How to Add Borders to a Table in Word 2003

Borders can give the tables you create in Microsoft Word 2003 a more professional look. By increasing the width of the line, adding two or even three lines, the table will stand out, giving you a better design. Here are a few simple steps showing you how to add borders to a table in Word 2003.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Microsoft Word 2003

1. Open Microsoft Word. Do this by clicking on the “Start” button and selecting “Microsoft Word.”

2. Draw your table. Make sure you add the appropriate number of columns and rows for the information you wish to include. For more help on how to draw tables, click on the “Help” menu on the “Standard” task bar.

3. Click the cursor on your table. A box with a directional cross will appear at the top left corner. Click on that box; it will select the whole table for editing purposes.

4. Right-click on the table and a menu will appear. Select the “Borders and Shading” option. Select the “Border” tab on top of the menu.

5. Select the border you want your table to show. Each option: None, Box, All or Grid will give you a different style of border for the table. These can be viewed in the preview box on the right of the “Borders and Shading” menu.

6. Choose the width of the lines you use in the table. The lines can be selected in the preview screen of the “Borders and Shading” menu.

7. Click on the directional lines in the “Preview” screen, and add or remove those lines on the table preview. This will let you customize the look of it by removing or adding borders to specific cells on the table.

8. Click “Ok” in the menu, and look at the finished product in your document.

Tips & Warnings

• When selecting the box, make sure the whole thing is highlighted. You cannot get to the “Borders and Shading” menu unless it is all selected.
• The “Customize” option in the “Borders and Shading” menu will let you style the borders to your liking. You can do this on the “Preview” screen in that menu as well, though.
• If you use color in your borders, they will not appear in the printed copy unless you use a color printer.
• You have to use the “Customize” option if you plan to make specific changes to the border outside of the options you are given in the “Borders and Shading” screen. If you do not, you will have to make that change for every table instead of starting with the specific design you create.