Looking to write notes or create a journal-style document in Word? Adding a Microsoft Word lined paper background is a great way to replicate the look of traditional notebook paper. Whether you’re preparing student worksheets, printable journaling pages, or just prefer a lined layout, Word has built-in tools to help you achieve that classic look.
This guide will show you how to add, format, and customize lined paper backgrounds in Microsoft Word for both Windows and macOS.
What Is a Lined Paper Background in Word?
A lined paper background mimics the look of ruled notebook paper within a Word document. It gives you:
- 📘 Horizontal lines to guide handwriting or note-taking
- 🧾 A classic notebook appearance
- 📐 Better layout for printed templates
Although Word doesn’t offer this as a standard template, you can easily create the effect using borders, table tricks, or background images.
Method 1: Use a Table to Simulate Lined Paper
One of the easiest ways to create lined paper is by inserting a table with invisible borders on the sides and visible bottom borders only.
✅ Steps:
- Open a new Word document
- Go to Insert > Table
- Insert a single-column table with 20–30 rows (depending on page length)
- Highlight the entire table
- Right-click and choose Table Properties
- Under Borders and Shading, remove all borders except the bottom border
Now your page will have evenly spaced lines like notebook paper 📄✍️
Method 2: Use a Lined Background Image
You can use a lined paper image as a watermark or background in your document.
✅ How to do it:
- Go to Design > Watermark > Custom Watermark
- Select Picture Watermark
- Upload your lined paper image (JPG or PNG)
- Set the scale (e.g. 100%) and uncheck Washout
- Click OK
The lines will appear in the background, and you can type over them just like real paper 🎨
💡 Tip: Make sure the image resolution is high enough to prevent blurriness when printed.
Method 3: Use Graph or Ruled Paper Templates
Microsoft Office and third-party sites offer downloadable templates:
- Open Word
- Go to File > New
- Search for “lined paper” or “notebook paper”
- Select and download a suitable template
🧩 These templates come with preformatted lines and margins, ready to use.
Customize Line Color and Spacing
If you’re using tables or background lines:
- Change line color via Borders > Borders and Shading
- Adjust row height to modify spacing
- Add left margins to simulate a notebook’s binding space
🎨 Customizing the layout helps match it to your specific needs (e.g. journaling vs. classroom worksheets).
Printing Tips for Lined Paper in Word
Before printing:
- Use Print Preview to check alignment
- Adjust margins under Layout > Margins
- Ensure the table or background image does not shift across pages
- Select High Quality Print for image-based backgrounds
🖨️ Good preparation ensures your printed pages look exactly how you designed them.
FAQs: Microsoft Word Lined Paper Background
Can I type over a lined paper background in Word?
Yes. Whether using a table or background image, you can still type normally over the lines.
How do I remove the lined paper background?
If using a table, delete it. If using an image watermark, go to Design > Watermark > Remove Watermark.
Can I change the color of the lines?
Yes. If using tables, use Borders and Shading to choose your line color.
Will lined backgrounds print correctly?
Yes, especially if you use high-resolution images or properly formatted tables.
Is there a built-in lined paper template in Word?
Not by default, but you can find many templates online or simulate the effect manually.
Can I use lined paper on Word Online?
Limited. Word Online doesn’t support custom watermarks or advanced table formatting like the desktop version.
Conclusion: Create the Perfect Lined Paper in Microsoft Word
Now that you know how to create a Microsoft Word lined paper background, you can give your documents a neat, structured look ideal for note-taking, journaling, or printable worksheets. Whether you choose the table method or a background image, the process is quick and easy and the results are impressively authentic.
Give it a try and see how it elevates your document design!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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