Formatting Issues

How to Prevent Word Table Borders from Changing When Emailing Documents

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to stop table borders from automatically becoming visible after a Word document is edited and returned by another person.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Sharing a document with hidden table borders via email for someone else to edit.
Observed behavior: When the document is returned, table borders that were previously hidden have unexpectedly become visible.

Before you start

Before altering document settings, confirm whether the visible lines are actual printed table borders or just visual gridlines used for layout guidance.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable "Automatically Update Document Styles"

Turn off this template setting to prevent the recipient's default Word styles from overriding your document's table formatting.

If this setting is enabled and the recipient's computer has a different default template, Word will automatically update your document to match their local styles. This is the most common reason hidden borders suddenly appear.

Enable the Developer Tab

If the Developer tab is not visible, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check the 'Developer' box, and click OK.

Access Document Templates

Click on the Developer tab on the ribbon and select 'Document Template'.

Turn Off Style Updates

In the Templates and Add-ins dialog box, uncheck the box for 'Automatically update document styles'.

Save and Share

Click OK to apply the changes, then save the document before emailing it to the recipient.

Disable "Automatically Update Document Styles"

Format Preserved: Disabling this setting ensures your document retains its original formatting regardless of whose computer opens it.

Solution 2

Verify Table Borders vs. View Gridlines

Ensure the recipient isn't simply viewing table gridlines, which do not print and are only used for visual assistance.

Solution 3

Check for Document_Open Macros or Add-ins

Automated scripts or third-party add-ins on the recipient's computer might be actively altering table styles upon opening.

Seamlessly Manage Table Formatting with WPS Writer

Avoid unexpected formatting shifts when collaborating. WPS Office Writer provides robust table style management and excellent compatibility with Microsoft Word, ensuring your documents look exactly the same on any device.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your collaborative document.
2. Select the Table: Click the cross icon at the top-left corner of the table to highlight all cells.
3. Remove Borders: Navigate to the 'Table Tools' tab, click 'Borders', and choose 'No Border'.
4. Save and Share: Save your document. WPS Writer securely locks the table layout so borders stay hidden when shared.

Highly compatible with Microsoft Word documents (.docx format)Stable formatting that doesn't unexpectedly shift when sharing via emailFree, lightweight, and easy to use across Windows, Mac, and mobile

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do hidden table borders suddenly appear when I send a Word file?

This usually happens if the 'Automatically update document styles' setting is enabled, causing the document to adopt the default table styles of the template on the recipient's computer.

What is the difference between table borders and gridlines?

Table borders are printable lines that frame your cells, whereas gridlines are on-screen visual guides that help you see cell boundaries during editing but will not appear when the document is printed.

Can macros change my document formatting without me knowing?

Yes, if a 'Document_Open' macro exists in the document or on the recipient's computer, it can automatically execute formatting commands, such as adding table borders, as soon as the file is opened.

Document & File Issues