A Comprehensive Guide to Adding and Customizing Borders in Microsoft Word and Publisher

When it comes to creating professional and visually appealing documents, mastering the art of adding and customizing borders can make a significant difference. This guide is designed to help you explore and utilize the rich features available in Microsoft Word and Publisher, particularly focusing on the options in version 2013. Whether you are a casual user or a seasoned professional, understanding these tools can enhance your document design process.

The Basics of Borders in Microsoft Word and Publisher

Both Microsoft Word and Publisher offer a wide variety of border options that go beyond the basic lines. These tools are equipped with an intuitive interface that allows users to create intricate designs to suite various document needs. In this section, we’ll discuss the process of adding borders and shading, which are key components in customizing your documents.

Adding and Customizing Borders in Microsoft Word 2013

To add borders to a document in Microsoft Word 2013, follow these steps:

Open your document in Word 2016. Note that the steps might be slightly different in Word 2013, but the concept remains the same. Locate the Home tab on the top menu. Click on the Paragraph group. Find the Borders and Shading button (usually located to the right of the paragraph options). Click on the dropdown arrow to reveal the border options. Select any of the options, such as "Borders," to see the available borders. You can further customize the style, color, and width of the borders. To remove a border, simply select the "Borders" button again and choose "No Border."

Adding and Customizing Borders in Microsoft Publisher 2013

Microsoft Publisher offers even more flexibility in border customization. The steps are slightly different, but the end result is the same:

Open your document in Publisher 2013. Click on the Page Borders button located in the Layout group on the Layout tab. Expand the menu to reveal several border options. You can choose from Simple, Art, Title, and Text options to add borders to your page. For more intricate designs, you can use the "Art" option to select from a variety of decorative borders and shapes.

Customizing Borders

Once you have added a border, you can customize it to your liking:

Click on the border to select it. Use the formatting tools to change the color, width, and style of the border. You can also add shading or patterns to the border to make it more visually appealing. To remove a border, simply click on it and then click "No Border."

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues you might encounter when adding or customizing borders, and how to resolve them:

Border Not Displaying Properly: Check the document view settings. Sometimes, borders may not be visible in certain view modes (e.g., screen or print preview). Ensure you are in the correct view to see the borders. Borders Appear Spacer Over Pages: This issue typically occurs when you have applied a border to the entire document. Consider applying borders to sections or individual elements instead of the whole page. Border Colors Not as Expected: Ensure the correct color source is being used. In some cases, the color may default to a system setting or an older color setting. Reset the color to ensure it aligns with your document’s theme.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of adding and customizing borders in Microsoft Word and Publisher can significantly enhance the appearance and professionalism of your documents. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create beautiful, visually appealing documents that stand out. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, the ability to manipulate borders can make your documents more engaging and effective.