Use Text Boxes: MS Word

There may be times in MS Word when you want to position a block of text independently or wrap text around it, similar to what you have done with pictures. To do this, you would use a text box.

Adding a text box is just one of the features found on the Drawing toolbar.

You might want to add text, such as a caption, to a picture or to create a pull quote, an interesting bit of text with a contrasting format that is used in newsletters to draw in the reader. You can also use text boxes for articles in a newsletter that aren't a part of the main article, independent from the snaking columns you've set up.

While you can begin with existing text and place it into a text box, you get more control when you begin with the text box and place the text inside.

Follow the steps below:

1. Launch MS Word if you haven't already done so.
    
2. Click the Drawing button to display the Drawing toolbar.
    
3. Click the Text box button. Your document immediately changes to Print Layout view, and the mouse pointer turns into crosshairs.
    
4. Drag anywhere on the page to draw the box.

An empty box appears, surrounded by a thick border with eight sizing handles.

The insertion point is placed inside the text box, ready for you to type or paste the text. Format the text as usual, and click outside the text box to return to the main part of your document.

That wasn't so difficult now was it?

(c) Carol Bratt, all rights reserved. Used with permission. Duplication is forbidden without express consent of author. Visit Carol's web site to learn more tips like this one!