How to Add a Page Border in Word
A border around the page is a quick way to make certificates, posters, menus and invitations look finished. Word has plain lines, double lines, shadows and decorative art borders built in.
Quick reference
| What you want | How |
|---|---|
| Add a page border | Design → Page Borders |
| Decorative border | Page Borders → Art |
| First page only | Apply to → This section – First page only |
| Remove it | Page Borders → None |
1. Add a page border
1. Go to the Design tab.
2. Click Page Borders (on the far right).
3. On the Page Border tab, under Setting, choose Box (or Shadow or 3-D).
4. Pick a Style, Colour and Width.
5. Click OK.
2. Click Page Borders (on the far right).
3. On the Page Border tab, under Setting, choose Box (or Shadow or 3-D).
4. Pick a Style, Colour and Width.
5. Click OK.
2. Use a decorative art border
In the same box, open the Art drop-down. You'll find stars, hearts, apples, balloons, trees and patterns — great for children's certificates and party invites. Adjust the Width to make the pictures bigger or smaller.
3. Border on some sides only
In the Preview area, click the lines around the diagram to switch individual sides on or off. For example, keep just the top and bottom for a clean look.
4. First page only (or every page but the first)
Change Apply to at the bottom right:
• This section – First page only — perfect for a cover page.
• This section – All except first page.
• This section – All except first page.
5. A border around a paragraph instead
Select the paragraph and use Home → Borders (the square icon in the Paragraph group). Choose Outside Borders for a box around just that text.
6. Remove the border
Design → Page Borders → Setting: None → OK.
Troubleshooting
The bottom or side of the border doesn't print. It's too close to the edge of the page for your printer. Click Options… and set Measure from to Text, or increase the margins.
The border overlaps my header. In Options…, untick Surround header and Surround footer.
Page Borders is greyed out. You might be in Read Mode or Web Layout. Switch to View → Print Layout.
Wrapping up
Design → Page Borders → Box and a style you like. Try the Art list when you want something fun.
