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How to insert or put a line over text in Word document?

Author Xiaoyang Last modified

In a Word document, you can easily underline text - but have you ever needed to insert a line *above* text? This article shows three methods for placing a line over text in Word.

Insert or put a line over text with Equation function in Word

The built-in Equation feature provides a convenient way to apply an overbar to text.

  1. Click where you want to insert the overlined text. Then go to "Insert" > "Equation" > "Insert New Equation".
    Insert New Equation option on the ribbon
  2. Under the "Design" tab in "Equation Tools", click the "Accent" dropdown, then choose "Overbar" from the Overbars and Underbars section.
    Overbar option in Equation Tools
  3. A box with a bar above it will appear. Click the box and type the text you want to apply the overbar to.
    Text with overbar applied using Equation tool

Insert or put a line over text with Field function in Word

You can also use Word's Field function to apply a line above text. Here's how:

  1. Click where you want to insert the overlined text. Then go to "Insert" > "Quick Parts" > "Field".
    Field option on the ribbon
  2. In the Field dialog box, select "Eq" from the "Field names" list and click the "Equation Editor" button.
    Field dialog box
  3. A text box will appear. Click the "Underbar and Overbar templates" button in the toolbar and select the overbar option.
    Select Overbar icon in Equation Editor
  4. Enter your desired text in the box, and close the Equation toolbar when done.
    Overlined text using Field Equation Editor

Insert or put a line over text with Field Code in Word

This method uses field codes and is simple if you're comfortable using Word’s advanced features.

  1. Press Ctrl + F9 to insert field code brackets.
    Field code brackets inserted in Word
  2. Inside the brackets, copy and paste the following field code: "EQ \x \to()", and type the text you want to add the overbar to inside the parentheses.
    EQ \x \to() code for overlining
  3. Right-click the field and choose "Toggle Field Codes" to apply the overbar.
    Toggle Field Codes to reveal overlined text

Note: To edit the text later, right-click the overlined result and select "Toggle Field Codes" again.

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