How to Circle Something in Google Docs

how to circle something in google docs
by David Harris // January 17  

You sometimes want to highlight or draw attention to specific text, images, or content in your Google Docs document. One effective way to do this is by circling the item. However, many users are unsure how to create circles in Google Docs, especially since it doesn’t have a built-in drawing tool for simple shapes. This article outlines how to circle something successfully using specific features in Google Docs.

Simple Answer: Use the Drawing Tool

Here’s how you can highlight content in Google Docs by using circles: Access the Drawing tool to craft a circle, then position it over the desired text or image for emphasis. Below is a guide to help you through the process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Circle Something

  1. Open Your Google Document
    • Launch Google Docs and open the document where you want to make a circle.
  2. Insert Drawing
    • Go to the menu at the top and click on “Insert.”
    • Select “Drawing” from the dropdown menu.
    • Click “+ New” to start a fresh drawing.
  3. Draw the Circle
    • In the Drawing window, click on the “Shape” icon (it looks like a circle and square).
    • Select the “Shapes” option and choose the circle (or oval).
    • Click and drag to draw a circle. You can hold your keyboard’s Shift key while dragging to create a perfect circle.
  4. Adjust the Circle
    • After drawing the circle, you can adjust the fill color and border color using the options in the toolbar.
    • You may want to choose a transparent fill to show what’s underneath the circle.
  5. Add Text (Optional)
    • If you want to add text alongside your circle, click the “Text box” icon.
    • Draw a text box and type your message.
  6. Save and Close
    • Click “Save and Close” to add/insert your drawing into the document.
  7. Position the Circle
    • Click on the circle in your document to move or resize it as needed. You can drag it over the text or image you’d like to highlight.
  8. Edit the Drawing (If Necessary)
    • If you need to change your circle later, click on the circle, then select “Edit” to open the Drawing window again.

Real-World Application: Highlighting Important Information

Imagine you’re creating a worksheet for your students about the planets. You want to emphasize the planet Earth. You can follow the above steps to circle the word “Earth” in the worksheet. This approach will visually draw the students’ attention to it, making it easier to identify key information.

Additional Examples

  1. Presentation Slides: If you prepare presentation slides in Google Docs, circling important data points can make your slides more engaging. After creating a circle, you can explain the circled text or image during the presentation.
  2. Field Reports: When creating a field report that includes photographs, you can circle key items in the picture, such as species of plants or animals you observed. Larger audiences can understand your findings better with visual aids.

Pros and Cons of Using Circles in Google Docs

Pros

  • Visual Appeal: Circling items adds visual interest to your documents. It can make essential information stand out.
  • Easy to Use: The Drawing tool is user-friendly, making it simple for anyone to add circles without advanced design skills.
  • Customizable: You can easily modify the color and style of your circle to fit your document’s theme.

Cons

  • Limited Editing Options: Once you’ve placed your circle in the document, editing can be less straightforward. You need to re-enter the Drawing tool to make further changes.
  • Not Perfectly Aligned: Sometimes, aligning circles perfectly over text can require patience, especially when moving other elements around.
  • No Straight Lines: If you need to connect the circle with lines or arrows, that might require additional steps in the Drawing tool.

Best Practices for Circling in Google Docs

Use Colors Wisely

When circling something, select colors that contrast well with your background. For example, use a bright red or blue circle against a white background with black text for better visibility. Keep the color palette limited in one document to ensure a professional look.

Keep It Simple

Don’t overcomplicate your drawing. A simple circle is often more effective than an elaborate design. Usually, clarity and comprehensibility should come before aesthetics.

Test Viewing

Before finalizing your document, zoom out to check how your circle appears from a distance. A circle may look good at a close-up view but lose its impact from afar.

Maintain Consistency

If you are circling several items in your document, try to maintain a consistent style regarding the color and size of each circle. This approach creates a unified look and makes your document easier to read.

Collaborate Effectively

If you are working on a collaborative project, use comments to communicate with team members about the circles you’ve created. They can offer feedback on whether the highlighted information is effective or suggest further changes.

Potential Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Forgetting to Save

Using the Drawing tool requires you to save changes within that tool. If you accidentally close the Drawing window without saving, your circle won’t be added to the document. Remember to double-check the changes before clicking “Save and Close.”

Overcrowding Your Document

If you circle too many items, it may confuse readers. Strive for balance. Focus on circling only the most important pieces of information.

Misaligned Items

To avoid problems with alignment, it’s often best to plan where you want the circle before drawing. Consider adjusting the text or images first so that everything fits neatly without overlap.

Losing Track of Circles

As your document grows in length and complexity, losing track of your circles can be easy. A good practice is to keep a list of items you’ve highlighted in your notes or use the comment feature as reminders for yourself and collaborators.

Advanced Techniques: Enhancing Circles in Google Docs

Layering Circles and Text

If you want to enhance your document visually, consider layering multiple circles. For instance, you can add a larger circle around a text group and a smaller one over specific keywords. This approach not only draws attention but also gives context.

