3 Easy Ways to Insert a Text Box In Google Docs

Because of its simple yet powerful interface, Google Docs has become the preferred option for many. So, if you’re working on a shared doc and want your text to be the highlight of the show, adding it in a text box is the way to go. We have 3 easy ways to help you insert a text box in Google Docs.

How to Insert a Text Box in Google Docs

Working with a team, there can be instances when important information got lost in a long doc file. To prevent this from happening, you can add text boxes or shapes to your Google Docs. They can also help give the document a decluttered and professional look. So, read on as we have a look at how to add a text box in Google Docs.

Note: Before starting with the steps, make sure you sign in to your Google account.

Method 1: Create a Basic Google Docs Text Box Using Drawing Tool

The easiest way to add a text box in Google Docs is by using the Drawing Tool. It allows you to create a box and add text to it as well. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the relevant Google Doc. Then, go to the menu bar and click on Insert.

Step 2: Click on Drawing and select New from the options.

Go to Insert, Drawing & click on New

Step 3: In the drawing window, click on the text box button.

Step 4: Now, click and drag your cursor to create a text box. Then, enter the text you wish to add in the text box.

Click on text box & then add the text box

Step 5: Click on ‘Save and Close’ to close the drawing window.

After adding text click on Save and Close

Your Google Docs text box has now been created.

Method 2: Add a Text Box In Google Docs Using Table Cells

A single-celled table can also double as a text box in Google Docs. Additionally, this is the only way to add a text box using the Google Docs mobile app. To do this, open the table tool and select a single table cell. Here’s a step-by-step procedure for the same.

Step 1: In your document, go to the menu bar and click on Insert.

Note: If you’re using an Android or iOS device, tap on the + icon.

Step 2: Click on Table and select a 1×1 single-cell table.

Create a 1x1 table using the Insert menu

Step 3: Once the table cell appears in the document, use your mouse to adjust the height and width of the box.

Adjust table height & width using your mouse

Step 4: Then, click anywhere inside the box to start typing.

Tip: Using the options, you can also set the fill color and border color, and change the text color.

Click anywhere in the box to type

A text box has now been added to your Google Docs document.

Method 3: Make a Text Box Using Shapes in Google Docs

Apart from using the Drawing Tool to add text boxes in Google Docs, you can also jazz up your document by adding different shapes in lieu of the traditional text boxes. Just like a text box, you can add text, images, and more to the shapes as well.

Follow these steps to create a Google Docs text box using shapes.

Step 1: Open your document and click on Insert in the menu bar.

Step 2: Here, click on Drawing and select New.

Go to Insert, Drawing & click on New

Step 3: From the menu options, click on Shapes.

Step 4: Select the desired shape.

Click on Shapes & select the desired shape

Step 5: After selecting the shape, drag your mouse across the drawing area and release it once the correct size appears on the screen.

Size the shape as you want using your mouse

Step 6: Next, double-click anywhere within the shape and add the relevant text.

Step 7: Add as many shapes as you want to the drawing area and once you’re done, click on ‘Save and Close’ to insert the shapes into your document.

Once you’re done, click on Save and Close

Your customized text box will now be added to your document.

How to Insert Images Into a Google Docs Text Box

After adding a text box in Google Docs, you can also insert images into it. Simply click on your text box or shape and add the relevant image using the drawing window. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Click anywhere on your Google Docs text box and click on Edit.

Click on Edit

Step 2: From the menu options, click on the Image icon.

Click on the Image icon

Step 3: Using the relevant options, select the image you want to add to your text box. Then, click on Select.

Add the image you want & click Select

Step 4: Using your mouse, resize and set the image according to your preferences.

Step 5: Once done, click on ‘Save and Close’ to save your changes and exit the drawing window.

Adjust the image & click on Save and Close

Your image has now been added to the Google Docs text box.

How to Customize and Edit a Text Box In Google Docs

After adding your shape or text box to the Google Docs file, you can edit and customize it according to your preferences. Follow the steps below to change the size of the box or shape, delete what you don’t want, and add an additional box or shape, if required.

Step 1: Click on the text box or shape and select Edit.

Tip: You can also use the text menu options to wrap your text box or shape around any other document text.

Click on Edit

Step 2: Once the drawing window opens, click on the box or shape you want to edit and click on Actions.

Step 3: From the Actions menu, you can choose to add word art, guides, change the order of the text box, and more.

From the Actions menu choose what to do

Step 4: As text boxes usually come without a border or background color, click on the pen icon in the menu bar to define the text box border.

Step 5: Now, select the color you want as your text box border color.

Click on the pen icon to add border color

Step 6: To add background color to the text box, click on the paint bucket icon and select your desired background color.

Tip: You can also click on your image and, once the menu options appear, edit it accordingly.

Use the paint bucket icon & select the color

Step 7: Click on More and edit your text font and colors using the menu options.

Click on More edit your text using the text menu

Step 8: If you’ve deleted any element and wish to restore it, click on Actions and select ‘See version history.’

From Actions click on See version history

Step 9: Click on the version you want to restore.

Click on the version you want

Step 10: Once done, click on ‘Save and Close’.

Click on Save and Close

Once the drawing window closes, the edited version of your Google Docs text box will be visible.

FAQs for Adding a Text Box In Google Docs

1. Can I add more than one text box in Google Docs?

Yes, you can add more than one text box in Google Docs.

2. Can I recover a deleted text box in Google Docs?

To recover a deleted text box in Google Docs, go to the menu bar and click on ‘Open version history’. Then, select the document version that has the previously deleted text box and click on ‘Restore this version’. This will recover your deleted text box. However, any changes that have been made after the document version will also be deleted in the process. You can also have a look at our detailed guide on how to check Google Docs version history for more information.

Add That Text Box

Text boxes help you in separating important information in a document. So, we hope that this article was able to help you to customize and add a text box in Google Docs. To clean up your document and get rid of any extra spaces, you can check out our guide on deleting a blank page in Google Docs.

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Last updated on 06 March, 2023

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