How to Put a Box Around Text in Word: Easy Steps for Formatting

So, you’re working in Microsoft Word and want to spice up that document? We’ve all been there, staring at plain text, thinking it could use something extra. One simple trick to make your text stand out is to put a box around it.

Let’s walk through the process together. Highlight the text you want to modify by clicking and dragging your mouse over it. This step ensures Word knows which text you want to change. After highlighting, head over to the “Home” tab. Here, you’ll see a dropdown arrow next to the Borders icon. Click on it, and a menu will appear. Choose “Borders and Shading,” then select your preferred border style, color, and width. Instantly, your text will pop with its new border. 🌟

Adding a border doesn’t just make your text look good; it can also make it easier to find key information. Whether you’re creating a report or designing a flyer, a well-placed box can draw attention to important details, making your document both attractive and functional. Stick with us as we dive deeper into more nifty features and tips for Microsoft Word. Ready to make your documents shine? Let’s get started!

How To Put A Box Around Text In Word

To create a box around text in Microsoft Word, we can use the Borders and Shading Tool. This tool not only lets us add borders but also customize them for different styles and apply them to specific sections of our document.

Using Borders and Shading Tool

First, let’s get started with the Borders and Shading Tool. Open your Word document and select the text you want to highlight.

Next, go to the Home Tab and find the Borders Button. Click on the drop-down arrow next to it, and choose Borders and Shading.

Here, you will see different border options, like Box, Shadow, and 3-D. Choose one of these options to add a border. This method can be used for various Word versions, including Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2021, and older versions like Word 2013.

You’ll find that it’s a user-friendly tool and helps create appealing borders easily. For instance, in Word for Microsoft 365, you can see the preview of the border style in real-time.

Customizing the Box

Now, let’s dive into customization. Again, head to the Borders and Shading menu. Here you can adjust the style, color, and width of your border.

For example, if you want a red, dotted box around your text, choose the dotted line style under Line Style, and red from the Color dropdown. Set the width to your preference, and hit OK.

You can even add shading by selecting the Shading Tab in the same menu. Choose a fill color to make your text box stand out. This is great for titles or headers in a document.

Applying the Box to Specific Text

Finally, let’s apply our customized box to specific text. Select the text or paragraph you want to box. Now, repeat the process using the Borders and Shading tool.

One handy tip is using it for sections within a larger text block. This helps in making certain parts of your document stand out. Imagine working on a project report and needing to emphasize key points—boxing around those points can be a visual highlight.

In Word 2019 for Mac, you’ll find similar steps, making it consistent across different platforms. That’s the beauty of Microsoft Word—flexibility with ease of use.

Adding a box around text in Word doesn’t have to be tricky! With these tools and customization options, we can easily enhance our documents.

Advanced Options for Box Styles

Adding a box around text in Microsoft Word can be done in different ways, including using shapes and utilizing text boxes. Let’s explore these advanced options.

Creating a Box with Shapes

We can use the Shapes feature to draw custom borders. Here’s how:

1. Go to the Insert tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on Shapes and select a rectangle or any custom shape.
3. Draw the shape around your text by clicking and dragging.

After drawing your shape, you can customize line styles, border widths, and colors through the Format tab. This is where you can change the line style to dashed, dotted, or solid lines. Adjust the border thickness to make it bolder or thinner. You can even apply a unique pattern inside the shape for added style.

Utilizing Text Boxes

Text boxes offer more flexibility, especially for complex documents:

1. Select the Insert tab in the Ribbon.
2. Click on Text Box and choose Draw Text Box.
3. Drag the text box to your preferred location and size.

Customizing text boxes is straightforward. We can change the border styles by right-clicking the text box and selecting Format Shape. Adjust the line thickness to enhance the border. Change the shape outline color to match your document’s theme. For even more style, add shadows or 3-D effects.

By mixing these advanced features—shapes and text boxes—we can create professional and stylish documents that stand out.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

There are times when a text box doesn’t work as expected. It might not appear at all or might be misaligned.

Box Not Appearing

The text box might not show up if it’s formatted incorrectly. First, ensure that you’ve selected the text for the box correctly. If a step is missed, the box won’t form. Verify your steps by going to the ‘Borders and Shading’ menu and ensuring you’re choosing “Outside Borders.”

If the issue persists, it might be a problem with your software settings. Restart Word to rule out a temporary glitch. Also, check if other border styles work. Sometimes, resetting preferences can resolve the problem. If none of these steps work, reinstalling Word might be necessary.

Another possibility is a corrupted document. Copying the text to a new document can sometimes fix this. If you’re using Word online, a stable internet connection is crucial; otherwise, features might not load correctly.

Box Misalignment

Misaligned boxes are often due to inconsistent page margins or different formatting styles. First, check your page layout settings. Go to the ‘Page Layout’ tab and ensure all your margins are consistent.

Using a table as a workaround can sometimes help. Create a one-cell table and place your text inside. This method ensures that your box stays aligned with your text.

If the text box is anchored to the header, it will repeat at the top of each page. To fix this, double-click the header area to activate the header/footer view. Adjust the box position until it aligns where you want.

Lastly, adjusting the anchor of the text box can help. Right-click the text box, select Format Text Box and then navigate to the Layout options. Ensure the box is not set to “move with text,” which can disrupt alignment.