How to Add a Page Border in Microsoft Word

When creating a certificate, an invitation, a title page, or a formal report, a blank white page can look unfinished. Adding a border around the edge of the paper is an excellent way to frame your content, add a touch of professionalism, and draw the reader’s eye toward the center of the page.

Microsoft Word provides an extensive set of tools for creating page borders, ranging from simple, elegant black lines to colorful, decorative art pieces.

In this guide, you will learn how to add, customize, and remove page borders in Microsoft Word.

How to Insert a Basic Page Border

1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
2. Click on the Design tab in the ribbon menu at the top of the window.
3. Look to the far right side of the ribbon and click on the Page Borders button.
4. A “Borders and Shading” dialog box will open, defaulting to the Page Border tab.
5. Under the “Setting” column on the left, choose Box to apply a standard border to all four sides of the page.
6. Click OK to apply the border to your document.

How to Customize Your Border’s Appearance

If a thin black line isn’t exactly what you need, you can heavily modify its style.

1. Return to the Page Borders menu (Design > Page Borders).
2. In the center of the dialog box, use the Style menu to change the line type (e.g., dotted, dashed, or double lines).
3. Use the Color dropdown to choose a custom color that matches your document’s branding or theme.
4. Use the Width dropdown to make the line thicker and more prominent.
5. If you want a highly decorative border (like stars, trees, or patterns), click the Art dropdown at the bottom and select a graphic.
6. Click OK.

How to Apply a Border to Specific Pages Only

Often, you only want a border on the first page of a document, rather than every single page.

1. Open the Page Borders menu.
2. Look for the Apply to dropdown menu on the right side of the dialog box.
3. Change this setting from “Whole document” to This section – First page only.
4. Click OK. The border will now only appear on the title page, leaving the rest of your document’s pages clean.