Introduction
Google Docs is a powerful tool for creating and collaborating on documents. Whether you’re working on a school project, a business proposal, or anything in between, you might find yourself needing to highlight or emphasize certain parts of your text. This is where text boxes come in handy.
A text box is a graphic element that you can insert into your document. It allows you to place text in a separate and stylized area while adding visual interest to your page. Knowing how to use text boxes in Google Docs can greatly enhance the readability and design of your document. In this article, we’ll explore step-by-step instructions for inserting text boxes, as well as tips, tricks, and real-world use cases.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s get started with the basics. Here’s a step-by-step guide for inserting text boxes in your Google Docs document.
Step 1: Open a new or existing Google Docs document
To begin, open up a new or existing Google Docs document that you want to add a text box to.
Step 2: Click on the “Insert” menu
Next, navigate to the “Insert” menu located on the top toolbar of your screen.
Step 3: Select “Drawing” from the drop-down menu
In the “Insert” menu, select “Drawing” from the drop-down menu. This will open up a new drawing canvas where you’ll create your text box.
Step 4: Choose “New” to create a new drawing
Once you’re in the drawing canvas, select “New” from the toolbar to create a new drawing.
Step 5: Click on the text box icon in the toolbar
In the drawing canvas, click on the text box icon located in the toolbar on the left-hand side. This will insert a text box onto your drawing canvas.
Step 6: Insert text into the text box
With the text box now inserted, you can begin typing your text into the box. You can also copy and paste text from other parts of your document or from external sources.
Step 7: Customize and adjust the text box as desired
You have the option to customize your text box in many ways. For example, you can change the font, font size, and font color. To access these options, click on the text box and then navigate to the toolbar at the top of the page.
Step 8: Insert the text box into the desired location in the document
Finally, once you’re satisfied with your text box, you can insert it into your document. Click on “Save and Close” in the top right-hand corner, and your drawing will be added to your document as an image. You can then move it around and resize it to fit your needs.
Video Tutorial
If you’re a visual learner or prefer watching someone walk you through the process, then check out our video tutorial on how to insert text boxes in Google Docs.
Introduction to the video tutorial
In the video tutorial, we’ll cover all the steps necessary to insert a text box into your Google Docs document.
Voiceover explaining the steps in real-time
Throughout the video, there will be a voiceover explaining each step in real-time. You can pause and rewind the video as needed to follow along.
Demonstration of inserting a text box in a Google Docs document
The video will demonstrate the process of inserting a text box step-by-step. This can be a useful supplement to the written guide.
Tips and tricks shared throughout the video
Finally, the video will also include tips and tricks for using text boxes effectively in your Google Docs documents. This includes customization options, best practices for layout, how to avoid common mistakes, and more.
Tips and Tricks
Now that you know how to insert text boxes in Google Docs, let’s explore some tips and tricks for using them effectively.
Using text boxes to emphasize text
One of the main benefits of using text boxes is that they allow you to emphasize certain parts of your text. For example, if you have a quote or statistic that you want to draw attention to, you can place it in a text box and style it in a way that stands out from the rest of your text.
Example scenarios:
- Highlighting a customer testimonial in a marketing pitch deck
- Emphasizing a research finding in an academic paper
- Adding a fun fact to a travel brochure
Organizing content with text boxes
Another way to use text boxes is to organize content within your document. For example, you can insert a text box with bullet points summarizing the main points of your article or presentation.
Best practices for layout:
- Use plenty of white space around your text box for readability
- Align your text box with other elements on the page, such as headings or images
- Consider using a different background color or border to differentiate your text box
Adding visual interest to a document with text boxes
Text boxes can also add visual interest to an otherwise plain document. Customize your text box with colors, font styles, and borders to make it stand out.
Customization options:
- Change the font type, size, and color
- Add a border or drop shadow to the text box
- Change the background color of the text box
Other useful tips for working with text boxes
Here are a few more tips and tricks for effectively using text boxes:
- Resize your text box by clicking and dragging the corners
- Use the alignment options to center or justify your text within the box
- To move your text box, click and drag it to the desired location
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When working with text boxes, there are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to avoid.
Mistake 1: Forgetting to create a new drawing
If you try to insert a text box without first creating a new drawing, you’ll be unable to access the text box tool. To prevent this mistake, always create a new drawing before trying to insert a text box.
Explanation of how to avoid this:
When you open up your Google Docs document, navigate to the “Insert” menu and select “Drawing.” Then choose “New” to create a new drawing. From there, you can insert your text box and customize it as desired.
Mistake 2: Not customizing text boxes for readability
Another mistake is not tailoring your text box to fit the content you’re presenting. Text boxes that are too small, cluttered, or difficult to read can detract from your message.
Tips for text box adjustments:
- Use a larger text box for longer chunks of text
- Increase the font size for improved readability
- Use a light background color and dark text color for contrast
Other common mistakes and how to avoid them
Here are two more common mistakes to avoid when working with text boxes:
- Overusing text boxes and cluttering your document
- Ignoring the alignment and spacing of your text box on the page
Use Cases
Now that you know how to use text boxes effectively, let’s look at some real-world examples of how they can be used.
Example use cases for text boxes in Google Docs:
- Infographics
- Advertisements
- Flyers
Real-world examples of effective text box usage:
- The Atlantic’s article on wildfires uses text boxes to highlight key statistics and quotes from experts
- The New York Times’ article on climate change uses text boxes to summarize the main findings of their research
- The Spruce Eats’ recipe article uses text boxes to list shortcuts and tips for cooking the dish
Conclusion
Text boxes are a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing the design and readability of your Google Docs document. Whether you’re highlighting important information, organizing your content, or adding visual interest, knowing how to use text boxes effectively will improve the quality of your work. With this guide’s step-by-step instructions, video tutorial, tips, and tricks, you’ll be inserting text boxes like a pro in no time.
