Adding borders in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a straightforward process. Click on ‘Design’ in the top menu, then navigate to ‘Page Borders’. In the new window, select the ‘Page Border’ tab, choose your desired border style, width, and color, then click ‘OK’. Your document will now have borders!
After completing this action, your document will gain a visual flair that can help highlight important sections or simply make the document look more polished and professional.
Introduction
When it comes to dressing up a Microsoft Word document, borders can be the perfect accessory. Whether it’s a report, an invitation, or a certificate, adding a border can instantly elevate the look of your document. This is not just about aesthetics either; borders can serve practical purposes, such as delineating sections or emphasizing key points.
For users of Office 365, Microsoft Word has made it incredibly easy to add borders to your documents. But why is this feature so valuable? Well, imagine you’re creating a document that will be printed and handed out – a professional-looking border can make your document stand out. Or perhaps you’re submitting an assignment, and a neat border could give that extra touch of effort and attention to detail.
Regardless of your reason for adding borders, the process is simple and the impact can be significant. This article serves as a guide for anyone from students to office professionals who want to add that extra panache to their documents in Microsoft Word for Office 365.
Step by Step Tutorial: Adding Borders in Microsoft Word for Office 365
Before diving into the steps, let’s clarify what you’ll achieve by following them. You’ll learn how to add custom borders to your Word documents, which can range from simple lines to ornate artistic designs. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1: Open the Design Tab
First, locate and click on the ‘Design’ tab in the main menu bar at the top of your Word document.
In this step, you’re setting yourself up to access all the border options Microsoft Word has to offer. The ‘Design’ tab is your gateway to the aesthetic elements of your document.
Step 2: Access the Page Borders
Next, find and select ‘Page Borders’ within the ‘Design’ tab.
This step is where you start to customize your document’s borders. The ‘Page Borders’ option is where all the magic happens.
Step 3: Choose Your Border
In the ‘Borders and Shading’ window, click on the ‘Page Border’ tab and then pick your preferred border style, width, and color.
This step allows you to express your creativity or maintain a professional look – depending on the style, width, and color you choose for your border.
Step 4: Apply the Border
After choosing your border, click ‘OK’ to apply it to your document.
With this final step, you can see your chosen border come to life in your document. If you’re not happy with how it looks, you can always go back and tweak the settings.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Aesthetics | Adding a border can significantly enhance the visual appeal of a document, making it look more professional and polished. |
| Section Delineation | Borders can be used to differentiate between sections of a document, making it easier for readers to navigate and understand the structure. |
| Emphasis on Key Points | When used strategically, borders can draw attention to important sections or information within a document. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Potential Distraction | If overused or too elaborate, borders can distract from the document’s content, which is counterproductive. |
| Printing Considerations | Borders, especially if they’re colorful or wide, may pose issues when printing, such as increased ink usage or misalignment. |
| Limited Customization | Although there are several options, the customization of borders in Word is not endless, which can be limiting for some users. |
Additional Information
While adding borders in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a breeze, there are a few extra tips worth noting. For instance, you can apply borders to specific pages only, rather than the whole document. Just go to the ‘Apply to’ drop-down menu in the ‘Borders and Shading’ window to select which pages get the border treatment.
Another handy feature is the ‘Art’ dropdown in the ‘Page Border’ tab, which lets you choose from a variety of artistic border styles. This can add a unique flair to invitations, certificates, and other special documents.
Remember, while adding borders can enhance your document, it’s crucial to keep your audience in mind and ensure that your border choice aligns with the purpose of the document. A playful, whimsical border might not be suitable for a formal business report, for example.
Also, consider the medium of your document. If it’s going to be viewed digitally most of the time, you have more leeway with colors and designs. However, if you’re printing, it’s wise to test print a page first to see how the border translates to paper.
Finally, don’t forget that borders are just one of many design elements available in Microsoft Word for Office 365. Combine them with other features, such as headers, footers, and page color, to create a truly standout document.
Summary
- Open the Design Tab
- Access the Page Borders
- Choose Your Border
- Apply the Border
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add borders to specific text or paragraphs?
Yes, you can add borders to specific text or paragraphs by highlighting the text, right-clicking, selecting ‘Paragraph,’ going to ‘Borders and Shading,’ and choosing your border.
Can I use custom images for borders?
Microsoft Word does not support custom images as borders directly, but you can insert an image and position it to work as a border.
Is it possible to save a custom border to use again later?
While you can’t save the border style within the border options, you can save a document template that includes the border for future use.
Can borders be added to tables within a document?
Absolutely, you can add borders to tables by selecting the table, going to the ‘Design’ tab under ‘Table Tools,’ and choosing from various border styles.
Will the borders appear the same on all devices?
Borders should appear consistent across devices running Microsoft Word. However, display variations can occur due to different screen settings and resolutions.
Conclusion
Adding borders in Microsoft Word for Office 365 is a simple yet effective way to make your documents stand out. Whether you’re working on a school project, a professional report, or a personal invitation, borders can add that special touch that transforms your work from good to great. Remember, the key is to choose a border that complements the purpose of your document and the message you’re trying to convey.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be adding borders like a pro in no time. And with the additional information and FAQs provided, you’re well-equipped to troubleshoot any issues or explore more advanced border options. So go ahead, give your documents the edge they deserve with a beautifully crafted border.
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.