How to make box in word

Add a text box

  1. Go to Insert > Text Box.
  2. 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.
  3. After you’ve drawn the text box click inside it to add text.

Contents

  • 1 How do you make square boxes in Word?
  • 2 How do you make 4 boxes in Word?
  • 3 How do I make a small box in Word?
  • 4 How do I make text boxes in Word?
  • 5 How do you insert a box in Word 2020?
  • 6 How do I make 4 copies of one page in Word?
  • 7 How do I create a quarter page ad in Word?
  • 8 How do you organize a Word document into sections?
  • 9 How do you insert a box symbol in Word?
  • 10 How do you put a text box in a shape?
  • 11 How do I insert text boxes into shapes?
  • 12 How do you make a heart shaped text box in Word?
  • 13 How do I insert a checkbox in Word without Developer tab?
  • 14 How do I make multiple copies of one page in Word?
  • 15 How many words is four pages single spaced?
  • 16 How do I Print 4 pages per sheet in Word for Mac?
  • 17 How do I create a half page ad in Word?
  • 18 What is the size of a 1/4 page ad?
  • 19 How do you make commercial ads?
  • 20 What are the 4 types of section breaks?

How do you make square boxes in Word?

On the Insert tab, click Shapes. Click the shape you want, click anywhere in the workspace, and then drag to place the shape. To create a perfect square or circle (or constrain the dimensions of other shapes), press and hold Shift while you drag.

How do you make 4 boxes in Word?

Split page to 4 quarters with a table

  1. Place the cursor at left-top of the page, then click Insert > Table, select 2×2 Table.
  2. The table has been inserted, then drag right-corner of the table to resize it as you need.
  3. Insert texts into the columns and rows separately.

How do I make a small box in Word?

Click the “Text Box” button on the Ribbon and choose the first option, “Simple Text Box.” Position the cursor on the Word page and drag to form the size of the box.

How do I make text boxes in Word?

To change the text box shape:

  1. Select the text box you want to change. The Format tab will appear.
  2. From the Format tab, click the Edit Shape command.
  3. Hover the mouse over Change Shape, then select the desired shape from the menu that appears.
  4. The text box will appear formatted as the shape.

How do you insert a box in Word 2020?

Place you cursor at the start of the first line. Go to the Developer tab, and then click Check Box. If you want a space after the check box, press Tab or Spacebar. Use a Tab character if you want to format the list item with hanging indentation, like Word applies to bulleted lists.

How do I make 4 copies of one page in Word?

Print multiple pages of a Word document on one sheet

  1. Go to File | Print.
  2. In the Zoom section, select 4 Pages from the Pages Per Sheet drop-down list.
  3. Make any other print selections, and click OK.

How do I create a quarter page ad in Word?

Click your cursor in the white space of the ad between the headline and the other text. Pull down the “Insert” menu and click “Picture.” If you have your own image, such as a company logo or picture, click “From File,” browse the image and double-click it so it opens on the ad space.

How do you organize a Word document into sections?

Insert a section break

  1. Select where you want a new section to begin.
  2. Go to Layout > Breaks, and then choose the type of section break you want. Next Page Starts the new section on the following page. Continuous Starts the new section on the same page.

How do you insert a box symbol in Word?

Insert checkbox symbol in Word

  1. Put the cursor at the place you will insert the checkbox symbol, and click Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
  2. In the opening Symbol dialog box, please (1) choose Wingdings 2 from Font draw down list; (2) select one of specified checkbox symbols you will add; (3) click the Insert button.

How do you put a text box in a shape?

Add text to a shape

  1. Click Insert > Draw Text Box .
  2. Draw a text box close to the shape.
  3. Click inside the text box, and start typing.

How do I insert text boxes into shapes?

Word

  1. Click the shape that you want to change.
  2. Under Drawing Tools, on the Format tab, in the Insert Shapes group, click Edit Text .
  3. Under Text Box Tools, on the Format tab, in the Text Box Styles group, click Change Shape, and then click the shape that you want.

How do you make a heart shaped text box in Word?

Create the Shape

  1. Open a new, blank Word document. Click on the Insert tab and then on the Shapes button.
  2. Choose your shape. For this example, I chose the heart shape. See Figure 2. Click and drag to make a heart shape any size you prefer.