Using Arrows and Lines

In addition to circles, you can use arrows to emphasize connections between different parts of your document. Using the “Line” tool in the Drawing feature, you can draw lines pointing from the circle to the associated text or images for clarity.

Animated Features (In Google Slides)

If you’re transferring content to Google Slides, you can utilize animations to reveal circles gradually. For instance, circles can make your presentation more dynamic as you discuss certain topics.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Circling text or images in Google Docs can sometimes be tricky. Here are some common problems users face and practical solutions to fix them:

1. Can’t Find the Drawing Tool

Scenario: You want to circle a specific word in your document but can’t locate the drawing option.

Solution:

  1. Go to the top menu and click on Insert.
  2. Choose Drawing and then select + New.
  3. In the drawing panel, use the Shape tool (it looks like a circle) to choose the Oval option. Draw your circle around the text.
  4. Once finished, click Save and Close to add it to your document. If it’s still missing, update your browser or switch to another one.

2. Circle Doesn’t Fit the Text Properly

Scenario: After drawing a circle, you notice it doesn’t properly fit around the word you wanted to highlight.

Solution:

  1. Double-click on the circle in the document to open the drawing panel again.
  2. Click on the circle to adjust the size. You can drag the corners to make it larger or smaller until it neatly surrounds the text.
  3. If adjusting the circle still doesn’t work, check if the text is too small or too large. You can resize the font before circling it for a better fit.

3. Circle Appears Behind Text

Scenario: You draw a circle, but the text remains on top of it, making the circle hard to see.

Solution:

  1. Double-click the circle to open the drawing panel.
  2. Select the circle and use the Actions menu at the top. Choose Order, then select Send to back.
  3. Alternatively, you can change the circle’s fill color to white or light gray to make it less overpowering while still being visible.

4. Unable to Edit the Circle After Inserting

Scenario: After inserting it into your doc, you realize the circle needs adjustments, but clicking on it doesn’t allow any edits.

Solution:

  1. Double-click on the circle. This action should open the drawing panel where you made it again.
  2. If you still can’t edit it, refresh your Google Docs page. Sometimes, a simple refresh can resolve minor bugs.
  3. If it’s still not working, remove the current circle by clicking on it and pressing the delete key. Then, you can redraw it with your desired adjustments.

5. The Circle Doesn’t Save or Disappears

Scenario: After creating and saving your circle, it has disappeared or isn’t saving as expected.

Solution:

  1. Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Poor connectivity can affect saving documents in Google Docs.
  2. Additionally, try refreshing your page after saving. If the issue persists, remove the drawing and recreate it. Save your document often by selecting File > Save or pressing Ctrl + S (Cmd + S on Mac).
  3. If the drawing is created in a different tab or window, check the correct document where you made the circle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Circle Something In Google Docs

Q. How can I circle text in Google Docs?
A. To circle text, you can use the “Shape” tool. Go to “Insert” in the menu, then select “Drawing”> “+ New.” In the drawing window, choose the circle shape and draw it around the text. Once done, save and close the drawing.

Q. Can I change the color of the circle in Google Docs?
A. Yes! After you draw the circle in the drawing window, click on the circle, and then use the toolbar to change its color by selecting the paint bucket icon.

Q. Is it possible to circle images in Google Docs?
A. Yes, you can circle images the same way you circle text. Use the “Drawing” tool to draw a circle around your image and then save it.

Q. How do I resize the circle once I’ve drawn it?
A. Click on the circle in the drawing area to select it. You’ll see handles on the edges. Drag these handles to resize your circle.

Q. Can I add text inside the circle I’ve drawn?
A. Absolutely! In the drawing window, you can add a text box and position it inside your circle. Just click on the “Text box” icon and place it where you want.

Q. What if I want to move the circle after I’ve added it to my document?
A. To move the circle, click on it in your document and drag it to your desired location. For more precise placement, use the arrow keys on the keyboard.

Q. Can I delete the circle once it’s been added?
A. Yes, click on the circle to select it, then press the “Delete” key on your keyboard or right-click and choose “Delete” from the dropdown menu.

Q. Will the circle print when I print my Google Docs document?
A. Yes, any circles or shapes you add will be included in the printout of your document.

Q. How do I add a circle if I don’t see the drawing option?
A. If you don’t see the drawing option, check under the “Insert” menu. Use the latest Google Docs version if you still can’t find it.

Q. Can I circle multiple items at once?
A. You cannot circle multiple items with one shape. However, you can create separate circles for each item and arrange them as needed.

Conclusion

Circling items in Google Docs is a simple yet effective way to highlight important information. Using the drawing tool, you can easily create circles to emphasize keywords, points, or images. Adjust the line thickness and color to make your circles stand out. With these steps, you can enhance your documents and make your content more engaging for your readers.

Disclaimer: This article guides you on circling in Google Docs, but it’s essential to understand the subject matter thoroughly. For comprehensive learning, visit Google Docs Support and Google Workspace Learning Center. Our content is a valuable resource intended to supplement your knowledge. Following this guide, you can effectively circle items in Google Docs, enhancing your editing skills.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.