How to Remove an Unselectable Horizontal Line in a Word Resume
Question details
The user needs to remove a stubborn, unselectable horizontal line that automatically appears in a Word resume template, particularly when adding bullet points.
- Product
- Microsoft Word (Microsoft 365)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a resume template and adding bullet points to list job experiences.
- Observed behavior
- An unselectable horizontal line automatically appears in the document, suspected to be a hidden paragraph border or a header/footer element.
Enable formatting marks in Word by clicking the Pilcrow (¶) icon on the Home tab. This reveals hidden formatting structures like paragraph breaks and helps you identify exactly where the stubborn line is anchored.
Clear Paragraph Borders
Most unselectable lines in Word templates are actually bottom borders applied to the paragraph directly above them.
When you press Enter in Word, the formatting of the previous paragraph often carries over to the next one. This is why a line might suddenly appear when you add a new bullet point in a resume template.
Place your cursor in the paragraph or bullet point directly above the unselectable horizontal line.
Navigate to the 'Home' tab on the top ribbon and find the 'Borders' icon in the Paragraph group (it resembles a square window pane).
Click the drop-down arrow next to the Borders icon and select 'No Border' from the list.
Remove Header or Footer Elements
If the line appears at the very top or bottom of every page in your resume, it might be embedded in the document's header or footer.
Turn Off AutoFormat for Border Lines
Prevent Word from automatically creating horizontal lines when you type specific characters like hyphens or underscores.
Easily Edit Resume Templates with WPS Writer
WPS Office provides a highly compatible and intuitive word processor that makes fixing formatting issues like stubborn borders effortless. You can remove unwanted lines and edit Microsoft Word (.docx) resumes without losing any original formatting.
- 1. Open Your Resume: Launch WPS Office and open your .docx resume template.
- 2. Select the Affected Text: Click anywhere in the paragraph just above the unwanted horizontal line.
- 3. Remove the Border: Navigate to the Home tab, click the Borders dropdown icon, and select 'No Border' to instantly remove the line.
- 4. Export to PDF: Once your resume is perfectly formatted, use the built-in 'Export to PDF' tool to lock your layout for job applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word automatically create a horizontal line when I type?
Microsoft Word features an AutoFormat tool that automatically converts three consecutive hyphens, underscores, or asterisks into a solid horizontal paragraph border when you press Enter. You can disable this behavior in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type.
How do I remove a line drawn using the Shapes tool?
If the line is a drawn shape rather than a paragraph border, simply click directly on the line until small resizing circles appear at both ends, then press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard.
Can page borders cause an unselectable horizontal line?
Yes, if a bottom page border is applied to a specific section of your document, it may look like a random unselectable line. To remove it, go to the Design tab, click Page Borders, and select 'None' in the Borders and Shading dialog box.
Why can't I click or select the line in my document?
Lines that cannot be clicked or highlighted are usually not standalone drawing objects. They are typically formatting attributes like paragraph borders, header/footer elements, or footnote separators, which must be removed through their specific formatting menus rather than by simply pressing Delete.