How do I insert a checkbox in Word without Developer tab?

How to insert a checkbox in Word for electronic documents. If you want a “clickable” checkbox in electronic documents, you’ll need to enable the Developer ribbon in Options. You’ll only need to do that once, and then you can add a functional checkbox anytime you need it. 1.

How do I make multiple copies of one page in Word?

Multiple Pages Per Sheet

  1. Load the document you want to print.
  2. Choose the Print option from the File menu.
  3. Use the Pages Per Sheet drop-down list (lower-right corner) to specify how many pages should be combined on each printed page.
  4. Specify any other printing options, as desired.
  5. Click on OK to print your document.

How many words is four pages single spaced?

2,000 words
4 pages is 2,000 words single spaced, 1,000 words double spaced.

How do I Print 4 pages per sheet in Word for Mac?

To print multiple pages per sheet of paper: Click the Preview pop-up menu, then choose Layout. Choose the number of pages to appear on each printed page from the Pages per Sheet pop-up menu. To rotate images or pages automatically so they fill up as much of the paper as possible: Choose Auto Rotate.

How do I create a half page ad in Word?

In Word, click on the “Layout” tab, click “Margins,” and select “Custom Margins.” In the pop up window, in the “Pages” section, click the dropdown menu next to “Multiple pages” and select “2 pages per sheet.” Word will now show you a half sheet.

What is the size of a 1/4 page ad?

Print Ad Specs

Ad Dimensions Inches (WxH) Metric (WxH)
1/4 Page Horizontal 4.625″ x 3.5″ 11.75 cm x 8.89 cm
1/4 Page Vertical 3.375″ x 4.75″ 8.57 cm x 12.07 cm
1/6 Page Horizontal 4.625″ x 2.25″ 11.75 cm x 5.72 cm
1/6 Page Vertical 2.5″ x 4.625″ 6.35 cm x 11.75 cm

How do you make commercial ads?

Tips for Creating an Effective TV Commercial

  1. Break the Pattern.
  2. Don’t Be Boring.
  3. Focus on the First Three Seconds.
  4. Use Influencers.
  5. Tell a Compelling Story.
  6. Focus on Building Brand Awareness.
  7. Target a Specific Audience.
  8. Use a Memorable Tagline or Jingle.

What are the 4 types of section breaks?

The different kinds of section breaks include next page, continuous, even page, and odd page breaks.

  1. Image titled Add a Box Around Selected Text in Word Step 1

    1

    Click the Insert tab.

  2. Image titled Add a Box Around Selected Text in Word Step 2

    2

    On the right side of all of the things you can insert, look for ‘Text Box.’

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  3. Image titled Add a Box Around Selected Text in Word Step 3

    3

    Select the text box that you want to use and double click on it.

  4. Image titled Add a Box Around Selected Text in Word Step 4

    4

    Cut and paste the text into the text box.

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  • To change the size of the text box, click on it once, and drag one of the 8 circles.

  • You can change the design of the text box you have selected by going into the format tab.

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When you need to think inside the box instead of out of it, rely on Microsoft Word to help you go square. Add boxes in your Microsoft Word documents when you need to insert check boxes, places for people to write longer sections or even to indicate where associates should sign their names. With three different ways to create boxes in Word, you’ve got full control over how they appear.

Text Boxes

  1. Launch Word and click the Insert tab.

  2. Click the “Text Box” button on the Ribbon and choose the first option, “Simple Text Box.” Position the cursor on the Word page and drag to form the size of the box.

  3. Click inside the box, automatically erasing the placeholder text. You can now type text inside this box or leave it blank.

Box Shapes

  1. Launch Word and click the Insert tab.

  2. Click the “Shapes” button on the ribbon and choose the rectangle option under the Basic Shapes section.

  3. Press and hold down the “Shift” key, if desired, to ensure you draw a square, not a rectangle.

  4. Position the cursor on the Word page and drag to form the box.

Clip Art

  1. Launch Word and click the Insert tab.

  2. Click the “Clip Art” button on the ribbon. Type “box” into the “Search for” field and click the “Go” button.

  3. Scroll through the results, which will show all kinds of boxes from plain to fancy shapes, and double-click a box to add it to the Word page.

