Formatting Issues

How to Remove a Row of Heavy Dots or Automatic Line in Word

Nimra Malik Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to delete a persistent row of heavy dots or an automatic line in a Word document that cannot be removed using standard Delete or Backspace keys.

How to Remove a Row of Heavy Dots or Automatic Line in Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to delete an automatic dotted line created by typing three asterisks and pressing Enter.
Observed behavior: A row of heavy dots appears as an automatic paragraph border and resists standard text deletion methods.

Before you start

Ensure your cursor is placed in the paragraph immediately above the stubborn dotted line before attempting to remove it.

Solution 1Recommended

Remove the Line Using the Borders Menu

This is the most effective way to remove an automatic line or row of heavy dots, as it correctly treats the line as a paragraph border.

When you type three asterisks (***) and press Enter, Word's AutoFormat feature automatically creates a dotted paragraph border. Since it is a structural border and not standard text, the Delete or Cut functions will not work on it.

Position your cursor

Click anywhere in the text paragraph that is located immediately above the dotted line.

Navigate to the Home tab

Go to the Home tab on the Word ribbon at the top of the screen.

Open the Borders menu

Locate the Paragraph group and click the small drop-down arrow next to the Borders icon.

Select No Border

Click on 'No Border' from the dropdown list. The row of heavy dots will instantly disappear.

AutoFormat Tip: To prevent these lines from appearing in the future, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, select 'AutoFormat As You Type', and uncheck the 'Border lines' box.

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Easily Manage Document Formatting with WPS Writer

WPS Writer is a free, lightweight, and powerful word processor that offers seamless compatibility with Microsoft Word documents. If you are struggling with stubborn formatting issues like automatic lines, WPS makes it intuitive and easy to control your document layout.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx file containing the stubborn dotted line.
2. Select the paragraph: Click inside the paragraph located directly above the automatic dotted line.
3. Clear the borders: Navigate to the Home tab, find the Borders icon in the Paragraph section, and select 'No Border' to remove the line completely.

Seamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc) formatsIntuitive UI for easy paragraph and border managementFree and lightweight alternative to Microsoft OfficeBuilt-in PDF reader and advanced formatting tools

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word automatically create a row of dots?

Word features an AutoFormat tool that automatically converts specific characters typed three times in a row (like asterisks, hyphens, or underscores) into a paragraph border when you press Enter.

How do I stop Word from creating automatic lines?

Go to File > Options > Proofing. Click on 'AutoCorrect Options', navigate to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, and uncheck the 'Border lines' option under the 'Apply as you type' section.

Can I remove multiple automatic lines at once?

Yes. Press Ctrl+A to select the entire document, then go to the Home tab, click the Borders drop-down menu in the Paragraph group, and choose 'No Border' to clear all paragraph borders simultaneously.

Document & File Issues