How to Use Text Boxes in Microsoft Word

Achieve more control and flexibility with your documents

By
James Marshall
James Marshall
Writer
James Marshall is a pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting. He is also skilled with Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors.
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Updated on September 11, 2022
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
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Reviewed by Ryan Perian
  • Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
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What to Know

  • Select Insert > Text Box > choose a text box template. Select and drag box to the position you want.
  • To resize text, select and drag circles around the edge. To rotate text, select and drag the circular arrow.
  • Place the cursor inside the text box and type the information you want to appear.

This article explains how to use text boxes in Microsoft Word. Instructions apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.

How to Insert a Text Box in Word

Start by opening the document you want to add a text box to. Then follow the steps below.

  1. On the ribbon, select Insert.

    Microsoft Word with the Insert heading highlighted

  2. In the Text group, select Text Box, then choose a text box template.

    Text Boxes in Word

  3. The new text box appears in the middle of the text, and the Shape Format tab is automatically selected.

    MS Word document with new text box

  4. Select and drag the box to the position you want. To resize the text box, select and drag the circles around the edge. To rotate the text box, select and drag the circular arrow at the top of the box.

    Resizing handles on a text box in Word

  5. Place the cursor inside the text box and type the information you want to appear there.

    MS Word with text box full of text

Why Use Text Boxes?

When you type text in Microsoft Word, you have options for making it look a particular way on the page (such as changing the page margins), but those options are limited. Text boxes expand your formatting repertoire by offering additional control and flexibility for how your text appears. You can place a text box anywhere within a document and format it with different colors and fonts. This feature is especially helpful for creating a blockquote or a sidebar.

Customize a Text Box

After you create a text box, you can customize it in a number of ways.

  1. To bring up options, place the cursor inside the text box and right-click. Choose an option and follow the screen prompts to add a border, change the style, or adjust the way the text box interacts with the other text on the page.

    Alternatively, use the controls on the Shape Format tab.

    Text Box in Word with the Shape Format tools highlighted

  2. To go directly to the Layout Options menu, select the text box, then select the Layout Options icon (it looks like a horseshoe and is located to the right of the text box).

    Layout Options icon in Word

  3. Change the text, make more adjustments, or move the box to another location at any time. To delete a text box, select its border, then press Delete on the keyboard.

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