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Where to Find the Borders Button in Word for Mac
Question details
The user is unable to locate the Borders button while trying to format a document in Word for Mac.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Applying paragraph or text borders to a Word document.
- Observed behavior
- The Borders button appears to be entirely missing from the ribbon because the user opened the document in Word for the Web rather than the full desktop application.
Verify that you have the Microsoft Word desktop application installed on your Mac, as the browser-based version (Word Online) does not include the complete set of paragraph formatting tools.
Switch to the Desktop App to Access the Borders Button
To use advanced formatting tools like the Borders button, you must open your document in the full Microsoft Word desktop application instead of using Word for the Web.
Word for the Web is a streamlined version of Microsoft Word designed for quick edits in your browser. Because of this, it has far fewer editing and formatting commands, and the Borders button is frequently omitted or limited.
By switching to the locally installed Word for Mac application, you instantly regain access to the complete Home tab, including all Paragraph controls.
If you are currently working in Word for the Web, look for the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' dropdown button near the top of the ribbon and click 'Open in Desktop App'. Alternatively, launch Microsoft Word directly from your Mac's Launchpad and open the file.
Once the document is open in the desktop app, highlight the specific text or paragraph where you want to apply the borders.
Click on the 'Home' tab located at the top-left of the Word ribbon.
Look for the 'Paragraph' group on the Home tab. The Borders icon (which looks like a window pane or a square divided into four quarters) is located here. Click the dropdown arrow next to it to select your preferred border style.
How to Add Text Borders Easily in WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides a fully-featured, free desktop application for Mac that ensures you always have access to essential formatting tools like borders, without the frustrating limitations of web-based text editors.
- 1. Launch WPS Writer: Open your document using the WPS Office desktop application on your Mac.
- 2. Select Text: Highlight the paragraph, word, or sentence you wish to add a border to.
- 3. Go to the Home Tab: Navigate to the Home tab on the main ribbon at the top of the screen.
- 4. Apply Borders: Find the Borders icon in the formatting section and click it to apply or customize your text borders effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some formatting buttons missing in Word for Mac?
Formatting buttons often appear missing when you are inadvertently using Word for the Web (Word Online) instead of the local Mac desktop app. The web version is simplified for browser performance and lacks many advanced tools.
Where is the Paragraph group located in Word for Mac?
In the desktop version of Word for Mac, the Paragraph group is centrally located on the Home tab of the ribbon, situated right between the Font settings and the Styles pane.
Can I add page borders using Word Online?
No, Word for the Web does not support adding, editing, or viewing full page borders. You must open the document in the desktop application and navigate to the Design tab to use the Page Borders feature.
