The explanation given by the Office team is that text boundaries were never intended to be used the way many of us did use them. What we see now is a result of the new layout engine of Word 2013, which explains why boundaries look the same in older file formats.

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

Well, what an interesting response. We were using them wrong! IMO, the layout engine needs to go back to the garage to be fixed. Thanks for the response.

Apparently, Microsoft had no idea that people were actually using text boundaries. That probably also means that the option will never be fixed (from our perspective). I recommend that you post feedback on this at http://word.uservoice.com/ (the Office User Voice site).

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional

Thank you so much for that site's address. I have long longed for a place to "speak" to Microsoft. I am thrilled to have it.

I'm guessing from your comment that there has been rather a hue and cry from people who deal with documents extensively (I'm a software documentation writer and editor). Well, I won't hold out hope, but I'll throw my hat into the ring at word.uservoice.com.

I have a list of things that I'll add one at a time. I'm very grateful for a place to voice my Microsoft woes and wishes! No high hopes here, though, but thanks again.