May 26, 2026

How to Insert a Text Box in Google Docs (3 Ways, 2026)

Google Docs Text Box Documents How-to Formatting Productivity

Unlike Word, Google Docs has no single “Text box” button — but there are three dependable ways to add one. The Drawing tool is the most flexible; a single-cell table is the simplest; a shape works when you want a colored callout. Here’s each method.

1. The Drawing Tool (Most Flexible)

This is the standard way and gives you full control over borders, fill, and position.

Click where you want the box, then go to Insert > Drawing > New.
In the drawing toolbar, click the Text box icon (a T inside a small box).
Click and drag on the canvas to draw the box, then type your text.
Use the toolbar to set the font, text color, border weight/color, and fill color.
Click Save and Close to drop it into the document.

To edit it later, double-click the box to reopen the drawing editor.

2. A Single-Cell Table (Simplest)

If you just need a bordered box that sits inline with your text, a 1×1 table is the quickest route:

Go to Insert > Table and choose the 1×1 grid.
Type your text inside the cell.
Drag the cell’s edges to resize, and right-click > Table properties to change the border color, width, or cell background.

This box stays in the text flow and moves with your paragraphs — handy for highlighted notes.

3. A Shape (For Colored Callouts)

Want a rounded or colored callout box? Use a shape inside the Drawing tool:

Insert > Drawing > New.
Click the Shape icon, choose a rectangle (or rounded rectangle), and draw it.
Double-click the shape to type text inside it.
Set the fill and border, then Save and Close.

Move, Resize, and Wrap Text

Once a drawing or shape text box is in your document, click it once to reveal the layout options below it:

In line — the box behaves like a character in the text.
Wrap text — body text flows around the box (best for sidebars and callouts).
Break text — text stops above and resumes below the box.

Drag the box to reposition it, and drag a corner handle to resize. With Wrap text selected, you can also set the margin spacing between the box and surrounding text.

Troubleshooting

I can’t move the text box freely

Single-cell tables stay in the text flow and can’t float. For a box you can drag anywhere, use the Drawing method and choose Wrap text.

My text box disappeared behind text

Click it and switch the layout from In line to Wrap text or Break text so it sits as its own object.

Editing the text is awkward

For Drawing-tool boxes, you must double-click to reopen the drawing editor — you can’t type directly on the page. If you edit often, a single-cell table is easier.

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