You can add, copy, or delete text boxes in your Microsoft Office applications. A text box lets you add text anywhere in your file. For example, you can create pull quotes or sidebars that call attention to important information. For Word, see Add, copy, or remove a text box in Word.

Add a text box

To learn how to add a text box, select an application from the drop-down list.

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box.

    Text Box button in the Text group

  2. In the worksheet, click and drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text, click inside the box and type or paste your text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.

      Options in the Font group

    • To position the text box, click it, and then when the pointer becomes crossed arrows (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.

Top of page

  1. Click in the body of an open email message.

  2. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box, and then click Draw Text Box.

    Text Box menu in the Text group

  3. Click and drag in the message body to draw a text box the size that you want.

  4. To add text, click inside the box and type or paste your text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Basic Text group on the Message tab.

      Options in the Basic Text group

    • To position the text box, click it, and then when the pointer becomes a Four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location.

    • To control how text wraps around the box, click Layout Options Layout Options button, and then select an option from the list.

      Text box layout options

    • You can also change or remove a border from a text box or shape.

Top of page

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box.

    Text Box button in the Text group

  2. Click in the presentation, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text, click inside the box and type or your paste text.

If you aren’t using a mouse

  1. Press Alt+N to go to the Insert tab.

  2. Use the arrow keys to move to the Text Box button.

  3. Press Ctrl+Enter to add the text box to your slide, then type your text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.

      Options in the Font group

    • To position the text box, click 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.

Top of page

  1. In a project with a Gantt chart, click the Format tab and click Drawing.

  2. Click Text Box, and then drag in the Gantt chart to draw the text box to the size you want.

  3. To add text, click inside the box and type or paste your text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, click the Task tab, and use the formatting options in the Font group.

    • You can also change or remove a border from a text box or shape.

Copy a text box

  1. Click the border of the text box that you want to copy.

  2. 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.

  3. Select a location and press Ctrl+V to paste the text box.

Delete a text box

  • Click 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

To learn how to add a text box, select an application from the drop-down list.

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box.

    The Text group on the Insert tab in the Excel 2010 ribbon.

  2. Click in the worksheet, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text to a text box, click inside the text box, and then type or paste text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.

      The Font group on the Home tab in the Excel 2010 ribbon.

    • To position the text box, click 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 text box or shape border.

Top of page

  1. Click in the body of an open email message.

  2. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box, and then click Draw Text Box.

    Text Box menu in the Text group

  3. Click and drag in the message body to draw a text box the size that you want.

  4. To add text, click inside the box and type or paste your text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Basic Text group on the Message tab.

      Options in the Basic Text group

    • To position the text box, click it, and then when the pointer becomes a Four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location.

    • To control how text wraps around the box, click Layout Options Layout Options button, and then select an option from the list.

      Text box layout options

    • You can also change or remove a border from a text box or shape.

Top of page

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box.

    The Text group on the Insert tab in the PowerPoint 2010 ribbon.

  2. Click in the presentation, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text to a text box, click inside the text box, and then type or paste text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, select the text, and then use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.

      The Font group on the Home tab in the PowerPoint 2010 ribbon.

    • To position the text box, click 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 text box or shape border.

Top of page

Copy a text box

  1. Click the border of the text box that you want to copy.

  2. On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click Copy The Copy button..

    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.

  3. On the Home tab, in the Clipboard group, click Paste.

    The Clipboard group on the Home tab.

Delete a text box

  • Click the border of the text box that you want to delete, 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 and not the text box.

Add a text box

To learn how to add a text box, select an application from the drop-down list.

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box.

    Excel Ribbon Image

  2. Click in the worksheet, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text to a text box, click inside the text box, and then type or paste text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.

      Excel Ribbon Image

    • To position the text box, click it, and then when the pointer becomes a Four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location.

    • You can change or remove a border from a text box or shape or add a fill or effect to a shape or text box.

Top of page

  1. In an e-mail message, on the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box, and then click Draw Text Box.

    Outlook Ribbon Image

  2. Click in the e-mail message, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text to a text box, click inside the text box, and then type or paste text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, use the formatting options in the Font group on the Format Text tab.

