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A text box is an object you can add to your document that lets you put and type text anywhere in your file. Text boxes can be useful for drawing attention to specific text and can also be helpful when you need to move text around in your document.
Add a text box
-
Place cursor where you want the text box to appear.
-
Go to Insert and in Illustrations select Drawing.
-
Select Text Box and use your cursor to create the text box.
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Insert text in box and apply any styling needed.
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Select Save andClose.
If you aren’t using a mouse
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Press Alt + Period (.) and then press N.
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Then press D to select drawings.
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Press Alt + Period (.) and then press N.
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Type the text that you want.
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Press the Esc key 3 times.
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Press Enter to save textbox.
Notes:
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To format the text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.
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To format the text box itself, use the commands on the Shape Format contextual tab that appears when you select a text box.
-
To position the text box, select it, and then when the pointer becomes a
four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location. -
You can also change or remove a border from a text box or shape.
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If you have multiple text boxes, you can link them together so that text will flow from one box to another. Select one of the text boxes and on the Shape Format tab, select Create Link.
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four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location.Editing in a text box
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Double click the textbox.
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In Drawing (Preview), select the textbox to place your cursor and edit text.
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When finished select Save and Close to view updated text box.
Copy a text box
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Select the border of the text box that you want to copy.
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Press Ctrl+C.
Note: Make sure the pointer is on the border of the text box, not inside it. If the pointer is inside, pressing Ctrl+C will copy the text, not the text box.
-
Select a location and press Ctrl+V to paste the text box.
Delete a text box
-
Select the border of the text box that you want to delete, and then press Delete.
Note: Make sure the pointer is on the border of the text box and not inside it. If the pointer is inside the box, pressing Delete will delete the text inside the text box, not the box.
Add a text box
-
Go to Insert > Text Box, and then select Draw Text Box.
-
Click or tap in the document, and drag to draw the text box the size that you want.
-
To add text to a text box, select inside the text box, and then type or paste text.
Notes:
-
To format the text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.
-
To format the text box itself, use the commands on the Format contextual tab, which appears under Drawing Tools when you select a text box.
-
To position the text box, select it, and then when the pointer becomes a
, drag the text box to a new location. -
You can also change or remove a border from a text box or shape.
-
If you have multiple text boxes, you can link them together so that text will flow from one box to another. Select one of the text boxes and on the Format tab, under Drawing Tools, and then select Create Link.
-
Copy a text box
-
Select the border of the text box that you want to copy.
-
Go to Home > Copy
.Make sure that the pointer is not inside the text box, but rather on the border of the text box. If the pointer is not on the border, pressing Copy will copy the text inside the text box and not the text box.
-
Go to Home and select Paste.
.
Delete a text box
-
Select the border of the text box and then press DELETE.
Make sure that the pointer is not inside the text box, but rather on the border of the text box. If the pointer is not on the border, pressing DELETE will delete the text inside the text box instead.
Add a text box
-
Go to Insert > Text Box and then select either Draw Text Box (where the text aligns horizontally on the page) or Vertical Text Box (where the text aligns vertically on the page).
-
Select in the document, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.
-
To add text to a text box, click or tap inside the text box, and then type or paste text.
-
To format the text in the text box, select it, and then Control + Click the text and select Font.
-
To add different effects to the text box, select the text box, and use the options on the Shape Format tab (such as changing the text direction or aligning the text at the top, middle or bottom of the text box).
-
To position the text box, select and hold it, and then when the pointer becomes a
, drag the text box to a new location.
-
Note: If you have drawn multiple text boxes, you can link them together so that text will flow from one box to another. You can only link an empty text box to the one that you’ve selected. To do this, select the text box that you want to link to another text box, and then go to Shape Format > Create Link.
Copy a text box
-
Select the text box you want to copy.
Make sure that the pointer is on the border of the text box and not inside the text box. If the pointer is not on the border, the text inside the text box is copied.
