Sometimes, you need to place a dotted line in MS Word. It may be for dividing the page into two parts. Or, you may want to show where the reader can cut the page after printing the contents. You may also want to draw angular dotted lines for diagrams. It is also possible to place short dotted lines for showing blanks that the reader can fill-in.
4 ways to insert Dotted Line in MS Word
- Using Auto-Correct Options
- Using a Shape Preset
- Using Shape Outlines
- Using the Tab key
We will show you step-wise instructions for all the methods of inserting dotted lines in MS Word.
Let us begin.
Method #1: Using Auto-Correct Options
Step #1: Open the MS Word document
Open the Word document and place the cursor where you want the dotted line to appear.
Step #2: Type in three asterisks
Using your keyboard, type in three asterisks (Shift+8, three times).

Step #3: Convert to a dotted line
Hit the Enter key on your keyboard.
Word auto-corrects the three asterisks to a dotted line covering the entire width of the page.

Method #2: Using a Shape Preset
Step #1: Open the MS Word document
Open the Word document and place the cursor where you want the dotted line to appear.
Step #2: Insert a line
Click on the Insert tab in the top main menu bar to change the icon.

In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.

This opens the Shapes menu.
In the Lines section, click on the Line icon.

The cursor changes to a cross.

Place the cursor where you want to start the line.
Press the left mouse button and hold it.
Drag the cursor to the end point of the line before releasing the mouse button.
You should have a line in the document.

Also, the ribbon changes to the Format tab.
Step #3: Change the line to a preset shape.
In the section Shape Styles, click on the down triangle on the right side of the Subtle Line icons.

This opens the Preset Shapes menu.
Under the section Presets, click on the Dash-Dark 1 icon (you can select any other icon instead).

Word changes the line to a dotted line.

Advantages: This method allows drawing dotted lines at any angle and any length.
Method #3: Using Shape Outlines
Step #1: Open the MS Word document
Open the Word document and place the cursor where you want the dotted line to appear.
Step #2: Insert a line
Click on the Insert tab in the top main menu bar to change the icon.

In the section Illustrations, click on the Shapes icon.

This opens the Shapes menu.
In the Lines section, click on the Line icon.

The cursor changes to a cross.

Place the cursor where you want to start the line.
Press the left mouse button and hold it.
Drag the cursor to the end point of the line before releasing the mouse button.
You should have a line in the document.

Also, the ribbon changes to the Format tab.
Step #3: Change the color, weight, and outline of the line
Under Shape Styles, click on Shape Outline.

This opens the Theme Colors menu.
Click on the color you want.

Click on the Weight icon.
This opens a menu showing different weights.
Click on the weight you prefer for the line.

Click on the Dashes icon.
This opens a menu showing different dots and dashes.
Click on the most suitable one for your line.

Word replaces the line with the color, weight, and outline you have selected.

Advantages: This method allows drawing different types of dotted and dashed lines.
Method #4: Using the Tab key
Step #1: Open the MS Word document
Open the Word document and select the text where you want the dotted line to appear.

Step #2: Define the Tab stop
Click on the Home tab on the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

In the section Paragraphs, click the dialog box launcher in the bottom right corner.

This launches the Paragraph dialog box.
Click on Tabs tab at the bottom

This launches the Tabs dialog box.
Under Tab stop position, enter 6 (length of tab in inches, you can change this number).
Under Alignment, click on Left.
Under Leader, click on 2….
Click on Set.
Click on Ok to exit the dialog box.

Step #3: Insert dotted line
Within the text you selected earlier, place the cursor on the left side of the tab stop position you defined earlier (6 inches, refer Step #2).
The top ruler has a mark for the tab stop.

Press the Tab key on your keyboard.
Word places a dotted line from the cursor to the 6-inch mark on the ruler.

Note:
- The dotted lines will appear only within the selected text.
- You must redefine the tab stop for other selections.
- The dotted line will appear only when the cursor is initially placed on the left of the tab stop.
Conclusion
We have shown you four methods of adding a dotted line in an MS Word document. Using our method, you can add a dotted line across a page. You can also add a dotted line at any angle, any color, and any weight. Add a dotted line where you can fill in as in a form. Use our step-by-step instructions for adding the type of dotted line you need.