Making small boxes 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.

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.

Table of Contents

  1. How do you change the size of a text box in Word?
  2. Can you resize a text box How?
  3. How do I edit a text box in Word?
  4. What do you understand by the Text Box tool?
  5. How do you change the color of a text box in Word?
  6. Can Up Text Effect word?
  7. How do you move text freely in Word?
  8. How do you make a text box transparent in Word 2020?
  9. How do I remove the background from a text box in Word?
  10. How do I make a text box without an outline?
  11. How do I delete a text box in Word without deleting the text?
  12. Why are there boxes in my Word document?
  13. How do I delete a text box but keep the text?
  14. How do you fix boxes in Word?
  15. How do I fix gibberish text?
  16. How do I make my phone read my font?
  17. How do I change my writing style?
  18. Why can’t I read certain fonts?
  19. Why are the new Instagram fonts not showing up?
  20. How do I change my text font?
  21. How do I change the font style on my phone?
  22. How do I use different fonts?
  23. Which app is best for font style?
  24. What font does Apple use 2019?
  25. What font do Apple use on iPhone?

On the Layout tab, you can specify the custom height and width. To resize specific rows or column, click on a cell and then adjust the row/column. To make multiple rows or columns the same size, select the columns or rows and click Distribute Rows or Distribute Columns.

How do you change the size of a text box in Word?

To resize a shape, text box, or WordArt, under Drawing Tools, on the Format tab, in the Size group, enter the measurements that you want into the Height and Width boxes. Note: If you do not see the Drawing Tools and Format tabs, make sure that you selected a picture, shape, text box, or WordArt.

Can you resize a text box How?

Click on the left mouse button. Drag the handle to resize the text box. Release the mouse button when the text box is the size you want. The information it contains is reformatted to fit within the newly resized text box.

How do I edit a text box 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.

What do you understand by the Text Box tool?

A text box is a rectangular area on the screen where you can enter text. It is a common user interface element found in many types of software programs, such as web browsers, email clients, and word processors. When you click in a text box, a flashing cursor is displayed, indicating you can begin typing.

How do you change the color of a text box in Word?

Change the text color

  1. Select the shape or text box.
  2. On the Drawing Tools Format tab, click Text Fill > More Fill Colors.
  3. In the Colors box, either click the color you want on the Standard tab, or mix your own color on the Custom tab.

Can Up Text Effect word?

Add or remove text effects

  1. Select the text that you want to add an effect to.
  2. On the Home tab, in the Font group, click Text Effect.
  3. Click the effect that you want. For more choices, point to Outline, Shadow, Reflection, or Glow, and then click the effect that you want to add.

How do you move text freely in Word?

Click and drag the selected text where you want it. As you drag the text, you’ll see a dotted vertical insertion point that tells you where your text will go when you release the mouse. Copy the text by pressing ctrl-c, place the cursor where you want the text and then paste it in by pressing ctrl-v.

How do you make a text box transparent in Word 2020?

Figure 2.

  1. Place your text box, as normal.
  2. Right-click on the text box.
  3. Choose Format Shape from the Context menu.
  4. At the left side of the dialog box click Fill.
  5. Use the Transparency slider to adjust how transparent you want the Text Box to be.
  6. At the left side of the dialog box click Line Color.

How do I remove the background from a text box in Word?

Word

  1. Right-click the text box that you want to make invisible.
  2. On the shortcut menu, click Format Text Box.
  3. On the Colors and Lines tab, in the Fill section, click the arrow next to Color, and then click No Color.
  4. On the Colors and Lines tab, in the Line section, click the arrow next to Color, and then click No Color.

How do I make a text box without an outline?

Remove the border

  1. Select the text box or shape. If you want to change multiple text boxes or shapes, click the first text box or shape, and then press and hold Ctrl while you click the other text boxes or shapes.
  2. On the Format tab, click Shape Outline, and then click No Outline.

