If you’re wondering how to add border in Google Docs, the answer is right here: you can create a border around text, images, or the entire page by using built-in features like tables, drawings, and paragraph styles. 🎯 Whether you want to highlight important text or enhance the visual design of your document, adding borders in Google Docs is simple and effective.
Although Google Docs doesn’t offer a one-click page border option like Microsoft Word, you can still achieve professional-looking results using creative workarounds — all explained below!
Why Use Borders in Google Docs?
Borders help you:
- Visually organize your content
- Emphasize headings or key points
- Create a formal layout for letters or forms
- Make content more engaging for readers
👉 Whether you’re working on a resume, worksheet, or flyer, a clean border gives your content structure and flair.
Method 1: Add Border Using a 1×1 Table (Best Method) 📐
This is the most common method to add a clean border around text.
Steps:
- Click Insert > Table > 1×1
- Drag the table to your desired width and height
- Type or paste your content into the cell
- Customize the border by clicking on the border style icon in the toolbar
You can change the border color, thickness, and style to fit your needs.
Bonus Tip:
To make it look like a full-page border, stretch the cell to fit the page margins.
Method 2: Use Drawing Tool to Create a Custom Border 🖊️
Great for creating decorative or image-based borders.
Steps:
- Go to Insert > Drawing > + New
- Use the Shape Tool to draw a rectangle
- Adjust border color, thickness, and background
- Click Save and Close
- Resize and place the drawing on your page
This method is ideal for adding creative borders around sections, callouts, or cover pages.
Method 3: Add Paragraph Borders (Simple Text Border)
While Google Docs doesn’t offer a “paragraph border” button, you can simulate one with a workaround.
Steps:
- Highlight the paragraph you want to border
- Go to Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading
- Choose which sides to apply the border to (top, bottom, etc.)
- Set border width, color, and padding
- Click Apply
✔️ This adds a neat border directly around the paragraph!
Method 4: Insert a Border Image (Decorative Only) 🖼️
Want something more decorative? Use an image!
Steps:
- Search online or upload your own border image (PNG or JPG)
- Insert it using Insert > Image
- Adjust its size and wrap text around it
🎨 This is perfect for invitations or styled documents.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Inserting Borders 🖥️
While there’s no direct shortcut to add a border, here are helpful shortcuts to speed things up:
| Action | Windows/Linux Shortcut | macOS Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Insert Table | Alt + Shift + I, then T | Ctrl + Option + I, then T |
| Insert Drawing | Alt + Shift + I, then D | Ctrl + Option + I, then D |
| Open Paragraph Borders Menu | No direct shortcut – use mouse | No direct shortcut – use mouse |
🧠 Tip: Bookmark this post or write down the sequences to speed up formatting!
How to Add Page Borders in Google Docs (Full Page Frame)
Here’s how to simulate a full page border:
- Insert a 1×1 table
- Stretch it to fill the entire page width
- Adjust the border settings as desired
You now have a visible border around your entire page! 📄
Customizing Borders in Google Docs
You can personalize your borders using these settings:
- Color: Choose from preset or custom hex colors
- Thickness: Make borders thin, bold, or extra bold
- Style: Solid, dotted, or dashed lines
- Padding: Add spacing inside the border for better readability
These are accessible via the toolbar or format settings.
Tips for Using Borders Effectively in Google Docs
- Use consistent color and thickness across sections
- Avoid overusing borders — it can clutter the page
- Match border style with your document type (formal, fun, creative)
✅ Clean and minimal always wins!
FAQs: How to Add Border in Google Docs
Can I add a border around an entire page in Google Docs?
Yes! Use a 1×1 table and stretch it to page edges to simulate a page border.
What’s the fastest way to add a text box with a border?
Use Insert > Table > 1×1 and write inside it.
Can I add a custom-shaped border like a circle or oval?
Yes, use the Drawing tool to create shapes with border styling.
Is there a shortcut key for paragraph borders?
Not directly — use the menu under Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading.
Will borders appear when I print or export the document?
Yes, all borders created using tables, drawings, or formatting will be printed/exported.
Can I copy and paste bordered sections?
Absolutely. Google Docs retains formatting on copy-paste actions.
Final Thoughts: Enhance Your Docs with Borders 🖊️
Now you know how to add border in Google Docs like a pro! Whether you’re using a table, drawing tool, or paragraph style, borders can dramatically improve your document’s clarity and appearance.
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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