-
Press Control + Click, and then select Copy. Or, press
+ C. -
Select the location in your document where you want to paste the text box, press Control + Click, and then select Paste. Or, press
+ V.
+ C.Remove a text box
-
Select the border of the text box that you want to delete, and then press DELETE.
Make sure that the pointer is on the border of the text box and not inside the text box. If the pointer is not on the border, pressing DELETE will delete the text inside the text box.
Add a text box
-
Go to Insert > Text Box.
-
Click in your file where you’d like to insert the text box, hold your mouse button down, then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.
-
After you’ve drawn the text box click inside it to add text.
Copy a text box
-
Select the text box you want to copy.
Make sure that the pointer is on the border of the text box and not inside the text box. If the pointer is not on the border, the text inside the text box is copied.
-
Press Control + Click, and then select Copy. Or, press
+ C. -
Select the location in your document where you want to paste the text box, press Control + Click, and then select Paste. Or, press
+ V.
Remove a text box
-
Select the border of the text box that you want to delete, and then press DELETE.
Make sure that the pointer is on the border of the text box and not inside the text box. If the pointer is not on the border, pressing DELETE will delete the text inside the text box.
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If you’ve never used text boxes in Microsoft Word, you’re missing out on a handy feature. Here’s a quick introduction to using them.
It’s dead simple to type up a document in Microsoft Word: just click on a blank document and start typing. Of course, Word provides tons of options for formatting, fonts, and more to make your documents stand out.
One of these options is the text box. Why would you need a specific tool for inserting text when you can type it anywhere in a Word document? Let’s take a quick look at how to add customizable text boxes and why you might want to.
How to Add a Text Box in Word
With a Word document open, switch to the Insert tab. In the Text section, you’ll see a Text Box entry.
Once you click this, you’ll see a variety of built-in options. These range from the basic Simple Text Box to more involved options like Banded Sidebar. Simply click the one you want to insert it into your document.
Word will place the text box into a default position with some generic text. Next, you can customize it to your needs.
How to Customize Text Boxes in Word
With a text box inserted into your document, you can click and drag the outline to move it anywhere on the page. Grab one of the handles and you can resize the box too.
Double-click inside the box to select the placeholder text and insert your own. When you’re working inside a text box, use the Format bar at the top of the page to change the colors, font style, alignment, and more.
Why Use Text Boxes in Microsoft Word?
For simple documents with standard layouts, you probably don’t need text boxes. But they can add a nice touch for more dynamic papers. They’re perfect for pull quotes, calling attention to the most important parts of your piece. You might use them for a statistical aside or graphically different text instead.
Try text boxes in your next document for an exciting touch! For more on Microsoft Word, check out hidden Microsoft Word features that make life easier and how to add watermarks to Word documents.
Image Credit: dennizn/Depositphotos
Achieve more control and flexibility with your documents
Updated on September 11, 2022
What to Know
- Select Insert > Text Box > choose a text box template. Select and drag box to the position you want.
- To resize text, select and drag circles around the edge. To rotate text, select and drag the circular arrow.
- Place the cursor inside the text box and type the information you want to appear.
This article explains how to use text boxes in Microsoft Word. Instructions apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.
How to Insert a Text Box in Word
Start by opening the document you want to add a text box to. Then follow the steps below.
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On the ribbon, select Insert.
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In the Text group, select Text Box, then choose a text box template.
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The new text box appears in the middle of the text, and the Shape Format tab is automatically selected.
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Select and drag the box to the position you want. To resize the text box, select and drag the circles around the edge. To rotate the text box, select and drag the circular arrow at the top of the box.
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Place the cursor inside the text box and type the information you want to appear there.
Why Use Text Boxes?
When you type text in Microsoft Word, you have options for making it look a particular way on the page (such as changing the page margins), but those options are limited. Text boxes expand your formatting repertoire by offering additional control and flexibility for how your text appears. You can place a text box anywhere within a document and format it with different colors and fonts. This feature is especially helpful for creating a blockquote or a sidebar.