How do I delete a text box in Word without deleting the text?

Removing the Box from a Text Box

  1. Either click on the border of the text box or position the insertion point within the text box.
  2. Select the Text Box option from the Format menu.
  3. Click on the Colors and Lines tab, if necessary.
  4. In the Color drop-down list, select No Line.
  5. Click on OK.

Why are there boxes in my Word document?

The bottom line is that if the Normal style is formatted to have a box around it, then there is a good chance that all your paragraphs will have boxes around them. Check the style formatting and remove any boxes that may be associated with the style, and your problem may be immediately fixed.

How do I delete a text box but keep the text?

Follow these steps:

  1. In your document, press Ctrl+A.
  2. Press Ctrl+C.
  3. Open a new, blank document.
  4. Make sure the Home tab of the ribbon is displayed.
  5. Click the down-arrow under the Paste tool (at the left side of the ribbon) and choose Paste Special.
  6. In the list of formats, choose Unformatted Text.
  7. Click on OK.

How do you fix boxes in Word?

To fix this issue, do this:

  1. Open the document that displays boxes instead of text.
  2. Select all lines that include boxes.
  3. On the Word menu, click Preferences.
  4. Under Output and Sharing, click Compatibility.
  5. Click Font Substitution.
  6. Choose the Gulim font (under Substituted font), and then click OK.

How do I fix gibberish text?

select the “gibberish” text, press shift+alt+h on the keyboard, and the selected text will be fixed (only if the text was selected in an editable field) Or 3. Click on the GibberishFixer icon, copy the “gibberish” text to the pop-up window, click “fix gibberish”, and you’ll have the correct text!

How do I make my phone read my font?

Tap the “Preferences” icon. Scroll down and select “Personalization”. Tap on “Font”. Choose “Select Font” to determine the fonts on Android preferred.

How do I change my writing style?

Changing Built-In Font Settings

  1. In the “Settings” menu, scroll down and tap the “Display” option.
  2. The “Display” menu may vary depending on your Android device.
  3. In the “Font Size and Style” menu, tap the “Font Style” button.
  4. Advertisement.

Why can’t I read certain fonts?

Why can’t you see certain fonts on your Android? Because they are system fonts on iOS and not on Android. Non-system fonts will only work consistently across platforms if they are embedded in the app or web site.

Why are the new Instagram fonts not showing up?

Not seeing the new fonts automatically pop on your Instagram Stories? To access the new rollout of fonts, you have to make sure that your Instagram app is up to date with the latest version.

How do I change my text font?

Go to Settings > Display > Font Size and Style. Your newly installed font should appear on the list. Tap on the new font to use it as the system font. The font is applied immediately. No reboot needed.

How do I change the font style on my phone?

How to change the font on your Samsung device

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap on Display>Screen zoom and font.
  3. Scroll down until your find Font Style.
  4. Pick the font you want and then confirm you want to set it as system font.
  5. From there you can tap the “+” Download fonts button.

How do I use different fonts?

How to Install Fonts on a PC

  1. Shut down any program you want to use the font in.
  2. Download the font to your computer and open zip files if necessary. It may have a . zip, . otf, or .
  3. Right click on each font you’d like to add, then choose “Open.”
  4. Once open, click “Install” to add the font to your computer.

Which app is best for font style?

Best System Font Changer Apps for Android

  1. Apex Launcher. Apex Launcher is not actually a font changer app but a launch for Android that lets you customize the overall look and feel of your Android phone.
  2. iFONT (Experts of Fonts)
  3. Fontfix.
  4. Stylish Font.
  5. Fontster.
  6. HiFont.
  7. FlipFont.

What font does Apple use 2019?

SF Pro

What font do Apple use on iPhone?

  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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You can easily resize pictures, text boxes, shapes, and WordArt in your Office file. You can also remove unwanted portions of a picture by cropping it.

