How to Add Borders to Microsoft Word Tables

Adding a border can make your table read more easily and look more professional. These instructions are for Microsoft Word 97 or 98.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Word

1. Select the table or place the cursor anywhere within the table.

2. Go to the Format menu and select Borders and Shading. The Borders and Shading window opens.

3. Select the Border tab.

4. Select the line width, style and color for the border.

5. Select from one of the four settings: box, all, grid and custom (none doesn't show a border).

6. If you select the Custom setting, go to the Preview box and click on the various table lines that you do not want to include in the table you created.

7. Make sure that Table is selected in the Apply To menu.

8. Click OK.

Tips & Warnings

• Word usually offers more than one way to perform a task. If you prefer, you can add a border by selecting the Border button in the Formatting toolbar at the top of Microsoft Word's document window.
• Hold the mouse button (left button for PC) down over the down-pointing black arrow on the Table button and select the type of table border you want.