How to Put a Box Around Text Like a Pro

how to put a box around text in google docs
by David Harris // December 19  

Have you ever wondered how to put a box around text in Google Docs? This function enhances the professionalism of your documents by highlighting specific information. Whether you want to highlight text, create a simple border, or draw attention to quotes, adding a box around text can effectively organize your content. Let’s break down how to accomplish this in a few different ways.

Understanding the Basics of Google Docs

Google Docs is a powerful word-processing tool that allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents online. You can easily access Google Docs through your Google account. Its easy-to-use interface and extensive features make it popular among students, professionals, and casual writers.

Before diving into the specifics of putting a box around text, ensure you’re comfortable navigating Google Docs. Please familiarize yourself with the menu options, as many of the features we will discuss are accessible directly from there.

Method 1: Using the Drawing Tool

One of the simplest ways to add a box around text in Google Docs is by using the Drawing tool. Here’s how you can do that step-by-step:

Step 1: Open the Drawing Tool

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Click on “Insert” in the top menu.
  3. Hover over “Drawing,” then select “+ New.”

Step 2: Create a Text Box

  1. In the opened drawing window, select the “Text b ” represented by a “T” inside a box.
  2. To create a rectangular text box, use your cursor to click and drag.
  3. Type your desired text inside the box.

Step 3: Add a Border

  1. Choose your text box and click on the “Border color” icon in the toolbar, which resembles a pencil.
  2. Choose a color for your box.
  3. To adjust the border’s thickness, click on the “Border weight” icon (it appears as a pencil with different width options).
  4. Select your preferred thickness.

Step 4: Finalize the Drawing

  1. Once you are happy with your text box, click “Save and Close.”
  2. Your drawing will now appear in the document. You can resize and reposition it as needed.

With the Drawing tool, you can make personalized shapes and text boxes, adjusting the appearance to suit your preferences.

Method 2: Utilizing Table Insertion

Another effective method to place a box around text is by using tables. This approach is great for organizing information in a clean and structured way.

Step 1: Insert a Table

  1. Place your cursor where you want the box to appear.
  2. Choose “Table” from the drop-down menu that appears.
  3. Select a 1×1 table by clicking on the first square.

Step 2: Enter Your Text

  1. Click inside the single cell of the table.
  2. Type or paste the text you want to enclose in a box.

Step 3: Modify the Table Borders

  1. Highlight the table by clicking on it.
  2. A small toolbar will appear at the top of the table. Select the desired color for the box by clicking on the “Border color” icon.
  3. Use the “Border width” icon to set the border’s thickness.
  4. If you want to remove the default color or set it to no fill, select “Table Properties” from the right-click menu on the highlighted table, then adjust the border settings as needed.

Step 4: Customize the Table Background

If you’re using a table and want to change the background color, here’s how:

  1. Right-click on the table and select “Table properties.”
  2. Look for the “Cell background color” option.
  3. Select a color to enhance the box visually, drawing attention to your text.

This method is fantastic for creating organized text blocks, especially for lists or bullet points.

Method 3: Using Borders and Shading

If you’re looking for a quick way to highlight a paragraph or important details without creating a separate drawing or table, Google Docs also provides a simple border option.

Step 1: Highlight the Text

  1. Select the text you want to enclose by clicking and dragging your cursor.

Step 2: Add Borders

  1. Click on “Format” in the top menu.
  2. Hover over “Paragraph styles” and click “Borders and shading.”
  3. In the pop-up window, you can customize options like border color, width, and background color.

Step 3: Apply Changes

  1. Once you have set your preferences, click “Apply.”
  2. Your text will now have a border surrounding it.

This method makes certain parts of your document stand out seamlessly without increasing the overall document size.

Final Adjustments and Tips

Once you have added a box around your text using one of the methods above, consider making additional adjustments:

  • Alignment: Ensure your boxed text is aligned consistently with other elements in your document. Depending on your layout, you can center it or align it to the left or right.
  • Font and Style: Experiment with different font styles and sizes that complement the boxed text. This approach can help improve readability and overall aesthetics.
  • Spacing: Pay attention to your spacing. Adding spaces before and after your boxed text can enhance its visibility and create a better flow in your document.

Frequently Asked Questions Related to How To Put A Box Around Text In Google Docs

Q. How do I change the box’s color around text in Google Docs?
A. You can change the color using the drawing tool or table insertion by selecting the “Border color” option in the toolbar.

Q. Can I make the box around the text transparent?
A. Yes. Using a table, you can set the border color to white or transparent and remove the cell background color.

Q. Can I resize the box after I create it?
A. You can click on the box and drag the corners to resize it using the drawing tool or a table.

Q. Can I add more than one box around different text sections?
A. Absolutely! You can repeat any method for multiple text sections within your document.

Q. Why would I use a box around text in Google Docs?
A. Boxes help highlight important content, organize information, and enhance the overall look of your document.

Q. Are there keyboard shortcuts to speed up adding a box around text?
A. Google Docs doesn’t have specific shortcuts for inserting boxes; most actions require menu navigation.

Q. Can I use images within the text box?
A. Yes! Using the Drawing tool, you can insert images and place them alongside or inside your text box.

Q. What if I want to put a box around multiple paragraphs of text?
A. You can use a table with one cell, adjust its size, and enter your text; it will act as a box for the entire section.

Q. Can I remove the box after adding it?
A. Yes, to remove a box, delete the drawing or select the table and choose to delete the table.

Q. Does adding a box around text affect how the document looks when printed?
A. No, the boxes will remain in the same format when printed, ensuring your design stays intact.

Conclusion

By following a few straightforward actions, you can improve the coherence and lucidity of your writing, making it more accessible for your audience to understand crucial details. Happy publishing!

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.