Customize a Text Box
After you create a text box, you can customize it in a number of ways.
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To bring up options, place the cursor inside the text box and right-click. Choose an option and follow the screen prompts to add a border, change the style, or adjust the way the text box interacts with the other text on the page.
Alternatively, use the controls on the Shape Format tab.
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To go directly to the Layout Options menu, select the text box, then select the Layout Options icon (it looks like a horseshoe and is located to the right of the text box).
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Change the text, make more adjustments, or move the box to another location at any time. To delete a text box, select its border, then press Delete on the keyboard.
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If you want to get creative with your text or simply have more flexibility, consider adding a customizing a text box in Word.
If you want more flexibility with certain text in your Word document, why not use a text box? Since a text box is considered an object, you can move it wherever you like in your document. This is handy for placing text in areas you normally wouldn’t.
You can use a text box to call attention to something in your document, rotate snippets of text, or create a unique appearance. Microsoft Word also provides formatting options for text boxes that give them their own nifty style or useful function.
Here, we’ll show you how to add or draw a text box and then format it to your liking in Microsoft Word.
With Word on Windows, you can either insert a preformatted text box or draw one of your own. Either way, you can customize it afterward, so choose the best option for you.
Go to the spot in your document where you want the text box and select the Insert tab. Click the Text Box drop-down arrow and pick a Built-In style or Draw a Text Box.
If you’re using Word on Mac, go to the Insert tab, click the Text drop-down arrow, and then the Text Box arrow. You can then choose to draw a simple text box or one where the text inside is vertical.
To draw your text box on either platform, drag the crosshairs to create the size you want. You can resize the text box any time after you draw it too.
When your text box appears, click inside to add your own words.
Format and Customize a Text Box in Word
Once you insert or draw your text box, select it and go to the Shape Format tab to view all of your formatting options. You’ll find the following features in Word on Windows, which may differ slightly in Word on Mac.
Shape Styles
Choose a theme or preset style for your text box. These options include filling colors and various effects.
Or you can use the Shape Fill, Outline, and Effects options to create your own distinctive style. From gradients and patterns to dashed lines and scribbles, you have many terrific options for customizing the appearance of your text box.
Note: Some options in the Shape Styles section may not be available if you select a preset text box.
WordArt Styles
Along with making the text box itself look snazzy, you can do the same with the text inside of it. Check out the Quick Styles in the WordArt Styles for premade options.
Or use the Text Fill, Outline, and Effects to make the text really pop. You can do things like add a shadow and glow or warp the text, so it’s curvy and cool.
Text, Accessibility, Arrange, and Size
The remaining sections of the ribbon allow you to change the direction of the text inside the box, use text wrapping with other elements in your document, rotate the text box, and adjust its exact size. You can also use the Alt Text Accessibility option to describe the text box.
Edit Your Text Box
After you customize your text box, you can still edit it anytime. Just note that when you select the text box to make changes, it may appear without some of the elements or effects you’ve applied. This is to make text editing simpler.
Once you complete your edits and deselect the text box, it will return to normal with your customizations.
Add Text Anywhere, Any Way in Word
Text boxes in Microsoft Word let you place text anywhere in your document without worries of margins or other normal text limitations. And because you can completely format the text box almost any way you want, it can be both a fun and useful addition to your document.
If you use Google Docs and Microsoft Word, take a look at how to work with text boxes in Docs too!
Reading
a lengthy text document can make anyone bored in minutes. However, there are
few simple ways to make your documents more attractive and appealing to the
reader. One such option is to add colorful text boxes in-between paragraphs.
This is a useful way to show important action points on full text based
documents. In this article, let us explore how to create text box in Word
document.
Related: How to quickly add dividers in Word?
We
will discuss the following options based on Word 2016 or later version.
