How to Put a Box Around Text in Google Docs

Adding a box around text in Google Docs might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how your documents look and feel. Whether you're highlighting key points, setting off quotes, or just trying to make your document a bit more visually appealing, knowing how to box text is a handy skill. This guide will walk you through several ways to add a box around text in Google Docs, each with its own benefits and quirks. Let's explore these methods and find the one that suits your needs best.

Using the Drawing Tool

First up, let's talk about the Drawing tool. It's a bit like having a mini art studio right inside Google Docs. You can create shapes, lines, and yes, even text boxes. But how exactly do you use it to put a box around your text? Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open your Google Doc: Start by opening the document where you want to add a box around text.
2. Access the Drawing Tool: Go to the menu bar, click on "Insert," and then select "Drawing" followed by "+ New." This opens a new window where you can draw your masterpiece.
3. Create a Text Box: In the Drawing window, click on the "Text box" icon (it looks like a small square with a 'T' inside). Click and drag on the canvas to create a box. A rectangle will appear, ready for your text.
4. Type Your Text: Enter the text you want to highlight. You can adjust the font, size, and color from the toolbar at the top.
5. Customize Your Box: Click on the "Shape" icon next to the text box tool to draw a rectangle around your text. Adjust the size to fit your content snugly. You can change the border color, thickness, and style to suit your needs.
6. Insert Your Drawing: Once you're happy with how it looks, click "Save and Close" to add the drawing to your document. You can drag it around or resize it as needed.

This method is great for when you need a highly customized look. It gives you the flexibility to adjust every aspect of your text box, from the border color to the font style. However, it can be a bit cumbersome if you need to edit the text later. You will have to re-open the Drawing tool to make changes.

Using Tables for a Simple Solution

If the Drawing tool feels like overkill, there's another method that's quicker and easier: using tables. It's a little hack that works wonders for adding simple boxes around text.

1. Insert a Table: Place your cursor where you want the box to appear. Click "Insert" in the menu, then "Table," and select a 1x1 table.
2. Add Your Text: Click inside the table cell and type or paste your text.
3. Adjust the Table: To customize the look, right-click on the table and select "Table properties." Here, you can change the border color and thickness to make it as bold or subtle as you like.
4. Fine-Tuning: You can adjust the size of the table by dragging the borders, and you can align text within the table using the toolbar options.

Tables offer a straightforward solution with the added bonus of easy text editing. If you need to revise your content, simply click inside the cell and type away. No need to open another window. This method is especially useful for creating consistently formatted sections, like call-out boxes or FAQs.

Text Boxes with Borders

For those who prefer a more direct approach, adding borders to text boxes can be an excellent option. This method works well if you're already familiar with text boxes and want to add a border without diving into the Drawing tool.

1. Create a Text Box: Click on "Insert" in the menu, then "Drawing" and "+ New." Use the text box tool to create your box and add your text.
2. Add a Border: Click on the text box to select it. Then, use the toolbar to set the border color, thickness, and style. You can make it a solid line, dashed, or dotted, depending on the look you're going for.
3. Insert and Adjust: Once you're satisfied with the appearance, click "Save and Close" to add it to your document. Like before, you can move it around and resize it as needed.

This method combines the flexibility of the Drawing tool with the simplicity of a table. It's perfect for those who want to add visual interest without too much fuss. Plus, it offers the convenience of easy access to border styling options right from the toolbar.

Using Spell for Quick Customization

Sometimes, you just want the work done for you. That's where we come in with Spell. Spell is like having an AI assistant that helps you create documents faster and with less hassle. With Spell, you can add text boxes with borders or other styles in seconds. Here's how:

1. Open Spell: Start by opening your document in Spell.
2. Describe Your Needs: Simply tell Spell what kind of text box you want, and it will generate it for you. For example, you could say, "Add a blue border around this paragraph."
3. Edit with Ease: If you need to make changes, just highlight the text and tell Spell what to adjust. It's as simple as chatting with a friend.

With Spell, you save time and effort while still achieving a polished look. It's like having Google Docs, but with AI that helps you draft, refine, and improve your writing as you go.

Using Borders and Shading Options

If you're looking for more traditional methods, Google Docs also offers borders and shading options directly within the editor. This can be a great way to add emphasis to your text without creating a separate element like a table or drawing.

1. Select Your Text: Highlight the text you want to box.
2. Open Borders and Shading: Go to "Format" in the menu, then "Paragraph styles," and finally, click on "Borders and shading."
3. Customize Your Box: Here, you can set the border color, width, and style. You can also add shading if you want to fill the background with color.
4. Apply Your Changes: Click "Apply" to see your changes in action.

This method is straightforward and keeps your document tidy since it doesn't add extra elements like drawings or tables. It's especially useful for documents where consistency is key, like reports or newsletters.

Leveraging the Power of Spell Again

If you're thinking, "This sounds like a lot of steps," you're not alone. That's why we built Spell: to make your life easier. With Spell, you can apply borders and shading in a fraction of the time. Just describe what you need, and Spell handles the rest. Need to change the border style? Highlight the text and tell Spell what you want. It's that simple!

Using Page Layouts for Special Text Sections

Sometimes, you want to set off a whole section of text, like a quote or a sidebar. Google Docs offers page layout options that can help you achieve this without adding extra boxes or tables.

1. Use a Section Break: Go to "Insert" and then "Break" to add a section or page break. This helps define the area you're working with.
2. Customize the Layout: Use the margins and indents to set off the text from the rest of the document. Adjust the formatting to create a clear, visually distinct section.
3. Add Visuals: You can also add images or shapes to enhance the layout. Use the "Insert" menu to find these options.

This approach is perfect for creating professional-looking documents that require more than just a text box. It's a bit more advanced but offers a lot of flexibility for those willing to experiment with layouts.

Spell and Page Layouts

If you're already overwhelmed by the options, don't worry. With Spell, you can describe the layout you envision, and Spell will help create it. Whether it's a sidebar, a call-out box, or something else entirely, Spell makes the process quick and easy. You're not just creating text boxes. You're crafting a complete document layout that looks polished and professional.

Wrapping It Up with Spell

So, there you have it. Multiple ways to add a box around text in Google Docs, each with its own perks. Whether you opt for the Drawing tool, tables, or the built-in borders and shading, there's a method to fit your needs. And if you're looking to speed things up, Spell can help you create and refine your documents with ease, making the whole process faster and more efficient.

Final Thoughts

Adding a box around text in Google Docs can enhance your document's look and feel, making it more engaging and easier to read. With options ranging from tables to the Drawing tool, you've got plenty of methods to choose from. And if you're looking for a more streamlined approach, Spell offers AI-powered assistance to draft and refine your document quickly. It's a great way to save time and effort while achieving professional results.