Formatting Issues

How to Create a Double Divider Line in Microsoft Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to insert a double horizontal line to divide content within a Word document.

How to Create a Double Divider Line in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Organizing and formatting document content with visual dividers.
Observed behavior: The user needs specific methods to format a paragraph divider as a double line instead of a standard single line.

Before you start

Ensure your cursor is placed on a new, empty line exactly where you want the double divider to appear before applying any formatting.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the AutoFormat Keyboard Shortcut

The quickest way to create a double divider line is by using Microsoft Word's built-in AutoFormat shortcuts.

Microsoft Word has built-in AutoFormat features that instantly convert specific sequences of characters into full-width paragraph borders.

Place Your Cursor

Click on a new, empty line in your document where you want the double divider line to appear.

Type Equal Signs

Type three consecutive equal signs (===) on your keyboard.

Press Enter

Press the 'Enter' key. The equal signs will instantly transform into a full-width double horizontal line.

AutoFormat Settings: If typing three equal signs does not create a line, check your settings by going to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Under the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, ensure 'Border lines' is checked.

Solution 2

Use the Borders and Shading Menu

Use this method if you need more precise control over the thickness, color, and spacing of the double divider line.

WPS Writer Solution

Easily Create Divider Lines in WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers full compatibility with Microsoft Word formatting, allowing you to insert single, double, or custom divider lines using the exact same keyboard shortcuts and border tools.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your text document using WPS Writer.
2. Position the Cursor: Place your cursor on an empty line where the double divider is needed.
3. Apply the Shortcut: Type three equal signs (===) and press the Enter key to automatically generate the double line.
4. Customize via Borders: Alternatively, use the 'Borders and Shading' option found under the Home tab to manually apply and customize your double line divider.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx, .doc)Supports standard AutoFormat keyboard shortcuts for rapid editingOffers extensive Borders and Shading customization optionsFree, lightweight, and easy-to-use Office alternative

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove a double divider line once it is created?

Since the automatic double line is actually applied as a paragraph bottom border, you can remove it by placing your cursor directly above the line, navigating to the Home tab, clicking the Borders drop-down icon, and selecting 'No Border'.

What other shortcuts create automatic divider lines in Word?

Besides equal signs for a double line, you can type three hyphens (---) for a standard single line, three underscores (___) for a bold single line, three asterisks (***) for a dotted line, three hash marks (###) for a triple line with a thick center, or three tildes (~~~) for a wavy line.

Why aren't my three equal signs turning into a double line?

Your 'AutoFormat As You Type' settings might be disabled. To fix this, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Under the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, ensure the checkbox for 'Border lines' is selected.

Document & File Issues