How to Change the Color of a Horizontal Line in Word

To change the color of a horizontal line in Microsoft Word, you typically use the Borders options and access the Borders and Shading dialog box. This allows you to select the line and customize its appearance.

Changing the Color Using Borders and Shading

Horizontal lines in Word, whether inserted as a specific line object or created as a paragraph border, are formatted using the Borders feature. Here's the common method based on the provided reference:

1. Select the Line or Related Paragraph:
   • If the horizontal line is a paragraph border (e.g., a bottom border under text), place your cursor in the paragraph just above or containing the border.
   • If it's a standalone horizontal line object, you might need to select the line itself if possible, though often formatting is applied via the paragraph containing it.
2. Access Borders Options: Go to the Home tab in the Word ribbon. Find the Paragraph group and click the down arrow next to the Borders button.
3. Open Borders and Shading: From the dropdown menu, select Borders and Shading at the bottom. This opens a detailed dialog box.
4. Customize the Line: In the Borders and Shading dialog box:
   • Ensure the Borders tab is selected.
   • Look for the Style, Color, and Width options.
   • Click the Color dropdown and choose your desired color for the horizontal line.
   • (Optional) You can also change the Style (line type like solid, dashed, dotted) or Width (thickness).
   • In the Preview area on the right, make sure the border you are applying the color to is selected (click on the desired horizontal line in the preview if necessary, often the bottom border).
5. Apply Changes: Select OK to apply the new color to the horizontal line.

By utilizing the Borders options and specifically navigating to the Borders and Shading dialog, you gain full control over the appearance, including the color, style, and width, of horizontal lines in your document.