How to add a text box in Google Docs

Wondering how to add a text box in Google Docs?

Luckily, the answer is simple – just click the ‘insert’ button, then ‘drawing’ and ‘+new’. 

Text boxes are handy tools, giving you more control over where text goes in your document.

They’re particularly useful if you create document templates, ensuring the text goes precisely where needed. 

Let’s look at text boxes in more depth.

We’ll cover: 

• A step-by-step guide for adding text boxes
• How to customize text boxes
• PandaDoc’s alternative to Google Docs

How to insert a text box in Google Docs in 5 easy steps

We’ve already answered the question ‘Can you insert a text box in Google Docs?’ with a resounding ‘yes’.

Let’s take a look at the particular steps you need to follow.

1. To start, head to the toolbar at the top of your screen and choose ‘insert.’ 

2. From the dropdown menu, look for the ‘drawing’ option. When you hover over this, you’ll get two extra options. Select ‘+New’. 

3. You’ll now be brought to a ‘drawing’ page. You can add various things, including lines, shapes, and images, via the bar at the top of the screen labeled ‘Actions’. On the right of the bar, you’ll see a ‘T’ in a square box. Select it. 

4. Your cursor will change to resemble a ‘+.’ Move your mouse to the screen area that looks like an empty canvas. Click and drag until your text box is the desired size. 

5. When you’re happy, choose ‘Save and close’.  

Customizing text boxes in Google Docs

Adding a text box is just the first step.

There are plenty of ways to customize text from within the Google Workspace.

These steps all take place on the drawing page.

Let’s take a look at some of your options.  

Positioning your text box 

Let’s start with the very basics.

You can choose the position of your text box, ensuring it sits exactly where you want within the document. Just click on the box and drag it to where it needs to be.

Changing the font and formatting

Select the text box, then look back to the ‘actions’ bar at the top of the screen.

There will now be a drop-down menu for font options.

If you click on the three dots next to it, more options will appear, including size, alignment, and formatting.

Adding a background color 

You can add a background color to your textbox. Click the paint bucket icon and select either a solid color or a gradient. 

If you want to go further, add a border to your text box by selecting the pencil icon to the right of the paint bucket.

You can make your border thick or thin by selecting the ‘Border weight’ option to the right of the pencil. You can choose anywhere from 1 pixel to 24 pixels in thickness. 

Finally, you have the ‘Border dash’ option. This allows you to choose a straight, uninterrupted border or a dotted line.   

Other ways to create a text box in Google Docs

A Google Doc text box isn’t the only way of adding text to your document.

Another option is to create shapes or enable an add-on that lets you add a signature in Google Docs.

Adding text through shapes 

The same section used to create text boxes (‘Insert’ then ‘Drawing’) also lets you create shapes.

Just click the ‘Shape’ icon, which will show a range of shapes, arrows, callouts, and equations that can be added to your document. 

Choose the option you’d like, then click and drag the shape onto the canvas (the same process as when you insert a text box in Google Docs).

To add text, just double-click the shape.

A cursor should appear, allowing you to type.

As with a text box, you can edit the background color and the border weight to your liking. 

How to insert text box in Google Docs mobile

Now, let’s consider how to insert text boxes in Google Docs mobile app.

The process for mobile users is a little different. You must create a single-cell table to act as a text box. 

1. Choose the ‘+’ icon from the top of your screen. 
2. Tap ‘Table’. 
3. You should see an option for the number of columns in your table (to the right of the columns option). Reduce this number to one.
4. Now choose ‘Insert table’. 
5. Add your text as needed.

And that’s it! 

Consider alternative solutions 

So, you know how to add a text box in Google Docs.

It’s probably not as simple as you hoped – especially on mobile. 

If you want a more intuitive and easy-to-use system, PandaDoc has some options.

Our all-in-one document management software helps you create, manage, track, and e-sign documents.

You can easily add text fields to a document using a simple drag-and-drop feature. 

So, rather than searching ‘how to make a text box in Google Docs’ whenever you need to remember the steps, why not learn more about PandaDoc’s solution and try out a free 14-day trial?