Text Boxes

Text boxes can be useful for drawing attention to specific text. They can also be helpful when you need to move text around in your document. Word allows you to format text boxes and the text within them with a variety of styles and effects.

To insert a text box:

Select the Insert tab, then click the Text Box command in the Text group.



A drop-down menu will appear. Select Draw Text Box.



Click and drag anywhere on the document to create the text box.



The insertion point will appear inside the text box. You can now type to create text inside the text box.



If you want, you can select the text and then change the font, color, and size by using the commands on the Format and Home tabs. To learn more about using these formatting commands, see our Formatting Text lesson.



Click anywhere outside the text box to return to your document.
You can also select one of the built-in text boxes that have predefined colors, fonts, positions, and sizes. If you choose this option, the text box will appear automatically, so you will not need to draw it.



To move a text box:

Click the text box you want to move.

Hover the mouse over one of the edges of the text box. The mouse will change into a cross with arrows.

Click and drag the text box to the desired location.



To resize a text box:

Click the text box you want to resize.

Click and drag any of the sizing handles on the corners or sides of the text box until it is the desired size.

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