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Why did microsoft break the ability to just draw a simple perfectly horizontal or vertical line in the latest microsoft word?

William Zaggle 0 Reputation points
2026-03-04T01:44:04.8733333+00:00

It was once possible to just add a line shape and draw a perfectly horizontal or vertical line. Now the only lines possible are slighly rotated one way or the other away from horizontal or vertical. Was this on purpose or just a lack of quality control? Makes line drawing mostly useless.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows
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  1. Suzanne S Barnhill 276.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-03-04T02:17:49.61+00:00

    It has been the case for a long time that even a perfectly horizontal or vertical line (drawn while holding Shift) would veer off when moved. The solution in that case was to set the height or width (as appropriate) to zero.

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  1. Bulldog 370 Reputation points
    2026-03-04T15:15:36.96+00:00

    I am apparently misunderstanding your question.

    Insert > Shapes > Lines

    LineGranted, I have to eyeball the straightness of the line, but I didn't do so bad. It is, after all, a word processor, not meant for architects.

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  2. Suzanne S Barnhill 276.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-03-04T12:32:56.3+00:00

    Have you reported this issue to Microsoft using File | Feedback | Report a Problem?

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