      Outlook Ribbon Image

    • To position the text box, click it, and then when the pointer becomes a Four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location.

    • You can change or remove a border from a text box or shape or add a fill or effect to a shape or text box.

    • If you have drawn multiple text boxes, you can link them together so that text will flow from one box to another. Click one of the text boxes and then under Text Box Tools, on the Format tab, in the Text group, click Create Link.

      Text Box Tools Format tab image

Top of page

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Text Box.

    PowerPoint Ribbon Image

  2. Click in the presentation, and then drag to draw the text box the size that you want.

  3. To add text to a text box, click inside the text box, and then type or paste text.

    Notes: 

    • To format text in the text box, use the formatting options in the Font group on the Home tab.

      PowerPoint Ribbon Image

    • To position the text box, click it, and then when the pointer becomes a Four-headed arrow, drag the text box to a new location.

    • You can change or remove a border from a text box or shape or add a fill or effect to a shape or text box.

Top of page

Copy a text box

  1. Click the border of the text box that you want to copy.

  2. Right-click and select Copy from the menu.

    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.

  3. Place your cursor where you want the copied text box to be, right-click, and then click Paste.

    The Clipboard group on the Home tab.

Delete a text box

  • Click the border of the text box that you want to delete, 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 and not the text box.

  • To delete multiple check boxes at the same time, hold down CTRL, and click the border of each text box in turn, and then press DELETE.

  • To delete a text box but save the text inside it, select the text inside the text box, and then press CTRL+C to copy the text onto the clipboard before you delete the text box.

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.

  1. On the ribbon, select Insert.

  2. In the Text group, select Text Box, then choose a text box template.

  3. The new text box appears in the middle of the text, and the Shape Format tab is automatically selected.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  1. 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.

  2. 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).

  3. 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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Even though Microsoft Word gives you plenty of ways to format, align, and manipulate text, there may be a time when it’s not enough. By using text boxes in Word, you have the flexibility to place text where you want, put it inside a shape, or customize it to make it pop.

Content

  • How to Insert a Text Box in Word
  • How to Resize, Rotate, or Move a Text Box
  • How to Customize the Text Box Appearance
  • How to Connect Text Boxes in Word
  • Frequently Asked Questions

You can insert a premade text box that includes formatting and a style or start from scratch by drawing your own.

Insert a Built-In Text Box

Using a premade text box, you can get a jump start on the formatting or apply a bit of flare without any extra work. Currently, this feature is only available in Word on Windows, not Mac.

  1. Head to the “Insert” tab and open the “Text Box” drop-down box. You’ll see options below “Built-in” at the top. If you hover your cursor over one, you can see a brief description.
Text box built-in options in Word
  1. Choose the premade text box you want to use, and you’ll see it pop onto the page.
Built-in text box in Word
  1. Click inside the box, which selects the sample text, then type your own.
Text replaced in a built-in text box

You can customize the built-in text box, just like one you draw yourself, which is described below.

Draw a Text Box

If you want a complete blank canvas for your text box, you can draw one the size you need and insert your text. Additionally, this is the only option for inserting a text box in Word on Mac at this time.

  1. Go to the “Insert” tab and open the “Text Box” drop-down box. On Windows, select “Draw Text Box.”
Draw Text Box in Word on Windows
  1. On Mac, select either “Draw Text Box” or “Draw Vertical Text Box.” The latter places the text sideways in the box as shown below.
Draw Text Box in Word on Mac
  1. When your cursor changes to a crosshair symbol, drag to draw the text box the size you want. You can still resize the text box later if needed.
Drawing a text box in Word
  1. Once you have your box, just type your text inside of it.
Drawn text box in Word

Note: you can also add text boxes in Google Docs.

How to Resize, Rotate, or Move a Text Box

You aren’t stuck with the size, angle, or location of your new text box. You can easily resize, rotate, or move a text box in Word a few different ways.

