Removing Extra Table Borders in PDF

[asutosh_0331]

I have a Word file that contains several tables. When I convert this Word file to PDF, I can see some extra dotted borders appearing at the top and bottom of the tables. How can I resolve this issue?

[Tariq Ahmad]

Hi @asutosh_0331,

Thanks for your question!

Acrobat does not currently allow direct editing or removal of table borders once a PDF is created, as these elements are treated as part of the static page content.

The extra dotted lines you’re seeing likely originate from the original table formatting in Microsoft Word. These may be:

• Hidden or faint gridlines are rendered as dotted borders during PDF export,

• Unintended cell border styles are applied inconsistently across rows/columns, or

• Part of a built-in table style (like “Grid Table 5 Light Accent”), which can introduce light dotted or dashed outlines.

To resolve this, we recommend reviewing the table in Word by:

1. Selecting the entire table.
2. Go to Table Design > Borders > Borders and Shading.
3. Setting all borders explicitly to None, or configuring only the borders you want (e.g., outside only).
4. Then re-export to PDF using File > Save As > PDF or Acrobat tab > Create PDF (if available).

Let us know how it works and kindly share your findings here as well. 

Best regards,
Tariq | Adobe Community Team