How to Remove Borders in Google Docs

how to remove borders in google docs
by David Harris // January 15  

Have you ever created a document in Google Docs only to find distracting borders around your text or images? Don’t worry! Discovering ways to eliminate borders in Google Docs offers an easy method to improve how your work looks. Let’s dive in and learn how to tidy up your document quickly.

Understanding Borders in Google Docs

Borders can appear in documents for various reasons. They might result from table creation, specific formatting options, or even inserted images that come with their border. While borders can help organize content, they can sometimes clutter the page or detract from the overall presentation of your ideas.

When I first started using Google Docs for my blogging, I was frustrated by stubborn borders cluttering my text. Many new users find themselves in the same boat. Removing these borders can create a cleaner look that allows the content to stand out, and I’m here to help you through that process.

How to Remove Borders from Tables

Tables can be a primary source of unwanted borders. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove them:

  1. Select the Table: Click anywhere inside the table that has unwanted borders. This action highlights the table settings.
  2. Access the Table Properties: Right-click (or use two fingers on a trackpad) on the selected table. In the context menu, click on “Table properties.”
  3. Adjust Border Settings: Look for the “Border” section in the Table Properties dialog. You can either set the border color to “0pt” to remove it or change its width to “0.”
  4. Click ‘OK’: Once you’ve adjusted the border settings, click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.

This practice helped me numerous times when preparing documents for my blog. I often placed images and graphs in tables to keep everything organized, only to find the table borders deterred from the overall aesthetic.

How to Remove Borders from Images

Images in Google Docs can also come with their borders. Here’s what to do:

  1. Select the Image: Click on the image surrounded by an unwanted border.
  2. Open Image Options: In the toolbar, click the image options gear icon above your image.
  3. Modify the Border: In the menu that appears, you’ll see options for “Border color” and “Border weight.” To effectively remove the border, set the border weight to “0pt.”
  4. Apply Changes: Click anywhere outside the menu to apply the changes.

During an article I was working on about DIY projects, I found my images had borders that looked far too stark next to the colorful content. By removing these borders, I improved the visual appeal and enhanced the readability of my article.

Best Practices for Using Borders in Google Docs

While borders can create an organized look, knowing when to use and when to remove them is essential. Here are some best practices:

  • Use Borders Sparingly: Borders should enhance your document’s readability, not clutter. Use them to highlight sections like headers or essential notes, but don’t overdo it.
  • Contrast Matters: If you use borders, ensure that they contrast well with your text background. Too many similar colors can be confusing.
  • Preview Your Document: Before finalizing your document, use the preview feature. This feature allows you to see how borders affect the overall layout.

Pros and Cons of Using Borders in Google Docs

Pros

  • Visual Organization: Borders can help to visually separate information, making complex documents easier to read.
  • Highlighting Key Information: By placing borders around vital points, you can direct your readers’ attention where needed most.

Cons

  • Cluttered Appearance: Excessive use of borders can make a document look chaotic — distracting from the content.
  • Time-Consuming Adjustments: As a beginner, I found myself spending more time trying to adjust or remove borders than actually writing. These adjustments can be frustrating and inefficient.

Common Pitfalls When Working with Borders

Removing borders might seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your progress:

  • Forgetting to Save Changes: After making adjustments, permanently save your document. This practice guarantees that adjustments remain intact.
  • Using Contradictory Formatting: Combining different types of borders or conflicting styles can create confusion and chaos in your document.

Real-Life Example

While drafting a presentation for a school project, I added a table to organize my research findings. Initially, the table had a thick black border, making it difficult to focus on the data. I quickly learned how to remove the border by following the abovementioned steps. The shift was significant, and my peers commented on how it made the presentation visually engaging, highlighting the importance of clean formatting in effective communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Remove Borders In Google Docs

Q. How do I remove a table border in Google Docs?
A. Click inside the table, go to the “Table” menu, select “Table properties,” and set the border color to “Transparent.”

Q. Can I remove borders from a text box in Google Docs?
A. Yes! Click on the text box, then go to the “Format” menu, select “Shapes,” and change the border settings to “No border.”

Q. How do I remove borders from a drawing in Google Docs?
A. Click on the drawing, select the border color option, and choose “Transparent” to remove the border.

Q. Is it possible to remove page borders in Google Docs?
A. While there’s no direct way to add page borders, if you’ve added one using an image or drawing, you can delete that to remove the effect.

Q. What if I want to keep the table but hide the borders?
A. You can change the border color to “White” or set the border width to “0 pt” to effectively hide them while keeping the table intact.

Q. Can I change the color of the borders instead of removing them?
A. Yes! You can select the table or shape, go to “Border color,” and pick any color you prefer.

Q. How do I remove a border from an image in Google Docs?
A. Click on the image, go to the “Image options,” and adjust the “Border” settings to remove it.

Q. What happens if I accidentally remove a border?
A. You can easily undo any changes by clicking “Edit” and then “Undo” or using the shortcut Ctrl + Z (Cmd + Z on Mac).

Q. Does removing borders affect the layout of my document?
A. Removing borders does not change the layout. It just makes the elements appear cleaner and less cluttered.

Q. Can I add new borders after removing them?
A. Absolutely! You can add new borders anytime by selecting the object and changing the border settings in the respective menus.

Final Thoughts

Learning to remove borders in Google Docs can transform your documents from cluttered to clean and professional. Remember, while borders can enhance the organization of your content, they can also hinder its clarity if not used wisely.

Always evaluate the necessity of borders based on your content and audience to keep your documents looking their best. Throughout my writing journey, I’ve discovered that clarity is key to effective communication. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be on your way to producing visually appealing documents that convey your message elegantly.

Whether you’re a student, blogger, or professional, mastering this skill will serve you well in future document creation endeavors. Happy writing!

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.