Resize a picture, shape, WordArt, or other object

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. To increase or decrease the size in one or more directions, drag a sizing handle away from or toward the center, while doing one of the following:

    • To keep the center in the same place, press and hold Ctrl while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To maintain the proportions, press and hold Shift while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To both maintain the proportions and keep the center in the same place, press and hold both Ctrl and Shift while you drag the sizing handle.

      Shape with sizing handle highlighted

Note: Resizing a WordArt object doesn’t resize the text, only the container. If you want to resize the text, select the text and change the font size on the Home tab.

Resize an item to an exact height and width

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

    To resize multiple objects at the same time, press and hold Shift while selecting each object.

  2. Select Shape Format, Picture Tools Format, or Drawing Tools Format and enter the new measurements into Height and Width.

    size group

    Notes: 

    • If you don’t see Height and Width, press the down arrow in the Size group

    • The Size group is reduced on a smaller screen

If you’re not able to change the height and width independently, you’ll need to unlock the aspect ratio:

  1. Select the dialog box launcher Icon image in the Size group.

  2. Clear the Lock aspect ratio check box.

Resize to an exact proportion

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

    To resize multiple objects at the same time, press and hold Shift while selecting each object.

  2. Go to Shape Format, Picture Tools Format, or Drawing Tools Format, in the Size group, select the dialog box launcher Button image.

    Notes: 

    • If your screen size is smaller, you might need to select the down arrow in the Size group to see the dialog box launcher.

    • The Size group is reduced on a smaller screen

  3. To choose between the original or a different proportion, select or clear Lock aspect ration and enter a Scale percentage for Height or Width.

Resize a picture, shape, text box, or WordArt

Resize manually

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. To increase or decrease the size in one or more directions, drag a sizing handle away from or toward the center, while doing one of the following:

    • To keep the center of an object in the same place, press and hold CTRL while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To maintain the object’s proportions, press and hold SHIFT while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To both maintain the object’s proportions and keep its center in the same place, press and hold both CTRL and SHIFT while you drag the sizing handle.

Resize to an exact height and width

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. Under Picture Tools or Drawing Tools, on the Format tab, in the Size group, enter the measurements that you want into the Height and Width boxes.

  3. In the Size group, select the Size and Position dialog box launcher Icon image.

  4. On the Size tab, under Size and rotate, clear Lock aspect ratio.

Resize to an exact proportion

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. Under Picture Tools or Drawing Tools, on the Format tab, in the Size group, select the Size and Position dialog box launcher Icon image.

  3. On the Size tab, under Scale, enter the percentages of the current height and width that you want to resize to, in the Height and Width boxes.

  4. Clear the Lock aspect ratio check box.

Tip: To apply the same size to different objects, select all objects to have the same dimensions, and then set Height and Width. To select multiple objects, click the first object, and the press and hold SHIFT while you click the other objects.

Quickly resize a picture, shape, WordArt, or other object

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. To increase or decrease the size in one or more directions, drag a sizing handle away from or toward the center, while doing one of the following:

    • To keep the object’s center in the same place, press and hold the OPTION key while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To maintain an object’s proportions while resizing it, press and hold the SHIFT key while you drag a corner sizing handle.

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. Select Picture Format or Shape Format and then make sure the Lock aspect ratio check box is cleared.

    A cleared Lock Aspect Ratio box is highlighted

  3. Go to Picture Format or Shape Format and enter the measurements in the Height and Width boxes.

    Picture Format tab with Height and Width boxes highlighted.

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. Go to Picture Format or Shape Format > Position > More Layout Options.

  3. Go to Size and under Scale, make sure the Lock aspect ratio check box is clear.

    Enter percentages you want for Height and Width.

    On the Size tab in the Advanced Layout box, the Scale options are highlighted.

  4. Select OK when finished.

Tip: To apply the same dimensions to different objects, select all objects and then enter the dimensions in the Height and Width boxes. To select multiple objects, select the first object, and then press and hold SHIFT while you select the other objects.

