Applies ToWord for Microsoft 365 Outlook for Microsoft 365 Word 2024 Outlook 2024 Word 2021 Outlook 2021 Word 2019 Outlook 2019 Word 2016 Outlook 2016 Word 2013 Outlook 2013

In a Word document, or in an email message you are writing, you can draw lines (and other shapes) to illustrate what you're saying. 

  1. On the ribbon, select Insert > Shapes.

    (In Outlook, if you don't see the Insert tab, you're likely using the reading pane. Select  In the reading pane, the Pop Out options the current message in a standalone window. Pop Out at the top of the message to open a standalone window that includes the Insert tab.)

  2. From the Lines gallery, select the kind of line you want to draw.Shows Lined gallery under Shapes

  3. On the canvas, click and drag your mouse to draw the line.

    Tip: To draw a perfectly horizontal or vertical line, press and hold the Shift key while you draw.

  4. With the line still selected, on the ribbon, on the Shape Format tab, select Shape Outline. From that menu, you can choose a color, a weight (line thickness), and line styling (such as dashes or arrowheads).

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