Maybe you’re trying to make text more prominent in your document or want a uniform appearance for certain portions of content. UnlikeMicrosoft Word, Google Docsdoesn’t currently provide a built-in text box feature, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
We’ll show you a few ways to insert a text box inGoogle Docs. Each has its pros and cons, which we’ll also explain, so that you can use the best option for your document.
Difficulty
What You Need
Google account with Google Docs access
How to use the Drawing tool to create a text box
One of the most popular ways to insert a text boxusing Google Docs' Drawing feature. With it, you create the text box, customize its appearance, and add it to your document to use like an image.
Step 1:Place your cursor where you want the text box, selectInsert>Drawingin the menu, and pickNew.
Step 2:When the Drawing window opens, chooseText boxin the toolbar. Note: You can also use aShapelike a callout or oval and enter the text inside of it.
Step 3:Drag your cursor to draw the box in the size you want. Keep in mind that you can resize it later if needed.
Step 4:Add your text inside the box and you then have the option of using the tools at the top to customize it. As examples, you can add a border and choose its color, change the font style and size, or align anddouble-space the text.
Step 5:When you finish, selectSave and Closeat the top. You’ll then see your text box appear in your Google Doc.
Step 6:If you select the inserted text box, you’ll see a floating toolbar display beneath it. You can use this to wrap other text around it or keep it inline, as well as rotate or resize the box.
Step 7:To make changes to the text, selectEditin the floating toolbar. This reopens the Drawing tool for you to make and save the adjustments.
The advantage to this method is that you’re inserting an actual text box that you can customize and move freely. The disadvantage is that you must open the Drawing tool to make edits to the text and the box.
How to add a single-cell table as a text box
Another way to add a text box in Google Docs is to insert a single-cell table. You can then customize both the table and the text within it.
Step 1:Place your cursor where you want the text box and selectInsert>Tablein the menu.
Step 2:In the pop-out menu, choose a single cell. You should see “1 x 1” display at the bottom of the menu.
Step 3:When the table appears, enter the text in the cell and optionally change the font style, size, or color with the top toolbar.
Step 4:You can resize the table width by dragging in or out from the edge and make additional changes to the table’s appearance by right-clicking it and choosingTable properties.
Step 5:When the Table Properties sidebar opens, use the various sections to select a style and alignment, set an exact size, or add a table border and background color.
Step 6:Use theXon the top right of the sidebar to close it when you finish.
The advantage to this method is that your text is self-contained in a box-like table that you’re able to easily edit. The disadvantage is that tables can be difficult to manipulate and position with surrounding content.
How to mimic the appearance of a text box
One more way to include a text box in Google Docs is a workaround, but still quite useful in certain circumstances. For instance, you might not necessarily need a text box, but rather, text inside of a box for a visual effect. This involves simply typing your text and then adding borders around it.
Step 1:Add the text you want to appear inside of a box and select it.
Step 2:OpenFormatin the menu and pickParagraph styles>Borders and shading.
Step 3:In the pop-up window, use thePositionboxes at the top to add the borders.
Step 4:Optionally, you can adjust the additional settings for the borders including the width, style, and color. You can also include a background color and add padding around the text if you like. SelectApplywhen you finish.
Step 5:You’ll then see what looks like a text box, but is actually text with borders around it.
Step 6:If you add more text, you’ll see the bottom border expand to accommodate it, just like a regular text box.
The advantage to this method is that you can quickly edit the text without opening another tool. The disadvantage is that you cannot freely drag, move, or resize the box around the text.
How do I insert a text box in Google Docs over an image?
If you use the Drawing tool to create a text box and insert it into Google Docs, you have the option to move and place the box over an image. After you add the text box, selectIn front of textin the floating toolbar. Then drag the text box on top of the image.
How do you shape a text box in Google Docs?
You can use a shape instead of a box for your text with the Drawing tool in Google Docs. Go toInsert>Drawing>Newand instead of using the Text box tool, open theShapemenu. Pick the shape, drag to draw it, and then select the shape to enter your text inside of it.
How do I insert a text box in Word?
To insert a text box inMicrosoft Word, go to theInserttab and open theText Boxmenu in the ribbon. Choose aBuilt-intext box or pickDraw Text Boxto draw the box yourself. Then simply enter your text inside the box.
