How to Remove Horizontal Lines in Google Docs (2024 Update)

In this tutorial, we will show you exactly how to remove horizontal lines in Google Docs in just a few simple steps. Read on to learn more.

Remove a Horizontal Line in Google Docs

Follow the steps below to remove a line in Google Docs.

1. Identify if the Line is a Border or Typed Symbols

Look at the horizontal line in your document and figure out if it’s a formatting border or a line created by typing symbols. Borders are typically aligned with text, tables, or paragraphs, while symbol-created lines appear as free-floating lines.

2. Delete Lines Created by Typed Symbols

If the line was made by typing symbols (like dashes or underscores), place your cursor directly after the line. Press “Backspace” or “Delete” until the line disappears. This removes lines that are part of the text content, not formatting borders.

3. Access the Borders and Shading Tool for Borders

If the line is a formatting border, select the paragraph or section near the line. Go to the “Format” menu, hover over “Paragraph styles,” and click “Borders and shading.” This tool allows you to modify or remove borders applied to text or paragraphs.

4. Set Border Width to 0 pt to Remove the Line

In the “Borders and shading” menu, locate the “Position” options and select the side matching the horizontal line’s placement. In our case, it’s the bottom border.

Set “Border width” to “0 pt” to remove it.

Then click “Apply” to confirm.

5. Confirm the Line is Fully Removed

Check your document to make sure the line is gone. If it’s still there, repeat the steps to ensure you selected the correct type of line or undo and retry the steps to confirm the changes.

Here you can see that we have successfully removed the horizontal lines on our document.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how to remove lines in Google Docs. If you enjoyed this article, you might want to check our articles on how to remove spaces between lines in Google Docs and how to redline on Google Docs.