Resize a Text Box

  1. To quickly resize a text box, drag a corner or edge.
Resized text box in Word
  1. You can also go to the “Shape Format” tab to change the size. Use the Size section of the ribbon to enter the dimensions in the “Height” and “Width” boxes.
Size boxes on the Shape Format tab
  1. If you want to size your box according to the text within it, right-click the text box and pick “Format Shape.” When the sidebar opens, go to the “Layout & Properties” tab and check the box for “Resize shape to fit text.”
Resize a text box to fit the content setting

Rotate a Text Box

  1. To freely rotate the box, drag the circular arrow at the top to the right or left.
Rotating a text box in Word
  1. To rotate it right or left 90 degrees, go to the “Shape Format” tab. Pick an option from the “Rotate” drop-down menu in the “Arrange” section of the ribbon.
Rotate options on the Shape Format tab
  1. For an exact angle, right-click and choose “More Layout Options.” Open the Size tab, enter the angle in the “Rotation” box, and click “OK.”
Rotate option in the Layout box

Move a Text Box

To move a text box, drag it to your desired location.

Because a text box works like an object, any other text in your document won’t move out of the way for a text box. However, you can use the Wrap Text and Position features to adjust this if needed.

Text box over words
  1. Go to the “Shape Format” tab, then use the “Wrap Text” drop-down box in the “Arrange” section of the ribbon to choose a wrapping option. For instance, you can place the box in line with the text.
Wrap Text menu in Word
  1. You can also use the “Position” drop-down box to the left of “Wrap Text” to place the box in a specific spot within the text. For example, you can place it on the top left with text wrapping around it.
Position menu in Word

Tip: learn how you can create and customize tables in Word.

How to Customize the Text Box Appearance

Along with resizing, rotating, or moving a text box, you may want to change its appearance. You can customize the shape of the text box, apply a background color, or give it a border.

  1. Select the text box and head to the “Shape Format” tab, then use the following sections of the ribbon to customize the box and text:
  • Insert Shapes: open the “Edit Shape” drop-down menu, move to “Change Shape,” and select a new shape in the pop-out menu.
Change Shape on the Shape Format tab
  • Shape Styles: pick a preformatted design in the Shapes Styles box or choose a fill, apply a border, or add a shadow.
Shape Styles on the Shape Format tab
  • WordArt Styles and Text: use these two sections to adjust the appearance of the text. Apply a design, fill, outline, or effect. You can also change the direction or align the text. For the font style and size, use the options in the “Font” section of the “Home” tab.
WordArt and Text options on the Shape Format tab
  1. For additional options, right-click the text box and select “Format Shape,” then you can adjust both the box and text settings in the sidebar. Some options match those in the ribbon while others are different. For instance, you can adjust the transparency of the box or text.
Format Shape sidebar in Word

Try this: create an organized document with a table of contents and add page numbers in Word.

How to Connect Text Boxes in Word

One super-handy feature of text boxes in Word is that you can link them together. This allows you to start typing in one box and have the text carry over to the next box. It’s ideal for a list of tips, brief instructions, or short stories you want to include with your content.

To link text boxes, the box you want to connect to the previous one must be empty. If you already have your boxes filled with text, you can either remove the text from the subsequent boxes or add new boxes and remove the existing ones.

  1. Insert a text box as described earlier, then add a second text box, but be sure to leave it empty.
Empty text box to connect
  1. Select the first text box, go to the “Shape Format” tab, and pick “Create Link” in the Text section of the ribbon.
Create Link on the Shape Format tab
  1. When your cursor changes to a paint can icon, click inside the second text box. This creates a link between the two. If you want a third or fourth text box linked, follow the same process by linking the second box to the third, third to the fourth, and so on.
Paint Can icon to link text boxes in Word
  1. As you add text to the first box, the text that won’t fit then fills the second text box. If you have more text boxes, they will continue to fall into them.
Linked text boxes in Word
  1. If you resize the text boxes, the amount of text in each one adjusts to accommodate it. When you resize one text box, you’ll see the linked box automatically resize as well.
Resized linked text boxes in Word
  1. Should you decide later you don’t want the boxes linked, you can break the link. Select the first text box, go to the “Shape Format” tab, and click “Break Link.” Follow the same process to remove any additional text box connections.
Break Link on the Shape Format tab

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a hyperlink to a text box in Word?

You can add a link to a text box or specific text within it, just like any other object or text in a Word document.

