stroke only on top and bottom

You cab use text  frames as part of the paragraph styles and defin each side individually.

Top and bottom of WHAT? Paragraph? Word? Text Frame? Graphic?

You already asked about the top here: Re: stroke on top of image - Adobe Product Community - 15622566

In InDesign you can’t apply a stroke to only two sides of a frame directly, but there are a few standard workarounds. Here are the cleanest options pick the one that fits your workflow.

If you want, tell us what you’re trying to apply it to (text frame, image, label, recurring style) and we can give you the most efficient setup including styles.

Method 1: Use Paragraph Rules (best for text)

If this is for text (headings, pull quotes, labels), this is the correct solution.

Select the text.

Go to Paragraph panel > Paragraph Rules…

Turn on Rule Above and Rule Below

Set:

Weight = stroke thickness

Offset = distance from text

Width = Column or Text

Style as needed.

• Perfect top & bottom lines
• Only works with text

Method 2: Draw two lines (most flexible)

For boxes, graphics, or general layout.

Draw your frame without a stroke

Use the Line Tool (\) to draw:

One horizontal line at the top

One at the bottom

Align them precisely:

Window > Object & Layout > Align

Group them (Cmd/Ctrl + G) if needed

• Works anywhere
• Manual

Method 3: Table cell (surprisingly useful)

If this is a repeated design element:

Create a 1-cell table

Set only top and bottom strokes on the cell

Adjust inset spacing

Place text inside

Best Practice Recommendation

Text-related? > Paragraph Rules

Design element / box? > Two lines

Reusable component? > Table cell or grouped lines