How to Insert a Text Box in Google Docs
Learn how to add a text box in Google Docs using the Drawing tool, shapes, or a single-cell table. Text boxes are perfect for callouts, sidebars, and highlighting important information.
Quick Answer
To insert a text box in Google Docs: Go to Insert > Drawing > New. Click the text box icon (T in a box), draw your text box, type your text, then click Save and close.
Alternative method:
Insert a 1x1 table via Insert > Table > 1x1. This creates a simple text box that is easier to resize inline.
Method 1: Using the Drawing Tool (Recommended)
The Drawing tool is the primary way to insert a text box in Google Docs. It gives you full control over the appearance and positioning of your text box.
Open your Google Doc
Go to docs.google.com and open the document where you want to add a text box.
Open the Drawing tool
Click Insert in the menu bar, hover over Drawing, then select New. A drawing canvas will open.
Select the text box tool
In the drawing toolbar, click the text box icon. It looks like a capital T inside a box. You can also find it under the Actions menu.
Draw your text box
Click and drag on the canvas to create a text box of your desired size. Release the mouse button when you are satisfied with the size.
Type your text
The cursor will appear inside the text box. Type your content. You can format the text using the toolbar options for font, size, color, and alignment.
Save and insert
Click the blue Save and close button in the top right corner. The text box will be inserted into your document at the cursor position.
Method 2: Using Shapes as Text Boxes
You can also use shapes like rectangles, rounded rectangles, or other shapes as text boxes. This gives you more design options.
Open the Drawing tool
Go to Insert > Drawing > New.
Select a shape
Click the Shape icon in the toolbar (circle/square icon). Choose Shapes and select a rectangle, rounded rectangle, or any shape you prefer.
Draw the shape
Click and drag on the canvas to create your shape. Hold Shift while dragging to create a perfect square or maintain proportions.
Add text to the shape
Double-click inside the shape to add text. Type your content and format it using the toolbar options.
Save and close
Click Save and close to insert the shape with text into your document.
Tip: Available shapes
You can use arrows, callouts, stars, banners, and equation symbols as text containers. Callout shapes are especially useful for annotations and comments.
Method 3: Using a Single-Cell Table
A single-cell table is a quick alternative to create a text box without using the Drawing tool. This method is easier to resize and works better with flowing text.
Insert a 1x1 table
Click Insert in the menu bar, hover over Table, and select the first cell (1x1) from the grid.
Type your content
Click inside the table cell and type your text. The cell will expand vertically to fit your content.
Resize the table
Drag the table borders to adjust the width. The height will automatically adjust based on the content.
Customize the appearance (optional)
Right-click the table and select Table properties to change the border color, background color, and cell padding.
| Method | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| Drawing Tool | Custom designs, floating text boxes | Harder to edit after inserting |
| Shape Method | Callouts, annotations, creative designs | Limited text formatting options |
| Single-Cell Table | Simple text boxes, inline content | Cannot float over text |
How to Customize Your Text Box
The Drawing tool offers several customization options to style your text box.
Change Background Color
Select the text box, then click the paint bucket icon (Fill color) in the toolbar. Choose a color or select "Custom" for more options.
Change Border Color
Select the text box and click the pen icon (Border color) in the toolbar. Choose a color for the border outline.
Adjust Border Weight
Click the border weight icon (lines stacked) to change the thickness of the border from 1px to 24px.
Change Border Style
Click the border dash icon (dashed line) to change between solid, dashed, and dotted borders.
Format Text
Select the text inside the box to access font options: font family, size, bold, italic, underline, text color, and alignment.
Resize the Text Box
Click and drag the blue square handles on the corners and edges to resize. Hold Shift to maintain proportions.
How to Edit an Existing Text Box
After inserting a text box, you may need to edit the content or styling. Here is how to do it:
Double-click the text box
Double-click directly on the text box in your document. This will reopen the Drawing editor with your text box.
Make your changes
Edit the text, resize the box, change colors, or modify any other settings using the toolbar.
Save and close
Click Save and close to apply your changes. The updated text box will replace the old one in your document.
Alternative: Click and select Edit
You can also single-click the text box, then click Edit in the popup menu that appears below the text box.
Text Boxes on Mobile (iOS & Android)
The Google Docs mobile app has limited support for text boxes. Here is what you need to know:
Creating Text Boxes
The Drawing tool is not available in the Google Docs mobile app. You cannot create new text boxes using the drawing method on mobile devices.
Viewing Existing Text Boxes
Text boxes created on desktop will display correctly in the mobile app. You can view them, but editing options are limited.
Mobile Alternative: Tables
You can insert a single-cell table on mobile. Tap the + icon, select Table, and insert a 1x1 table to simulate a text box.
Tip
For full text box functionality, use Google Docs on a computer (desktop or laptop). You can then view and make minor edits on mobile.
Pro Tips for Text Boxes in Google Docs
Enable text wrapping for floating boxes
Click the text box, then select In front of text or Behind text from the wrapping options. This allows you to position the text box anywhere on the page.
Create a transparent text box
In the Drawing editor, set the fill color to Transparent (no fill) and remove the border by setting border color to Transparent. This creates an invisible text box.
Copy and paste to reuse
Once you create a styled text box, you can copy (Ctrl+C / Cmd+C) and paste (Ctrl+V / Cmd+V) it to reuse the same style throughout your document.
Use rounded corners for a modern look
Instead of a regular text box, use the rounded rectangle shape (Shape > Shapes > Rounded Rectangle) for a softer, more modern appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I insert a text box in Google Docs?
Go to Insert > Drawing > New. Click the text box icon (T in a box), draw the text box on the canvas, type your text, then click Save and close.
Why is there no text box option in Google Docs?
Google Docs does not have a direct "Text Box" button in the main toolbar or Insert menu. Instead, text boxes are created through the Drawing tool (Insert > Drawing > New). You can also use a single-cell table as an alternative.
Can I move a text box freely in Google Docs?
Yes. Click the text box to select it, then choose In front of text or Behind text from the wrapping options. This allows you to drag the text box anywhere on the page.
How do I edit a text box in Google Docs?
Double-click the text box in your document to reopen the Drawing editor. Make your changes (text, colors, size), then click Save and close to update.
How do I delete a text box in Google Docs?
Click the text box to select it, then press the Delete or Backspace key on your keyboard. The text box will be removed from your document.
Can I add a text box on the Google Docs mobile app?
No, the Drawing tool is not available on mobile. You can view existing text boxes but cannot create new ones. Use a single-cell table as an alternative on mobile.
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