To link the box, select it. To link specific text within the box, select it instead. Right-click, pick “Link” or “Hyperlink,” then choose an existing file or web page, place in the document, new document, or email address. On the right, select the item or add the URL and click “OK.”

How do I stop text from wrapping inside of a text box?

By default, the text inside of a text box wraps to the next line when it reaches the edge of the shape. But you can change this if you would like.

Right-click the text box and pick “Format Shape.” When the sidebar opens, select the “Layout & Properties” tab and uncheck the box for “Wrap text in shape.”

Can I temporarily hide text boxes in Word?

As you work on the other content in your document, you may want to hide a text box or two to focus on other things.

Select a text box, go to the “Shape Format” tab, and click “Selection Pane” in the “Arrange” section. When the sidebar opens, click the eye icon to the right of a text box to hide it. For all text boxes, click “Hide All” at the top. To unhide the text boxes, select the eye with a line through it to the right or pick “Show All” at the top.

Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sandy Writtenhouse.

Sandy Writtenhouse

Sandy Writtenhouse

With her BS in Information Technology, Sandy worked for many years in the IT industry as a Project Manager, Department Manager, and PMO Lead. She wanted to help others learn how technology can enrich business and personal lives and has shared her suggestions and how-tos across thousands of articles.

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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.
Convert Paragraph to Text Box
Convert Paragraph to Text Box

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.
Context Menu on Text Box
Context Menu on 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.
Text Box Layout Option
Text Box Layout Option

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.
Rotate Text 270 Degree Inside Text Box
Rotate Text 270 Degree Inside Text 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.
Remove Outline from Text Box
Remove Outline from Text 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.

Text Box Templates in Word
Text Box Templates in Word

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.

Predefined Text Box in Word
Predefined Text Box in Word

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.

Word Featured

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.

Insert a text box in Word on Windows

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.

Insert a text box in Word on Mac

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.

Draw a text box

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 Format tab in Word

Shape Styles

Choose a theme or preset style for your text box. These options include filling colors and various effects.

Themes and Presets

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.

Shape Effects

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.

WordArt Quick Styles

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.

WordArt Effects

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.

Shape Format tab text options

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.

Edit a text box in Word

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!


How to Insert a Text Box in Word

A text box is an element you can insert and position anywhere in a document. Text boxes are great for calling special attention to a quote or a whole block of text.

Insert a Text Box

  1. Click the Insert tab.
  2. Expand the Text group, if necessary.
  3. Click the Text Box button.
  4. A gallery of text box styles appears. The styles range from simple text boxes to stylized sidebars.

  5. Select the text box you’d like to use.

    Insert a Text Box

  6. The text box is automatically inserted.

  7. Click the text box and type to replace the placeholder text.

    Insert a Text Box

The placeholder text disappears as soon as you start typing.

Text boxes can be sized, moved, arranged, and styled just like shapes and pictures.

Draw Text Boxes

You don’t have to use one of Word’s built-in text boxes; you can create one from scratch.

  1. From the Insert tab, expand the Text group, if necessary.
  2. Click the Text Box button.
  3. Select Draw Text Box.

    Draw Text Boxes

  4. The pointer changes to a crosshair, indicating that you can draw the text box.

  5. Click and drag in your document to create the text box.

    Draw Text Boxes

The text box is inserted.

Link Text Boxes

Linking text boxes allows text to flow between them. For example, you could make the text of a long article flow through several smaller text boxes in a more advanced layout.

  1. After you have created two or more text boxes, select the first one.
  2. The second text box must be empty, so make sure to remove any text in it before proceeding.

  3. Click the Format tab in the Drawing Tools ribbon group.
  4. Click Create Link from the Text group.
  5. The cursor changes into a tiny pitcher full of letters. Moving the cursor over the second text box reveals that you can “pour” additional text into it.

  6. Click the second text box with the new cursor.

    Link Text Boxes

  7. The two text boxes are linked. Now, once enough text is entered into the first text box, it will automatically overflow into the second.

  8. Switch back to the first text box and type into it.

    Link Text Boxes

You can format the text in a text box just as you would any other text by using the Font and Paragraph groups on the Home tab.


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