How to Add a Text Box in Google Docs

If you want to highlight an important note, create a callout, or separate a piece of information from the rest of your document, a text box can be useful in Google Docs. However, Google Docs does not provide a direct Text Box button in the main toolbar.

Instead, you can create one through the Drawing tool. The process only takes a few steps, and after inserting the box, you can change its size, appearance, position, and text wrapping.

This guide explains how to add and edit a text box in Google Docs, along with a simple one-cell table alternative.

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How to Add a Text Box in Google Docs

On a computer, you can create a text box through the Drawing option. Here’s how:

1. Open the Google Docs document where you want to add the box.
2. Place the cursor near the area where you want the text box.
3. Click Insert from the top menu.
4. Select Drawing and then choose + New.
5. In the drawing window, click the Text box icon.
6. Click and drag on the blank canvas to create the size of your text box.
7. Type your content inside the box.
8. Use the available toolbar options to adjust the font, text size, text color, border, or other formatting.
9. When you’re finished, click Save and close.

The text box will then appear inside your Google Docs document.

How to Edit a Text Box in Google Docs

You can edit the contents of a text box after adding it to your document.

To change the text:

1. Double-click the text box.
2. The Drawing window will open.
3. Make your required changes.
4. Click Save and close.

Your updated text box will replace the previous version in the document.

How to Resize a Text Box

If the box is too large or too small, you can resize it directly from the document.

Click the text box once to select it. You should see blue handles around the object. Drag a corner handle inward or outward to adjust its size.

This is useful when the text box needs to fit a particular section of the page.

How to Move a Text Box

Google Docs gives you different text-wrapping options that affect how you can position a text box.

To move the box more freely:

1. Click the text box.
2. Select a wrapping option other than In line.
3. Drag the box to the desired position.

If the text box is set to appear in line with the text, its movement will be more restricted.

How to Wrap Text Around a Text Box

You can control how the surrounding document text behaves around your text box.

After selecting the box, choose one of the available layout options, such as:

• Wrap text
• Break text
• Behind text
• In front of text

If you select Wrap text, you can also adjust the margin around the box. This controls the amount of space between the text box and the surrounding paragraph.

For example, a wrapped text box can work well when you want to place a short tip or note beside a paragraph.

How to Change the Text Box Border and Background

You don’t have to keep the default appearance of a text box. Google Docs’ Drawing tool allows you to customize its visual style.

Double-click the text box to open the Drawing window. Select the box and use the available formatting options to change:

• Fill color – changes the background of the box.
• Border color – changes the border color.
• Border weight – controls the thickness of the border.
• Border dash – changes the border style.

For simple notes or callouts, a subtle background with a thin border can make the information stand out without making the document look crowded.

Alternative Method: Use a One-Cell Table

If you only need to put a paragraph inside a bordered area, you don’t necessarily need the Drawing tool.

A 1 × 1 table can work as a simple alternative.

How to Create a Box Using a Table

1. Click Insert.
2. Select Table.
3. Choose a 1 × 1 table.
4. Type your text inside the cell.
5. Open the table’s properties to adjust the border and background.

A one-cell table is often easier to edit because it behaves like normal document content. However, it does not offer the same freedom to drag the box around the page as a drawing-based text box.

Can You Add a Text Box in Google Docs on Mobile?

The Drawing method for creating a new text box is available on Google Docs for computers rather than the mobile app.

On a phone, you may be able to view and move existing drawings, but creating a new text box through the Drawing tool is not available in the same way as on the desktop version.

If you need to create and customize a text box, using Google Docs on a computer is the more suitable option.

How to Delete a Text Box in Google Docs

Deleting a text box is straightforward.

Click the text box once to select it and press Delete or Backspace on your keyboard.

This removes the selected text box from the document.

What Else Can You Create With the Drawing Tool?

The Drawing tool isn’t limited to text boxes. You can also use it to create simple visual elements such as:

• Shapes
• Arrows
• Basic diagrams
• Other drawing elements

This can be useful when you want to add a simple visual explanation without using a separate graphics application.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Adding a text box in Google Docs requires using the Drawing tool rather than a dedicated text-box button. On a computer, go to Insert > Drawing > + New, create the box with the Text box tool, enter your content, and select Save and close.

For a simple boxed paragraph that stays within the document’s normal layout, a 1 × 1 table is another practical option.