Resize a picture, shape, WordArt, or other object

  1. Select the picture, shape, WordArt, or other object to resize.

  2. To increase or decrease the size in one or more directions, drag a sizing handle away from or toward the center, while doing one of the following:

    • To keep the center in the same place, press and hold Ctrl while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To maintain the proportions, press and hold Shift while you drag the sizing handle.

    • To both maintain the proportions and keep the center in the same place, press and hold both Ctrl and Shift while you drag the sizing handle.

      Shape with sizing handle highlighted

Note: Resizing a WordArt object doesn’t resize the text, only the container. If you want to resize the text, select the text and change the font size on the Home tab.

For more precise control, use the desktop version of Word Size options on the Picture Tools Format tab or the Drawing Tools Format tab.

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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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Lesson 21: Text Boxes

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Introduction

Text boxes can be useful for drawing attention to specific text. They can also be helpful when you need to move text around in your document. Word allows you to format text boxes and the text within them with a variety of styles and effects.

Optional: Download our practice document.

Watch the video below to learn more about text boxes in Word.

To insert a text box:

  1. Select the Insert tab, then click the Text Box command in the Text group.

    Clicking the Text Box command

  2. A drop-down menu will appear. Select Draw Text Box.

    Clicking Draw Text Box

  3. Click and drag anywhere on the document to create the text box.

    Drawing a text box

  4. The insertion point will appear inside the text box. You can now type to create text inside the text box.

    Creating text

  5. If you want, you can select the text and then change the font, color, and size by using the commands on the Format and Home tabs. To learn more about using these formatting commands, see our Formatting Text lesson.

    The formatted text

  6. Click anywhere outside the text box to return to your document.

You can also select one of the built-in text boxes that have predefined colors, fonts, positions, and sizes. If you choose this option, the text box will appear automatically, so you will not need to draw it.

A built-in text box

To move a text box:

  1. Click the text box you want to move.
  2. Hover the mouse over one of the edges of the text box. The mouse will change into a cross with arrows.
  3. Click and drag the text box to the desired location.

    Moving a text box

To resize a text box:

  1. Click the text box you want to resize.
  2. Click and drag any of the sizing handles on the corners or sides of the text box until it is the desired size.

    Resizing a text box

Modifying text boxes

Word offers several options for changing the way text boxes appear in your document. You can change the shape, style, and color of text boxes or add various effects.

To change the shape style:

Choosing a shape style allows you to apply preset colors and effects to quickly change the appearance of your text box.

  1. Select the text box you want to change.
  2. On the Format tab, click the More drop-down arrow in the Shape Styles group.

    Clicking the More drop-down arrow

  3. A drop-down menu of styles will appear. Select the style you want to use.

    Changing the text box style

  4. The text box will appear in the selected style.

    The new style

If you want to have more control over text box formatting, you can use any of the shape formatting options such as Shape Fill and Shape Outline. To learn more, see our Shapes lesson.

To change the text box shape:

Changing the shape of a text box can be a useful option for creating an interesting look in your document.

  1. Select the text box you want to change. The Format tab will appear.
  2. From the Format tab, click the Edit Shape command.

    Clicking the Edit Shape command

  3. Hover the mouse over Change Shape, then select the desired shape from the menu that appears.

    Selecting a shape

  4. The text box will appear formatted as the shape.

    The text box formatted as a shape

Challenge!

  1. Open our practice document.
  2. Insert a Simple Text Box.
  3. In the text box, type Get an additional 25% off when you mention this ad!
  4. Change the font to Gadugi, 20 pt, Center Align.
  5. Change the shape of the text box to Double Wave from the Stars and Banners group.
  6. Change the text box style by selecting any style in the Intense Effect row.
  7. Drag the text box to the space below Buy 1, Get 1 Free* and Formalwear.
  8. When you’re finished, your document should look something like this:

    Textbox Challenge

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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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