How to Remove an Unwanted Line or Insert a Longer Dash in Word
Question details
The user needs to delete a persistent, unselectable horizontal line in a document and wants to know how to format or insert a longer dash (em dash).
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing a manuscript where auto-formatting has unexpectedly created an unselectable horizontal line, or needing to properly insert an em dash into the text.
- Observed behavior
- An unwanted line or symbol cannot be highlighted or deleted using standard backspace or delete keys, and standard hyphens do not appear long enough for intended punctuation.
Ensure you enable paragraph marks by clicking the Show/Hide ¶ button (or pressing Ctrl+Shift+8) on the Home tab to better visualize where paragraph borders might be applied.
Remove Auto-Formatted Paragraph Borders
The most common cause of an unselectable line in Word is the AutoFormat feature automatically converting typed hyphens or underscores into a bottom paragraph border.
When you type three or more hyphens and press Enter, Word's AutoFormat feature replaces them with a horizontal line that acts as a bottom border for the paragraph above it. Because it is a border and not a character, it cannot be deleted with the Backspace key.
Place your cursor in the paragraph immediately above the unwanted horizontal line.
Navigate to the Home tab on the top ribbon and locate the Paragraph group.
Click the dropdown arrow next to the Borders button (which usually looks like a window pane) and select 'No Border'.
Insert an Em Dash (Longer Dash) via Unicode or Shortcut
If you need a longer dash in your text to indicate a pause or break in thought, you can easily insert an em dash.
Transfer Content to a New Document
If the unwanted line persists and cannot be removed via the Borders menu, the document format might be corrupted by an add-in or macro.
Effortlessly Manage Paragraph Borders in WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides a streamlined and intuitive interface for managing paragraph styles, borders, and special characters. You can quickly remove unwanted lines or insert long dashes without navigating complex menus.
- 1. Open your file in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document containing the unwanted line.
- 2. Select the target paragraph: Place your cursor in the text just above the stubborn horizontal line.
- 3. Remove paragraph borders: Go to the Home tab, find the Borders icon in the Paragraph section, and click 'No Border'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word automatically create a line when I type hyphens?
Word features an 'AutoFormat As You Type' setting that automatically converts three or more consecutive hyphens, underscores, or equal signs into a paragraph border as soon as you press Enter.
How do I select a line in Word to delete it?
If the line was created using the Shapes tool (Insert > Shapes > Line), you can click on it to select it and press Delete. If clicking it does nothing, the line is likely a paragraph border, which must be removed using the Borders menu on the Home tab instead of the Delete key.
What is the difference between an en dash and an em dash?
An en dash (–) is slightly longer than a standard hyphen and is typically used to represent a range of numbers or dates. An em dash (—) is even longer and is used to indicate a break in thought, acting similarly to parentheses or a colon.
