Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Understanding Underlines.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 6, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
There are several different types of underlines you can use in Word. Underlining of characters is handled from the Font dialog box (select Font from the Format menu). The dialog box allows you to select from a variety of underline types. The following are the major types available:
| Underline Type | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| None | Removes any underlining from the selected text | |
| Single | Adds a single underline, the entire length of the selected text | |
| Words Only | Underlines only the words (not spaces or tabs) in the selected text | |
| Double | Adds a double-line underline, the entire length of the selected text | |
| Dots | Same as Single, but uses a line of dots instead | |
| Dashes | Same as Dots, but uses dashes instead of dots |
The actual types of underlines available, and how those types are presented in the dialog box, depend on your version of Word. For instance, Word 2003 offers 18 different options of underlines. Most of these options represent variations on the Single, Dots, and Dashes options mentioned above.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1224) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Understanding Underlines.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Word allows you to easily change the color of the text in your document. If you get a document from someone else, you may ...
Discover MoreWant to add an overline above a character or two in your document? There are several ways you can try, as described in ...
Discover MoreImagine that you are typing away, and all of a sudden your beautiful prose turns into a series of small rectangles that ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments