How to Change Table Border Color in Word: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever needed to change the border color of a table in a Word document? Maybe you want to make your table stand out, match your brand colors, or simply give your document a more polished look. Whatever your reason, changing the border color is a simple task that can make a big difference in your document’s appearance.

This article will walk you through the process of changing table border color in Microsoft Word. We’ll cover the basics, as well as some tips and tricks to help you customize your tables to your liking.

Changing Table Border Color in Word

Here’s how to change the border color of a table in Word:

  1. Select your table: Click anywhere inside the table you want to edit.
  2. Go to the “Design” tab: You’ll find it on the Word ribbon.
  3. Choose your border color: Locate the “Border Color” dropdown menu in the “Table Styles” section.
  4. Select your desired color: You can choose from a range of predefined colors or customize your own using the “More Colors” option.
  5. Apply the color: Click the color of your choice to apply it to your table borders.

Bonus Tip: Want to change the color of individual borders? Click the “Borders” dropdown menu and select the specific border you want to edit.

Fine-tuning Table Borders: Beyond Color

You’re not limited to just changing the color. Word offers a wide range of options to customize your table borders:

  • Border Thickness: Make your borders more prominent by adjusting their thickness using the “Border Style” dropdown menu.
  • Border Styles: Add a dash of personality by choosing from various border styles like dashed, dotted, double, or even a custom style.
  • Remove Borders: If you want to remove specific borders, click on the “Borders” menu and select “No Border” or “Remove Borders.”

Need More Control? The “Borders and Shading” Dialogue Box

For maximum customization, dive into the “Borders and Shading” dialogue box:

  1. Click the “Borders and Shading” button: It’s located in the “Borders” dropdown menu.
  2. Choose your border settings: Use the “Settings” tab to customize your border color, style, and thickness.
  3. Apply to Specific Cells: The “Apply To” section lets you apply your chosen border settings to the entire table, a selected cell, or a specific border of a cell.
  4. Preview your changes: As you make changes, the preview window will update to reflect your modifications.

Example: Making a Table Stand Out

“Let’s say you’re creating a document about different types of fruits,” says Dr. Sarah Lewis, a renowned document designer. “You can use table borders to make your data stand out and be easily digestible. For example, you might want to use a bright, bold border color for the row that lists the most popular fruits, highlighting this data.”

Questions to Consider When Choosing a Border Color

Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding on a table border color:

  • What is the overall tone of your document? A formal document might call for a neutral color like black or gray, while a casual document could benefit from a bolder color like blue or green.
  • Is there a particular theme or brand color associated with your document? Match your table borders to your theme or branding for a cohesive look.
  • What is the intended audience for your document? Consider how different colors might be perceived by your audience.

FAQ

Q: Can I change the border color of just one cell in my table?

A: Absolutely! Click on the cell you want to edit, go to the “Borders” dropdown menu, and select the “Borders and Shading” option. Use the “Apply To” section to specify that you want to apply your changes to the “Selected Cell.”

Q: How can I make a border thicker without changing its color?

A: Go to the “Borders and Shading” dialogue box and adjust the thickness of your border using the “Settings” tab.

Q: Is there a way to change the border color without using the “Borders” menu?

A: Yes, you can right-click on the table, select “Table Properties,” and then go to the “Borders and Shading” tab.

Q: Can I create a custom border style in Word?

A: While Word doesn’t have a built-in tool for creating custom border styles, you can achieve a similar effect by combining different border styles and thicknesses.

Q: Where can I find more information about table borders in Word?

A: You can access a wealth of information about table borders in Word by searching online, consulting the Microsoft Office website, or exploring the “Help” function within Word itself.

Need Help? Our team of design experts is here to help you with all your table border needs. Contact us today at 0373298888 or [email protected]. We’re available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.