How to Add Dotted Lines in Word (4 Methods)

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Quick answer

To add a dotted line in Word, set a tab stop with a dot leader: open Layout > Paragraph dialog launcher > Tabs, enter a position, choose leader 2 (dots), click Set and OK, then press Tab. For a full-width dotted line, type *** on a new line and press Enter, or apply a dotted bottom border.

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Word has no single “dotted line” button. Instead, you pick a method by what the line is for: dots that end at a fixed spot, a separator across the page, or a line you can place anywhere.

Methods in this guide:

Adding dotted lines with tab stops

Use this when the dots must end at an exact position, such as “Name …” on a form or dots before page numbers.

  1. Click the line where you want the dots.
  2. Go to Layout (or Home) and click the Paragraph dialog launcher, the small arrow in the corner of the group.
  3. Click Tabs at the bottom of the dialog.
  4. In Tab stop position, type where the dots should end, such as 6" or 15 cm.
  5. Under Alignment, choose Right so the dots run to the margin.
  6. Under Leader, choose 2 (dots).
  7. Click Set, then OK.
  8. Type your label and press Tab.

Result: A row of dots fills the space up to the tab stop. Press Enter and the next line keeps the same tab, so you can build a whole form.

Microsoft lists the same steps in Show dots or leaders between tabs. On Mac, go to Format > Tabs instead.

Tip: Double-click an existing tab marker on the ruler to open the Tabs dialog straight away.

Adding dotted lines with borders

Use this when you want a separator under a paragraph that you can recolor or thicken.

  1. Click in the paragraph above where the line should go.
  2. Go to Home and click the arrow next to Borders.
  3. Choose Borders and Shading.
  4. On the Borders tab, pick a dotted line under Style, then set Color and Width.
  5. In Preview, click the bottom edge to add only a bottom border.
  6. Make sure Apply to is Paragraph, then click OK.

Result: A dotted line runs across the paragraph’s full width, between the indents. It moves with the text as you edit.

Adding a dotted line with a keyboard shortcut

Use this when you just need a quick dotted separator across the page.

  1. Start a new, empty line.
  2. Type three asterisks: ***.
  3. Press Enter.

Result: Word’s AutoFormat replaces the asterisks with a dotted line across the page, or across the column in a multi-column layout.

Other characters give other lines: --- for a plain line, === for a double line and ~~~ for a wavy line. Microsoft explains these in Insert a horizontal line.

Note: The line is really a bottom border on the paragraph. Press Backspace right after it appears to undo it and keep the asterisks.

Drawing dotted lines with shapes

Use this when the line must sit anywhere on the page, run vertically, or sit at an angle.

  1. Go to Insert > Shapes.
  2. Under Lines, choose the straight line.
  3. Drag across the page. Hold Shift to keep it perfectly horizontal or vertical.
  4. With the line selected, go to Shape Format > Shape Outline > Dashes.
  5. Choose a dotted style, such as Round Dot or Square Dot.
  6. Use Shape Outline > Weight and a color to finish it.

Result: A dotted line you can move, resize and rotate freely. It doesn’t follow the text, so check it after big edits.

Comparing the methods

MethodBest forWorks on
Tab stop with dot leaderForms, signature lines, dots before numbersWindows, Mac, web
Dotted paragraph borderStyled separators that move with textWindows, Mac
*** + EnterA fast full-width dotted lineWindows, Mac
Shape line with dashesVertical, angled or free-floating linesWindows, Mac

Platform differences

  • Windows: all four methods. Tabs open from the Paragraph dialog launcher.
  • Mac: tabs are under Format > Tabs. Borders, the *** shortcut and shapes work the same way, though dialog layouts differ a little.
  • Word for the web: Microsoft documents tab leaders through Layout > Paragraph dialog launcher > Tab Stop Options. For borders and shapes, the desktop app gives more control.

Troubleshooting dotted lines in Word

  • Pressing Tab adds no dots: the cursor isn’t in the paragraph with the leader tab, or the text already passes the tab position. Check the ruler, and move the tab stop if needed.
  • The dots stop short of the margin: the tab stop sits before the margin. Set it to the full text width, for example 6.5” on Letter paper with 1” margins.
  • Typing *** does nothing: AutoFormat border lines are off. Turn them back on in File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type > Border lines.
  • A dotted line keeps appearing: it’s a paragraph border carried to new paragraphs. Select the paragraphs and choose Home > Borders > No Border.

For a place to sign, combine a dot leader with a signature in your Word document. Google’s editor uses a similar dot-leader style in its table of contents in Google Docs. For more layout guides, browse the Microsoft Word guides.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make a dotted line for filling in a form in Word?

Type the label, set a right tab stop near the margin with a dot leader, then press Tab. The dots stop exactly at the tab position on every line.

What is the shortcut for a dotted line in Word?

Type three asterisks (***) on an empty line and press Enter. Word's AutoFormat turns them into a dotted line across the page or column.

How do I remove a dotted line I can't select?

A line made with *** or a border is a paragraph border. Click the paragraph above it, go to Home > Borders and choose No Border.

How do I add dots between text and page numbers?

Use a right tab stop with a dot leader, the same as a table of contents. Word's built-in table of contents adds dot leaders automatically.

Can I make a dotted vertical line in Word?

Yes. Insert > Shapes > Line, hold Shift while dragging to keep it straight, then set Shape Outline > Dashes to a dotted style.

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