If you’re working on a document and want to draw attention to specific content, knowing how to add a textbox in Word is incredibly useful. Textboxes help you place text anywhere on the page, making them perfect for custom layouts, flyers, resumes, and interactive forms.
Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Word Online, adding and customizing a textbox is simple and effective. Let’s walk through everything you need to know!
What Is a Textbox in Word?
A textbox is a movable, resizable container for text. Unlike regular paragraphs, textboxes can be positioned freely on the page, allowing for flexible formatting and creative design.
Common uses of textboxes:
- Highlight quotes or instructions
- Add side notes or callouts
- Create forms or labels
- Customize headers, footers, or brochures
- Design newsletters and posters
📌 Textboxes are especially handy when you want content to stand apart from the main body text.
How to Add a Textbox in Word (Windows & Mac)
🧭 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open your Word document
- Go to the Insert tab on the ribbon
- Click Textbox
- Choose from preset styles or click Draw Text Box
- Click and drag on the page to create the textbox
- Start typing inside the box
That’s it! You’ve now added a textbox.
How to Move and Resize a Textbox
- Move: Click the textbox border and drag it to any location
- Resize: Drag the corner handles to make it bigger or smaller
- Rotate: Use the rotate handle at the top of the box
🧲 Use alignment guides to snap textboxes in place for a cleaner layout.
How to Format Textboxes
Customize the look of your textbox using the Shape Format tab:
- 🎨 Fill Color: Change the background
- 📏 Outline: Adjust the border’s color or thickness
- ✨ Text Effects: Add shadows, glows, or 3D effects
- 🖋️ Font Styles: Format the text just like regular paragraphs
Pro tip: Set Wrap Text to Tight or In Front of Text to overlay textboxes on other elements.
How to Add a Textbox in Word Online
- Go to the Insert menu
- Click Textbox
- A default textbox appears, move and type as needed
📝 Word Online offers basic textbox features. For advanced formatting, switch to the desktop version.
Advanced Tips for Using Textboxes
- Group Elements: Combine textboxes with shapes or images
- Copy & Paste: Duplicate textboxes to maintain consistent design
- Use for Forms: Add fillable boxes for documents needing user input
- Layer Content: Stack multiple boxes for visual depth
💼 These techniques are great for creating polished professional documents.
FAQs: How to Add a Textbox in Word
How do I insert a textbox in Word?
Go to Insert > Textbox, then choose a style or draw one manually on the page.
Can I add multiple textboxes in one document?
Yes, you can add as many as you like and arrange them freely.
How do I remove a textbox in Word?
Click the border to select it, then press the Delete key.
Can I add a textbox in Word Online?
Yes, but with limited formatting. For full features, use Word on desktop.
Can I make a textbox transparent?
Yes. Use the Shape Fill > No Fill option in the Shape Format tab.
Do textboxes print with the document?
Yes, they appear exactly as shown on screen, unless marked otherwise.
Conclusion: Add Textboxes Like a Pro in Word
Now that you know how to add a textbox in Word, you’re ready to design cleaner, more attractive, and interactive documents. Whether you’re making forms, brochures, or presentations, textboxes are a simple but powerful tool to structure your content creatively.
Give them a try in your next project and see the difference!
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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