Google Docs

How to Add a Text Bubble in Google Docs

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Google Docs

Ever wanted to add a text bubble in Google Docs to make your document pop? You're in the right place. Text bubbles can add a fun and interactive element to your documents. Whether you're working on a project for school, a presentation for work, or just creating something for fun. Let's break down exactly how you can sprinkle some creativity with text bubbles in your Google Docs.

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Getting Started with Drawings in Google Docs

To add a text bubble in Google Docs, you'll need to use the built-in drawing tool. It's not just for doodling. This tool is surprisingly powerful for adding various shapes and text elements to your document. Here's how you can get started:

  • Open your Google Docs document.
  • Click on Insert in the top menu, then select Drawing, and click on + New.
  • This opens up the Drawing interface, where you can start creating your text bubble.

Once you're in the drawing tool, you'll see a variety of options for shapes, lines, and text boxes. This environment is where all the magic happens, so take a moment to explore the options. The drawing interface is quite user-friendly, and even if you've never used it before, you'll get the hang of it in no time.

Choosing the Right Shape for Your Bubble

Now that you're in the drawing tool, it's time to pick the perfect shape for your text bubble. Google Docs offers a range of shapes that can serve as text bubbles, so you have ample choices. Here's how to select and use them:

  • Click on the Shape icon in the toolbar. It looks like a circle over a square.
  • Hover over Callouts to see various speech and thought bubble options.
  • Select a shape that best fits your needs. Whether it's a classic speech bubble or something more whimsical like a cloud.

After selecting your shape, click and drag in the drawing area to create it. Don't worry too much about getting the size perfect right away. You can always adjust it later. The shape you've chosen will act as the background for your text, giving it that bubble effect.

Adding Text to Your Bubble

With your bubble shape in place, the next step is to add text. This part is straightforward, but there are some tips to make sure your text is readable and looks great:

  • Double-click inside the bubble to start typing. A text box will appear, allowing you to input your desired text.
  • Once your text is in place, use the formatting options at the top of the drawing tool to change font, size, color, and alignment.

Keep in mind that less can be more. You want your text to be clear and easy to read, so try not to overcrowd the bubble. If you find yourself needing more space, you can resize the bubble by clicking and dragging the corners.

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Customizing Your Text Bubble

Customization is where you can really let your creativity shine. From changing colors to adding shadows, there are several ways to make your text bubble stand out:

  • Fill Color: Change the color of your bubble by selecting the paint bucket icon and choosing your preferred color.
  • Border Color and Weight: Adjust the border color and thickness to make your bubble pop out more.
  • Text Formatting: Use bold, italics, or underline to emphasize certain parts of your text.

You can experiment with different styles until your bubble looks just the way you want. The drawing tool saves all these changes in real-time, so you can easily undo any step if you change your mind.

Positioning Your Bubble in the Document

Once your bubble is customized to your liking, it's time to place it in your document. The positioning will depend on how you want your bubble to interact with the rest of the content:

  • Click Save and Close to insert the bubble into your document.
  • Once inserted, click on the bubble to move it around. Drag it to the desired location within your document.
  • To adjust the text wrapping, click on the bubble, then choose from the options like In line with text, Wrap text, or Break text.

This step ensures that your text bubble fits naturally within your document layout, whether it's sitting beside a paragraph or floating over an image. Play around with the positioning until it feels right.

Collaborating with Others

If you're working on a group project or presentation, collaboration is key. Google Docs makes it easy to collaborate on documents, and you can even work together on text bubbles:

  • Share your document with team members by clicking the Share button in the upper-right corner.
  • Assign different parts of the document to different people, or collaborate in real-time on the same section.
  • Use comments to suggest changes or improvements to the text bubbles.

Interestingly enough, if you're looking for an even more powerful tool, Spell offers AI-driven collaboration features that can take your document editing to a whole new level. With real-time collaboration and AI assistance built in, Spell helps streamline the process and save time.

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Making Use of Templates

Sometimes starting from scratch can be tough, especially if you're short on time. Luckily, templates can offer a great starting point:

  • Look for Google Docs templates online that already include design elements like text bubbles.
  • Customize these templates by replacing text and adjusting the design to fit your needs.

Using a template can be a lifesaver, especially if design isn't your strong suit. It gives you a head start and lets you focus more on content rather than design details.

Using Spell for Faster Document Creation

While Google Docs is a fantastic tool for document creation, sometimes you need a little extra help to make your documents shine. That's where Spell comes in. It's like having an AI-powered assistant right there with you:

  • Create high-quality documents quickly with AI-generated drafts.
  • Edit your text using natural language commands. No more fussing over formatting.
  • Collaborate seamlessly with others, thanks to real-time editing features.

Spell is designed to make document creation faster and more efficient, so you can focus on what really matters. Your content.

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Exploring Advanced Tips and Tricks

Once you've mastered the basics of adding a text bubble, consider diving into some advanced techniques to take your documents to the next level:

  • Animations: Use Google Slides in conjunction with Google Docs to animate your text bubbles for presentations.
  • Layering: Place multiple text bubbles on top of each other to create depth and interest.
  • Hyperlinks: Add hyperlinks to text bubbles to make your document interactive, perfect for online presentations or reports.

These advanced techniques can help your documents stand out even more, especially if you're aiming to impress a particular audience.

Final Thoughts

Adding a text bubble in Google Docs is a fun and creative way to enhance your documents. From selecting shapes to customizing and positioning them, you now have the tools to make your content more engaging. If you want to take things even further, Spell offers AI-driven features that make document creation faster and smarter. Try it out to see how it can transform your workflow.

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.

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