If you want more flexibility with certain text in your Word document, why not use a text box? Since a text box is considered an object, you can move it wherever you want in your document. This is useful for placing text in areas that you normally wouldn’t.
You can use a text box to draw attention to something in your document, rotate (rotate) text fragments or create a unique look. Microsoft Word also offers formatting options for text boxes that give them their own style or useful function.
Next, we will show you how to add or draw a text box and then format it as you like in Microsoft Word.
How to Insert or draw a text box in Microsoft Word
With Word on Windows, you can insert a preformatted text box or draw your own. Either way, you can customize it later, so choose the best option for you.
Go to the place in your document where you want the text box and select the tab Insert. Click the drop down arrow Text box and choose a Built-in Draw Text Box style.
If you use Word on Mac, go to the tab Insert, click the drop-down arrow Text and then on the arrow Text box. You can then choose to draw a simple text box or one in which the text inside is vertical.
To draw the text box on either platform, drag the cross to create the size you want. You can also change the size of the text box at any time after you draw it.
When your text box appears, click inside to add your own words.
How to format and customize a text box in Word
Once you have inserted or drawn your text box, select it and go to the tab Format form to see all the formatting options. You will find the following features in Word on Windows, which may differ slightly in Word on Mac.
Shape Styles
Choose a preset theme or style for your text box. These options include fill colors and various effects.
You can also use the Shape Fill, Outline, and Effects options to create your own distinctive style. From gradients and patterns to dashed lines and squiggles, you have tons of great options for customizing the look of your text box.
Note: If you select a preset text box, some options in the section may Shape Styles are not available.
WordArt Styles
In addition to making the text box itself look fancy, you can do the same for the text within it. See Quick Styles in the WordArt Styles section for pre-made options.
Or use Text Fill, Outline, and Effects to really make text pop. You can do things like add a shadow and a glow or warp the text, to make it curvy and cool.
Text, accessibility, organization and size
The remaining sections of the ribbon allow you to change the direction of the text within the box, use text wrapping with other elements in your document, rotate the text box, and adjust its exact size. You can also use the Alternative Text Accessibility option to describe the text box.
Edit your text box
After customizing your text box, you can edit it at any time. Just keep in mind that when you select the text box to make changes, it may appear without some of the elements or effects you have applied. This is to simplify editing the text.
Once you complete your edits and deselect the text box, it will return to normal with your customizations.
Add text anywhere and any way in Word
Text boxes in Microsoft Word allow you to place text anywhere in your document without worrying about margins or other normal text limitations. Also, since you can fully format the text box any way you want, it can be a fun and useful addition to your document.