- Create text box from existing text
- Creating empty text box
- Changing text box size and position
- Changing text direction
- Deleting borders
Creating
Text Box from Existing Text
You can convert any of the existing text paragraph and list to a text box in Word. Let’s see how to do that.
- First open your document and select the paragraph you want to convert to a text box.
- Switch to the “Insert” tab from the ribbon menu.
- Open the “Text Box” menu.
- Word offers a selection of predefined text boxes, for example for creating sidebars with quotes.
- However, for converting the existing text, select the entry “Draw Text Box” in the lower pane.
This will instantly add a bordered text box around
the selected text. Word treats text boxes as a drawing and you can design the
box as per your need using the “Drawing Tools” menu. You can move the text
boxes anywhere in the document, depending on the layout. This can be useful for
the design of flyers and brochure.
Creating
Empty Text Box
Of course, you do not necessarily need existing text to
create a new text box. Alternatively, you can also create empty text boxes and
enter the text into them later.
- Place the cursor where you want to insert a text box.
- Reopen the “Insert” menu and select “Text Box” option.
- Click the “Draw Text Box” menu item. You will see the cursor now changed to cross hair shape.
- Draw out the text box while holding down the left mouse button.
- Then enter the text into the text box.
- You can look at the various options in the context menu of your text box for designing your text box.
Changing
Text Box Size and Position
When
you have created a text box out, you have various options for editing. You can
design it, change the size and place it anywhere in your document.
- You can change the size of the box using the handles on the edges of it. Word will automatically adjust the text content inside the box.
- It is also possible to freely move the box using the mouse. You can hover over the mouse to change the cursor into a star shape, allowing you to drag the box.
- Formatting is also possible as usual, for example, right-click on the selected text to use the Mini toolbar and format the text in bold or change the alignment.
- You can click on the “Layout Options” button on the side of the text box to wrap text box with the content on your document.
Changing
Text Direction
Within
a text box, you can also influence the text direction. Besides the default
horizontal alignment the text can also run vertically.
- What about if you want to rotate the text inside text box? This is also
very easy. Open the “Text Direction”. - Double click on the text box to open “Drawing Tools” menu. Click on the
“Text Direction” menu and select the entry, “Rotate all text 270°”. - The text is now set vertically in the text box and you can adjust the
format and position of the box.
- You can move the text box between paragraphs or columns by dragging the
box while keeping the left mouse button pressed.
Related: How to embed Excel table in Word document?
Deleting
Borders and Content
By
default, text boxes are displayed with borders, but you do not have to keep
them. You can easily remove the borders.
- Click on the text box to open the “Drawing Tools” and select “Shape Outline”
button under “Format” menu. - Now, select the entry “No Outline” to remove the borders from the box.
- You can also apply different colors, weight and styles to the border if
you want. - In order to delete a text box content, simply click inside the box and
edit or delete the content. Alternatively, select the text box by clicking on
the border and press delete to completely delete the box. - In this respect, text boxes behave in the same way as other drawing
objects.
Using Text Box Templates
The best and easy way to use text box in Word is to
select one of the predefined text box template. You can select from one of the good-looking
templates from the “Text Box” menu dropdown.
For example, you can use text box in a sidebar
format or choose one of the colorful formats. You can adjust the layout
positions to align the content beside the box.
You can also customize the text box and create a
custom template as a Quick Parts.
- First, select the box you want to use as templates.
- Go to “Insert > Text Box” and choose “Save Selection to Text Box Gallery” option.
- Fill up the details to create a new building block.
- You can view the saved template under “Text Box” menu dropdown from next time onwards.
Other Formatting Options
The “Formatting Tools” menu offers various
additional options for customizing your text box content. You can double click
on any text box to view the menus applicable for drawing object. Below are some
of the activities you can do with the formatting tools:
- Apply shape styles like fill, effects and borders.
- Create WordArt inside text box.
- Change text direction.
- Position and wrap the content around the text box.