How to Insert Text Box in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Inserting a text box in Google Docs is a simple process. You’ll need to open the ‘Insert’ menu, select ‘Drawing’, and then click ‘+ New.’ Once in the drawing interface, click the text box icon, drag to create your text box, and then type your text. Once finished, click ‘Save and Close’ to insert the text box into your document.

After completing these steps, you’ll have a movable and resizable text box within your document that you can format and customize to your liking.

Introduction

Have you ever felt the need to make certain information stand out in your Google Docs? Whether it’s for a school project, a work report, or just for personal use, adding a text box can help emphasize key points, create a visually appealing layout, or provide a space for annotations. It’s an essential skill that can enhance the readability and professionalism of your documents.

Text boxes are versatile tools that can be used for a range of purposes, including side comments, pull quotes, or even for creating simple graphics. Knowing how to insert and customize a text box is particularly useful for students, educators, and professionals who regularly work with Google Docs to create content. So, if you’ve been scratching your head thinking about how to add a little flair to your documents, this guide is just what you need.

How to Insert Text Box in Google Docs

In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of adding a text box to your Google Docs. It’s a straightforward process that will give you more control over how text appears in your document.

Step 1: Open the ‘Insert’ menu

First, go to the ‘Insert’ menu at the top of your Google Docs interface.

The ‘Insert’ menu is where you can add various elements to your document, such as images, tables, charts, and of course, drawings—which is where the text box feature resides.

Step 2: Select ‘Drawing’ then ‘+ New’

Within the ‘Insert’ menu, click on ‘Drawing’ and then select ‘+ New’ to create a new drawing.

This will open a separate drawing interface where you can create a variety of shapes, lines, and text boxes that can be inserted into your document.

Step 3: Click the text box icon and drag to create your text box

Once in the drawing interface, click on the text box icon (it looks like a little square with the letter ‘T’ inside), then drag your cursor to create a text box of the desired size.

You can adjust the size of the text box at any time by clicking and dragging the corner handles.

Step 4: Type your text

With the text box created, you can now type your text directly into it.

You can format this text just as you would anywhere else in Google Docs, adjusting the font, size, color, and alignment as needed.

Step 5: Click ‘Save and Close’ to insert the text box into your document

After you have finished typing and formatting your text, click the ‘Save and Close’ button to insert the text box into your Google Docs.

You can then move and resize the text box within your document by clicking and dragging it to the desired location.

Pros

Benefit	Explanation
Customization	Text boxes can be customized in terms of size, shape, color, and font, allowing for a more personalized and professional look.
Organization	They help in organizing information and making the document appear less cluttered by visually separating different pieces of content.
Emphasis	Text boxes can be used to emphasize key points or quotes, drawing the reader’s attention to important information.

Cons

Drawback	Explanation
Limited Design	While Google Docs offers basic design options for text boxes, they may not be as advanced as those found in dedicated design software.
Extra Steps	Inserting a text box requires a few more steps than just typing into the document, which might be cumbersome for some users.
Positioning Challenges	Sometimes, positioning the text box exactly where you want it in the document can be tricky and may require additional adjustments.

Additional Information

When inserting a text box in Google Docs, there are a few additional tips and tricks that can make the process even smoother. For instance, once you’ve got your text box in place, you can add a border or change the background color to make it stand out more. You can also layer text boxes, creating a more dynamic layout for things like newsletters or flyers.

Remember that you can also insert images into your text box, combining text and visuals for a more compelling document. And don’t forget about the alignment tools within the drawing interface—they’re handy for ensuring your text is perfectly positioned within the box.

While text boxes are incredibly useful, they’re just one part of Google Docs’ suite of features designed to make your documents shine. So, don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with what Google Docs has to offer.

Summary

1. Open the ‘Insert’ menu.
2. Select ‘Drawing’, then ‘+ New’.
3. Click the text box icon and drag to create your text box.
4. Type your text.
5. Click ‘Save and Close’ to insert the text box into your document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add multiple text boxes in one drawing?

Yes, you can add as many text boxes as you like within the drawing interface before inserting it into your document.

Is it possible to edit a text box after inserting it into Google Docs?

Absolutely! Just double-click the text box to reopen the drawing interface, where you can make any necessary changes.

Can I link text within a text box to external sources?

Yes, you can insert hyperlinks into the text within your text box just like you would with regular text in your document.

How do I wrap text around a text box in Google Docs?

Google Docs will automatically wrap text around your text box, but you can adjust this by clicking on the text box and selecting ‘Wrap text’ from the formatting options.

How do I delete a text box from my Google Docs?

To delete a text box, simply click on it to select it and press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.

Conclusion

Text boxes are a versatile tool in Google Docs that can elevate the look and functionality of your documents. Whether it’s highlighting a key point, adding a side note, or simply breaking up text for easier readability, knowing how to insert a text box is an invaluable skill.

While there are some limitations and extra steps involved, the benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks. With this guide, you’re now equipped to insert text boxes like a pro and enhance your Google Docs experience. So why not give it a try and see how it can transform your next document?