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How to Add a Text Box in Office 365 Word

Eric Jul 09, 2026 2026-07-09 04:40:47

Need to add a text box in your Office 365 Word document to highlight important information or provide additional context? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to insert a text box in Office 365 Word, ensuring your content stands out and engages your readers.

Word 2016 - Text Box - How To Insert Edit Use and Move Text Boxes in Microsoft MS Word Office 365
Word 2016 - Text Box - How To Insert Edit Use and Move Text Boxes in Microsoft MS Word Office 365

Before we dive into the process, make sure you're using the latest version of Office 365 Word. The steps might vary slightly depending on the version you're using. Now, let's get started!

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Inserting a Text Box in Office 365 Word

Word offers a simple and intuitive way to insert text boxes, allowing you to add extra information or draw attention to specific parts of your document. Let's explore the two main methods to insert a text box in Office 365 Word.

How to Insert Text Boxes in Microsoft Word
How to Insert Text Boxes in Microsoft Word

First, we'll look at inserting a text box using the 'Insert' tab, which is the most straightforward method for beginners. Then, we'll discuss using the 'Developer' tab for more advanced text box customization options.

Method 1: Using the 'Insert' Tab

How to Insert Text Boxes in Microsoft Word
How to Insert Text Boxes in Microsoft Word

This method is perfect for quickly adding a simple text box to your document. Here's how to do it:

1. Place your cursor where you want the text box to appear in your document.

2. Click on the 'Insert' tab in the Word ribbon.

1.3M views • 7K likes | Reel by Ovins Kawre
1.3M views • 7K likes | Reel by Ovins Kawre

3. In the 'Illustrations' group, click on the 'Text Box' button. A small gallery of text box shapes will appear.

4. Choose the text box shape that best fits your needs. The selected text box will now be inserted at your cursor's location.

5. Click inside the text box, and start typing your content. You can format the text within the text box using the 'Home' tab's formatting options.

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Method 2: Using the 'Developer' Tab

If you need more control over your text box, such as adding borders, shadows, or specific text wrapping, use the 'Developer' tab. Here's how:

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1. Place your cursor where you want the text box to appear in your document.

2. Click on the 'Developer' tab in the Word ribbon. If you don't see the 'Developer' tab, follow these steps to enable it:

  1. Right-click on the Word ribbon and select 'Customize the Ribbon.'
  2. In the 'Customize Ribbon' dialog box, check the box next to 'Developer' in the list of 'Main Tabs.'
  3. Click 'OK' to close the dialog box and enable the 'Developer' tab.

3. In the 'Controls' group on the 'Developer' tab, click on the 'Text Box' button. The same gallery of text box shapes will appear.

4. Choose the text box shape that best fits your needs. The selected text box will now be inserted at your cursor's location.

5. Right-click on the inserted text box and select 'Format Text Box' to access advanced formatting options, such as adding borders, shadows, or specific text wrapping.

6. Once you've customized your text box, click 'Close' to apply the changes and start typing your content.

Formatting and Customizing Text Boxes

Now that you know how to insert a text box in Office 365 Word, let's explore some formatting and customization options to make your text boxes truly stand out.

Whether you've inserted a text box using the 'Insert' tab or the 'Developer' tab, you can format and customize it using the 'Format Text Box' dialog box. Here are some tips to help you create engaging and visually appealing text boxes:

Text Box Shape and Size

Word offers a variety of text box shapes, from simple rectangles and squares to more complex shapes like callouts and flowcharts. Choose a shape that complements your content and draws attention to the important information within the text box.

You can also adjust the size of your text box by dragging the resizing handles that appear when you select the text box. Hold down the 'Shift' key while resizing to maintain the text box's aspect ratio.

Borders and Fill

Add borders to your text box to create a distinct frame around your content. You can choose from various line styles, colors, and widths to suit your document's design. To add a border, select the text box, right-click, and choose 'Format Text Box.' In the 'Format Text Box' dialog box, go to the 'Border' tab and customize the border settings.

You can also fill the text box with a solid color or gradient to make it stand out from the rest of your document. To add a fill, select the text box, right-click, and choose 'Format Text Box.' In the 'Format Text Box' dialog box, go to the 'Fill' tab and customize the fill settings.

Text Wrapping

Word offers several text wrapping options for text boxes, allowing you to control how text flows around your text box. You can choose from 'In Line with Text,' 'Square,' 'Behind Text,' 'In Front of Text,' and 'Tight.' To change the text wrapping, select the text box, right-click, and choose 'Format Text Box.' In the 'Format Text Box' dialog box, go to the 'Properties' tab and customize the 'Text wrapping' setting.

Now that you've learned how to insert, format, and customize text boxes in Office 365 Word, you're ready to create engaging and visually appealing documents that captivate your audience. Happy text boxing!