WD97: Cannot Create Custom Text Border (194489)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
This article was previously published under Q194489

SYMPTOMS

When you apply a border to text in Word 97, you can only apply a box border, a shadow border, or a 3D border that surrounds all four sides of the text. You cannot apply a custom border to only some sides of the text.

NOTE: A custom border to only some sides of the text can only be applied to a paragraph, not to selected text within a paragraph.

WORKAROUND

Method 1: Use an Underline

To create a bottom border underneath the text, format the text with the underline character style.

NOTE: This does not allow you to create a top border, left border, or right border around the text. It also does not allow you to have a different underline color than the text color.

  1. Select the text.
  2. On the Format menu, click Font.
  3. In the Underline box, select the style of underlining you want to apply and click OK.

Method 2: Use a Text Box

Insert a text box and format the text box line properties.

  1. On the Insert menu, click Text Box. When your pointer changes to a plus sign (+), click and drag out the width and height you want your text box to be. Type your text inside the text box.
  2. On the Format menu, select Text Box. Click the Wrapping tab and set the wrapping style to Tight. This allows the text box to be placed alongside existing text.
  3. Click the Colors and Lines tab, and choose the options you want under Color, Style, Dashed and Weight. Click OK.

Method 3: Use a Text Box and Border

Insert a text box and apply a border to the text box.

  1. On the Insert menu, click Text Box. When your pointer changes to a plus sign (+), click and drag out the width and height you want your text box to be. Type your text inside the text box.
  2. On the Format menu, select Text Box. Click the Wrapping tab and set the wrapping style to Tight. This allows the text box to be placed alongside existing text.
  3. Click the Colors and Lines tab and set the line color to No Line.
  4. On the Format menu, click Borders and Shading. Select the Custom border options that you want.

Method 4: Use Equation Editor

Insert the text as an equation and apply a border to the equation.

  1. On the Insert menu, click Object. In the dialog box of objects, select Microsoft Equation 3.0. Make sure the check box beside Float Over Text is not selected.

    NOTE: If Equation Editor has not been installed, you need to run setup again and select Equation Editor from the Office Tools section.

    For more information about installing the Equation Editor, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    120802 Office: How to Add/Remove a Single Office Program or Component

  2. On the Style menu, select Text, and then type your text. After you are finished, click anywhere outside of the equation box to return to your Word document.
  3. On the Format menu, click Borders and Shading. Click Custom border, select the options that you want, and then click OK.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/26/2002
Keywords:kbhowto KB194489
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.