If you need to insert a text box or draw a shape, Google Docs makes it easy. Their drawing tool has many features that can add interest to your document.
Google Docs is popular software often used for editing and sharing documents. Part of editing your document is inserting a text box in Google Docs and inserting shapes, such as inserting arrows in Google Docs.
In this tutorial, we’ll cover how to insert shapes in Google Docs, and we’ll also cover how to add a text box in Google Docs. We’ll also cover how to edit and format your text box and shapes using the drawing tool in Google Docs.
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How to Add a Text Box in Google Docs
Text boxes are a necessary feature for adding text to your document. If you need to add text, you’ll have to know how to add a text box. Here’s how to add a text box in Google Docs:
1. Download a Premium Template
The first step in how to add a text box in Google Docs is to download a premium template. Envato Elements has thousands of premium templates. You can easily add a Microsoft Word template to Google Docs. For step-by-step instructions, read this tutorial.
In the Google Docs tutorial, we’ll use the Abstract Shape Stationary Letterhead template. This template can be edited in Microsoft Word, Photoshop, and Illustrator. It also comes with a matching envelope template. The Abstract Shape Stationary Letterhead template has three color variations that you can choose from.
Let's start the how to add a text box in the Google Docs tutorial. Download your selected stationary template and let's get started.
2. Insert the Text Box
To insert a text box in Google Docs, click on the Insert tab above the ribbon. Next, click on Drawing and +New. After you click on +New, a Drawing window appears.
3. Draw the Text Box in the Window
In the Drawing window in the ribbon menu, you’ll see a Text Box button. Click on that button and start drawing your text box.
Draw your text box by dragging your mouse in a diagonal line. A text box appears with blue lines and handles around it. Use the handles to adjust the size of the text box.
4. Enter the Text
After you’ve drawn your text box, click inside it. Once you see a blinking cursor, you can type your text.
5. Save and Close
To save your text box and the text, click on the blue Save and Close button.
Here's what the text box looks like on the stationary template we're using for this tutorial:
Drag the text box to where you'd like it to be. Now let's look at how to draw shapes in Google Docs.
How to Draw a Shape in Google Docs
Now that you've created a text box in Google Docs, you may also want to add a shape to your document. In this example I'll replace the logo the stationary template comes with a simple arrow logo that I create in Google Docs.
Before starting you'll want to delete any existing shapes or text from the area where you want to place the arrow logo.
In this tutorial section, we’ll show you how to insert arrows in Google Docs. (These steps work for other shapes as well.)
1. Use the Drawing Tool on the Insert Menu
First, click on the Insert button to insert arrows in Google Docs. From the menu, click on Drawing and then +New. After you click +New, a Drawing window appears. This is where you can choose what shape you want to insert.
2. Choose the Shapes Button
In the ribbon, there's a Shape button. This button can be used for adding arrows and other shapes in Google Docs. You can also use it to draw any shape you want.
Click on the Shape button. You’ll see four different shape options when you click on this button:
- Shapes
- Arrows
- Callouts
- Equation
You'll get more choices when you click on one of the options.
3. Draw and Save an Arrow Shape
Choose the shape you want to draw and drag your mouse to the blank area to draw it.
In this example, we're creating an arrow. So, we'll click on the Arrows option. Clicking on the Arrows option displays various types of arrows you can draw. Select the one that you'd like to use.
After you’ve drawn your shape, it’ll be outlined in blue with blue handles outside of it. Use the arrows to size your shape.
Click on the blue Save and Close button to save your shape. We're working towards creating something like this on the template:
How to Customize Text Boxes and Shapes in Google Docs
After you’ve learned how to insert shapes in Google Docs and how to add a text box in Google Docs, you can customize both your text box and shape. Let's start by editing the shape.
1. Edit the Text Box or Shape
The steps for editing a text box in Google Docs and a shape are the same. In this part of the tutorial, we'll change the color of the arrow we created and add text.
So, first click on the shape or text box you want to edit. In this tutorial, we’ll edit a shape to add text. A menu bar appears once you’ve clicked on the shape you want to edit. Click on the Edit button.
2. Change the Fill Color
Once you click on the Edit button brings up the Drawing window. To change the color of your shape, click on the Fill Shape button in the ribbon. Next, choose the color that you want your shape to be from the palette.
3. Add Text
If you want, you can add text inside your shape. You’ll need to create a text box in it to do this.
So, click on the Text box button. Once you click on this button, your cursor turns into a drawing tool. Draw your text box inside the shape. Once your text box is drawn, click inside to start typing.
4. Change the Border Color
You can change the border of your shape or text box in Google Docs. First, make sure that your shape is selected. Next, click on the Border Color button in the ribbon.
After you click on the Border Color button, a menu appears. Choose the color that you want. If you want your border to be invisible, click the Transparent button. Here's what the final document looks like:
Google Doc FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
If you want to learn more about Google Docs, then here are some helpful questions and answers:
1. How Do I Design My Google Docs Page?
The easiest way to have a good design for your Google Docs page is to use a template. If you don’t want to use a template or want to customize it, there are edits that you can make to create a great document layout. To learn about these customizations, read this tutorial:
2. Can I View the Word Count of My Document?
Yes, you can. Here's some quick steps to follow:
- Click Tools. Next, click on Word Count.
- When you click on this, a window appears with the word count.
Or you can use the keyboard shortcut ⌘+Shift+C.
3. How Do I Add a Header and Footer?
Headers and footers can be used for page numbers or a company name. So, it can be beneficial to know how to add a header and footer to your document. Here's some quick steps to follow:
- Click on Insert, then Headers and Footers.
- Click in the header or footer area and start typing.
For an in-depth tutorial, read this tutorial:
4. How Do I Change the Margins in Google Docs
Changing the margins can allow you to add more text. Adjusting the margins can also make your document look cleaner. Here are some quick steps to follow:
- Click on File, then Page Setup.
- A box opens where you can adjust the margins.
5. How Can I Show the Steps of My Project?
A flowchart is where you show the steps of a process or project. It’s a tool that can be used for many different purposes and to describe different processes. They can also be used to organize information to project plan effectively. Here’s a helpful tutorial on flowcharts:
The Best Source for Microsoft Word Templates (With Unlimited Use)
You can use a Microsoft Word template in Google Docs. You can upload and import it into Google Docs easily. Here’s a tutorial on uploading and importing a Word document into Google Docs.
Envato Elements has thousands of premium templates. To gain access to the templates, all you need to do is become a subscriber. When you become a subscriber, you gain access to premium Word templates, fonts, images, audio, and much more.
It's a great value because professionals make every template to look professional and stylish. Just because you're using a template doesn’t mean you must give up on customization. A good template is easily customizable.
Using a premium template saves you time because you start with a stylish base. Typically, a base has text placeholders and image placeholders. Most even have labeled sections, making developing ideas for your document easier. So, try taking advantage of this great deal by signing up for Envato Elements.
Download a Premium Template Today!
As you’ve seen Google Docs drawing tool makes it easy to add text boxes and shapes to your document. Now you know how to add a text box in Google Docs and how to insert shapes in Google Docs (especially how to insert arrows in Google Docs.
Try using that knowledge in your next document. To save time, try downloading a premium template today!
