So you know how to underline everything in Word, but what if you wanted to put an overline on something? This is something used a lot in fields like statistics and other areas of science, but Word doesn't exactly facilitate this process. Here are a few different ways to do this, either using field codes, or the equation tool; see Step 1 below to learn how to make an overline.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Field Codes
Step 1. Save the file
Using field codes can be tricky, and they are known to crash Word. Save the file before doing this so you have a backup in case things go wrong. You can also create a copy as an extra layer of security.
Step 2. Create a field code
Press Ctrl+F9 on Windows or ⌘ Command+F9 on Mac to create the field code braces {}. They will be marked with a gray color. To be able to overline the text, you need to create a specific field code. You will not be able to select text and apply the effect; instead, you'll type the text you want overlined into the field code function.
These codes will work in all versions of Word, whether for Windows or Mac
Step 3. Enter the overline function
Type the following between the braces: EQ \x \to(). There is a space between "EQ" and "\x", as well as a space between "\x" and "to()". Be careful not to include any extra space, or the function will not work.
If you copy the formula from that article and paste it into your document, Word is likely to paste it with spaces at the beginning and end of the expression, which will cause the field code to not work. Type yourself for best results
Step 4. Enter the text you want overlined
Place the cursor between the parentheses in the field code. Enter whatever text you want, including any spaces. Your function should look like this: {EQ \x \to(your text should be file)}. Keep the cursor in the code field when finished.
Step 5. Apply the field
Once you have finished typing the code and text, you can convert the text into the final product. With the cursor inside the field code, press ⇧ Shift+F9. This will convert the code, displaying the text you entered in parentheses with a line over it.
Using the overline effect will likely skew the line spacing a bit, so review your document to see if anything is affected
Step 6. Analyze a code that is not working
Field codes are a very powerful scripting tool and can cause problems if not used correctly. If the formula is entered incorrectly, the code may disappear, or your program may even close. Make sure you don't enter any spaces or extra characters, and that the formula is written exactly as stated above.
If the code disappears, press ⇧ Shift+F9 to turn the display back on. You can then review your code and make any necessary changes
Method 2 of 2: Using the Equation Function
Step 1. Insert an equation object
You can use the Equation Writer to apply the math overline to your text. The effect produced is slightly different from that of the field code function. You cannot select your text and apply it to the equation, you will need to enter the text after creating the equation.
To insert an equation, click the Insert tab. Click the Equation button in the Symbols section. If you are using Word 2003, or XP, click Insert > Object > Microsoft Equation 3.0
Step 2. Choose the overslash accent
Before typing text, add the accent. Click the Accents button in the Design section. There are actually two slightly different options you can choose if you want to overline your text. You can choose either the Bar, located in the Accents section, or the Over Bar, located in the Over Bars & Subs Bars section. Choose one of them and a small dotted box will appear in your formula field.
Step 3. Enter your text
Click on the small dotted box and start entering your text. You'll see the overline effect being applied immediately as you type. When you're done, click outside the formula field.
Step 4. Check the error in a formula that is not working
If you can't get the overline to appear, chances are you didn't select the little dotted box while entering the text. You must choose it to be able to type with the overline effect. Any text outside the box will not be affected.