How to insert a text box in Google Docs: Layout Tips
Google Docs is awesome. You can write, edit, and share documents all in one place. But sometimes, you want to make your document stand out a little. Maybe you want to highlight some text or add a fun callout. That’s when a text box comes in handy.
TLDR: You can insert a text box in Google Docs by using the Drawing Tool. It’s simple and lets you add styled text wherever you need. Play around with the layout using wrap text and align it where you want. Text boxes are perfect for visual pop and keeping things neat!
Why Use a Text Box?
Table of Contents
- To highlight important info
- To label diagrams or images
- To create side notes or quotes
- To make your doc look cooler
Text boxes are more than just squares with text. They help with layout, too. You can move them, resize them, and put them wherever you want on the page. Sounds helpful, right?
How to Insert a Text Box in Google Docs
There’s no direct text box button, but don’t worry. It’s still super easy. Follow these simple steps:
- Click on “Insert” in the top menu
- Select “Drawing”, then click “+ New”
- In the drawing window, click on the Text Box icon (it looks like a little “T” in a box)
- Click and drag to draw the box
- Type your text in the box
- You can change the font, size, color, and more using the toolbar
- When you’re happy, click “Save and Close”
Tada! Your text box is now in your doc.
Layout Hacks: Make Your Text Box Work for You
Once your text box is in your doc, you might want to move it around or change how it fits with the other content. Here’s how you can tweak it:
Wrap Your Text
Click the text box and choose a text wrapping option:
- In line – It behaves like regular text. Not as flexible.
- Wrap text – Text goes around the box. Perfect for side notes!
- Break text – Pushes text completely above and below the box.
Tip: Use “Wrap text” for that magazine-style look!
Position Like a Pro
You can drag the text box anywhere. For more control:
- Click the box
- Click the three dots (More options)
- Choose Position options
- Adjust alignment, margins, and locking
Want the box to stay beside a paragraph? Use “Fix position on page” and fine-tune it.
Resize the Fun
Grab the corners to resize the box. Keep it wide and short for quotes or tall and narrow for sidebars.
Style That Box!
Make it eye-catching. Don’t settle for plain black and white. There’s a whole design world in the Drawing tool.
- Change border color – Click the pencil icon
- Add a fill color – Use the paint bucket
- Use fun fonts – Try bold, italic, underlined, or even funky fonts
- Add shapes behind text – Use rectangles, stars, or circles
Note: If you’re drawing attention to important info, keep it readable. Dark text on a light background = win.
Quick Shortcut: Use A Table Instead
If the Drawing Tool feels slow, here’s a faster trick:
- Go to Insert → Table
- Select 1 x 1 (just one box!)
- Click inside the cell, type your text
- Change background and border color if you want
This behaves almost like a text box, and you can still wrap text with it.
Use Cases for Text Boxes
Still not sure where to use them? Here are some ideas:
- Callouts: Highlight quotes, warnings, or reminders
- Forms: Create forms with labels beside blank areas
- Lesson Plans: Side notes for teachers or students
- Visual Design Projects: Label parts of a diagram or sketch
You can also use them for project plans, creative writing, posters… Sky’s the limit.
Advanced Tip: Add Images Inside the Drawing
Want to take it up a notch? Insert images directly in a Drawing with your text box. Yep—it works!
- Go to Insert → Drawing → + New
- Click on the image icon
- Upload or search for your image
- Add your text box on top or beside the image
- Now it’s a labeled visual. Super pro.
Great for guides, newsletters, or school projects.
Keep It Clean: Best Practices
Okay, now you know how to add a text box. But how do you do it like a design boss?
- Don’t have too many on one page – Chaos = confusion
- Use consistent styles – Match font and color types
- Balance white space – Give your boxes room to breathe
- Stick to a purpose – Each box should do something clear: highlight, label, or style
When Not to Use a Text Box
There are times when a text box isn’t the best choice.
- Long paragraphs – They’re harder to read in a small box
- Print-heavy documents – Text boxes sometimes break page flows
- Sharing across formats – Positions can shift in Word or PDF downloads
If stability matters, use regular text and layout tools instead.
Final Thoughts
Text boxes in Google Docs are small tools with big impact. Whether you’re making quick notes or designing a stylish doc, they can level up your layout in seconds. Just remember: start simple, play with styles, and use them where they work best.
So go ahead—insert, style, and arrange to your heart’s content!
Happy typing!
