Formatting Issues

How to Remove Blue Formatting Boxes from Word Headers

Huda Qurayshi Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to hide or remove the blue formatting boxes and tags that are visible around page numbers and other elements in the document header.

How to Remove Blue Formatting Boxes from Word Headers

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a document or modifying a template (DOTM file) where structural elements like page numbers are displaying as raw content control tags.
Observed behavior: Blue boxes and formatting information appear around header elements instead of displaying them normally, caused by Design Mode being enabled.

Before you start

Verify if your document utilizes content controls (like fillable fields or dynamic page numbers), as these are the elements that reveal blue bounding boxes when Design Mode is active.

Solution 1Recommended

Disable Design Mode in the Developer Tab

Turning off Design Mode is the standard method to hide content control structural tags and return the document's header elements to their normal view.

When Design Mode is enabled in Microsoft Word, it reveals the structural blue boxes and tags of content controls, which is useful for template creators but distracting for normal document viewing.

Enable the Developer tab

If the Developer tab is not visible on your top ribbon, click on 'File', select 'Options', and go to 'Customize Ribbon'. In the right pane, check the box next to 'Developer' and click 'OK'.

Navigate to the Developer ribbon

Click on the 'Developer' tab that now appears at the top of your Word window.

Turn off Design Mode

Locate the 'Controls' group within the Developer ribbon. Click on the highlighted 'Design Mode' button to toggle it off. The blue formatting boxes in your header should immediately disappear, and elements like page numbers will display normally.

Disable Design Mode in the Developer Tab

Template Editing: If you are creating or modifying DOTM templates, you can easily toggle Design Mode on and off to verify how your content controls will look to the end-user.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Edit Word Documents and Templates Seamlessly with WPS Office

If you find Microsoft Word's complex layout modes and formatting quirks frustrating to navigate, try WPS Office. It provides a highly intuitive interface for editing documents and managing headers, while fully supporting advanced Microsoft Office templates and file formats.

1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website to download the free suite and install it on your computer.
2. Open Your Word Template: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing DOCX or DOTM files. WPS Office automatically reads the formatting correctly.
3. Manage Headers Intuitively: Double-click the header area to easily modify page numbers, text, and graphics without dealing with obtrusive content control boxes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word formats, including DOCX, DOC, and template files like DOTM.Clean, user-friendly interface that avoids cluttered and confusing document layout modes.Completely free and lightweight, ensuring smooth performance even when handling complex templates.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are the blue boxes in my Word document?

The blue boxes are structural tags for 'Content Controls'. They act as placeholders for dynamic information like page numbers, dates, or form fields. They only become visible when a user activates Design Mode.

Why did Design Mode turn on by itself?

Design Mode typically does not turn on automatically. It is usually activated manually via the Developer tab, often by someone who was previously editing the document's structure, creating a form, or saving a custom template.

How do I permanently keep the Developer tab visible?

To keep the Developer tab available, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check the 'Developer' option in the right-hand list, and click OK. The tab will remain on your ribbon every time you open the application.

Is it safe to delete the content inside the blue formatting boxes?

Deleting the content inside those boxes will remove the dynamic element (like the automatic page numbering) from your header. If you only want to hide the blue boxes but keep the page numbers, simply turn off Design Mode instead of deleting them.

Document & File Issues