert Full-Page Vertical Lines Using Header Shapes
Best for legal pleadings and full-page vertical rules that need to appear consistently across multiple document pages.
Drawing a shape in the document header is the most reliable method for creating continuous margin rules. Because elements in the header repeat on every page, you only need to draw the line once per section.
Double-click the very top margin of your Word document to open the Header & Footer view.
Navigate to the Insert tab on the ribbon, click on Shapes in the Illustrations group, and select the Line tool.
Hold down the Shift key (to keep the line perfectly straight) and draw a vertical line down the left or right margin of your page.
Use the Shape Format tab to adjust the line's color and weight. Double-click the main body of the document to exit the header. The vertical line will now display across all pages.
Add a Vertical Line Using Borders and Shading
Ideal for placing a vertical line next to specific paragraphs rather than spanning the entire page margin.
Easily Add Vertical Borders with WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides intuitive tools to insert shapes, format paragraph borders, and manage complex document layouts for free. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Word, making document formatting effortless.
- 1. Access the Header: Open your document in WPS Writer and double-click the top margin to enter the Header and Footer editing mode.
- 2. Select the Line Shape: Go to the Insert tab, click Shapes, and choose the straight Line tool.
- 3. Draw and Format: Hold Shift to draw a straight vertical line along the margin. Adjust its thickness and color in the Drawing Tools tab, then double-click the text area to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I save a document with vertical lines as a reusable template?
After adding your vertical lines and setting up your margins, go to File > Save As. Choose 'Word Template (*.dotx)' from the file format dropdown menu. You can open this template anytime to create new documents with the rules already in place.
Why is my vertical line missing on the first page of my document?
Your document likely has the 'Different First Page' option checked in the Header & Footer settings. To fix this, double-click the header on the second page, copy the vertical line shape, scroll to the first page, double-click its header, and paste the line.
How do I remove an unwanted vertical line in Word?
If the line is a paragraph border, click inside the affected paragraph, go to the Home tab, click the Borders dropdown, and select 'No Border'. If the line spans the whole page, double-click the header, click on the line shape to select it, and press the Delete key.
Can I automatically add a vertical line between columns?
Yes. If you are using a multi-column layout, go to the Page Layout tab, click Columns, and select 'More Columns'. Check the 'Line between' box, and Word will automatically draw a vertical separator between your text columns.
