Inserting a text box into a Google Doc is a breeze. All you have to do is open your document, click on “Insert” in the top menu, choose “Drawing,” then “New.” A drawing canvas will pop up, and here, you can click on the text box icon, draw your text box, and start typing away. Once you’re done, simply save and close the drawing to insert the text box into your document.
After you complete the action, the text box will appear in your Google Doc as an image. You can click on it to move, resize, or edit the text within by going back into the drawing editor.
You’re working on a Google Doc and suddenly realize that you need to make a section of your text stand out. Maybe it’s a quote, an important message, or just some details that deserve their own space. This is where a text box comes in handy! But how exactly do you add one to your document? It’s a question that might make you scratch your head, especially if you’re more familiar with word processors like Microsoft Word where text boxes are a no-brainer to add.
Here’s the thing: Google Docs is a powerhouse for creating and sharing documents, and knowing how to add text boxes can seriously up your document game. It’s perfect for educators, students, professionals, or anyone who wants to organize their information neatly. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want their document to look top-notch? So, whether you’re creating a flyer, a newsletter, or just want to highlight some important text, I’m here to guide you through the process.
A Step by Step Tutorial
This tutorial will walk you through the process of inserting a text box into your Google Doc, which can be used to highlight information or create a visually distinct area for text separate from the main document body.
Step 1: Open the Drawing Tool
Open the “Insert” menu and select “Drawing” then “New.”
This will open a new window with a canvas where you can create your text box. The drawing tool is like your mini art studio within Google Docs—it’s where all the magic happens for creating shapes and text boxes.
Step 2: Draw the Text Box
Click on the text box icon and draw the box on the canvas.
Once you’ve clicked the text box icon (which looks like a rectangle with a “T” in the middle), click and drag on the canvas to create your text box. You can adjust the size later, so don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try.
Step 3: Add Your Text
Type your desired text into the text box.
After drawing the text box, click inside it and start typing. You can format this text just like you would in the main document, changing the font, size, color, and more.
Step 4: Save and Close
Click “Save and Close” to add the text box to your document.
When you’re satisfied with your text box, clicking “Save and Close” will close the drawing window and insert the text box into your Google Doc. You can click on it to move or adjust the size, and double-click to re-open the drawing tool for edits.
Benefit 1: Visual Appeal
Text boxes can make information stand out and look more appealing.
Adding a text box can break up a monotonous stretch of text, providing visual relief for the reader. It’s a simple way to draw attention to important information and can help make your document more engaging.
Benefit 2: Organization
Text boxes can help organize information in a clear, concise manner.
When you’re dealing with a lot of information, text boxes can act like little islands of clarity. They’re excellent for side notes, summaries, or for grouping related pieces of information together.
Benefit 3: Customization
Text boxes are highly customizable, allowing for unique document designs.
The beauty of a text box in Google Docs is the ability to get creative. You can play around with borders, background colors, and text styles to match the overall design of your document.
Drawback 1: Editing Limitations
Text within text boxes can be less flexible to edit than standard document text.
Once your text is in a box, it’s a bit more fiddly to edit. You can’t just click and type like in the rest of the document; you have to open the drawing editor again, which adds an extra step.
Drawback 2: Text Flow Issues
Text boxes can disrupt the flow of a document if not used carefully.
Text boxes can sometimes stick out like a sore thumb in a document if they’re not integrated smoothly. They have to be positioned manually, which can be a pain if you’re after a seamless look.
Drawback 3: Limited Interaction with Text
Text in a text box doesn’t interact with the main body text in the same way as normal paragraphs.
This means that text boxes don’t move dynamically with the text around them. If you add or remove content from your document, you may need to manually adjust the placement of your text boxes.
While text boxes in Google Docs are inserted as drawings and offer great benefits, there are a few more tips to keep in mind. First off, since these boxes are essentially images, text inside them won’t be directly searchable using the document’s ‘Find’ feature, which can be a slight inconvenience.
Also, if you’re a keyboard shortcut aficionado, remember that these don’t apply within the drawing canvas. It’s a mouse-driven affair inside that mini art studio! And if you’re collaborating on a document, any changes made in the text box by others will not trigger the usual suggestion mode or commenting features – it’s more of a final-word kind of deal.
Moreover, for those who plan to export their Google Doc to another format, like PDF or Word, the text boxes will remain intact, but their exact appearance might vary slightly depending on the compatibility of the software.
Lastly, remember that while Google Docs saves your changes automatically, it’s always good practice to double-check your document after inserting text boxes, especially before sharing or printing, to ensure everything is in place.
- Open the Drawing Tool
- Draw the Text Box
- Add Your Text
- Save and Close
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a border to my text box?
Yes, you can customize the border of your text box in the drawing editor by changing its color, weight, and dash style.
Will my text box move with the text?
No, text boxes are static and will need to be manually adjusted if you add or remove other content in the document.
Can I wrap text around the text box?
Google Docs does not support text wrapping around drawings or text boxes, so the text box will act like an image block.
Is it possible to link text within the text box?
No, text within the text box cannot contain links; it’s not interactive like the regular text in a Google Doc.
Can I make the text box transparent?
Yes, you can adjust the transparency of the text box background in the drawing tool’s color settings.
Adding a text box to your Google Doc can truly elevate your document’s presentation, allowing you to create a visual impact that draws readers’ attention exactly where you want it. Although there are a few hitches like editing limitations and text flow issues, the pros far outweigh the cons. With this guide, you’re now equipped to enhance your documents like a pro, making them not only more visually appealing but also better organized and uniquely customized. Remember, practice makes perfect. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how text boxes can change the game for your Google Docs.
And there you have it—a simple guide to making your Google Docs stand out. Keep experimenting with these tips to become a true wizard of document design. Happy doc-ing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.