Three asterisks

Question

What is the line of dots called when I type three (centered) asterisks? What is the purpose?

Answer 1

See http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/TroublesomeLines.htm#Borders for examples of all the lines you can get this way (and how to remove them if you didn't intend to create them).

Answer 2

Thank you. I was referring to the fact that three asterisks, centered, then "enter" results in a line (border) across the page. I also use the asterisks to separate sections, discovering the line/border shortcut using three asterisks. Microsoft should reconsider removing the three asterisk formatting. Thanks again. 

You can easily turn off the AutoFormat As You Type option that adds borders automatically (by converting asterisks and some other symbols). See Suzanne's article at http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/TroublesomeLines.htm#Borders.

Answer 3

Thank you. I was referring to the fact that three asterisks, centered, then "enter" results in a line (border) across the page. I also use the asterisks to separate sections, discovering the line/border shortcut using three asterisks. Microsoft should reconsider removing the three asterisk formatting. Thanks again.

Answer 4

You can insert a manual page break using Ctrl+Enter.

Answer 5

Hi Kevin!

It is a helpful little feature that allows you to add lines in your documents, without removing your fingers from the keyboard.

Three asterisks will give you a heavy dotted line.

You can use other character like:

Three underlines will give you a bold single line.

Three equal signs will give you a double line.

If you have more questions, just message me back.

Sincerely,

Arnel