'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Add Borders Around Text in Word for iPad
Question details
The user wants to know how to add borders around specific text elements in Microsoft Word for iPad without access to the standard desktop formatting tools.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to apply text borders or shading to visually emphasize text in a document on an iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The Borders and Shading dialog box, standard on Windows and Mac desktop versions, is completely missing from the Word for iPad interface.
Ensure your Word app is updated to the latest version, and be aware that the mobile applications intentionally feature a simplified ribbon compared to their desktop counterparts.
Use Text Highlighting as a Workaround
Since native text borders are unsupported on iPad, applying text highlights provides a similar visual emphasis for important document sections.
Microsoft Word for iPad does not include the complete Borders and Shading commands available on desktop versions. Text highlighting is the officially recommended workaround for drawing attention to text on mobile devices.
Double-tap or drag your finger over the specific text you want to emphasize in your document.
Tap the 'Home' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
Tap the 'Highlight' icon (which resembles a marker) and select a color to apply to your chosen text.
Apply Borders Using the Desktop Application
Apply the exact border formatting using a Windows or Mac computer, then view the formatted document on your iPad.
Experience Rich Text Formatting with WPS Office
Frustrated by missing formatting tools on mobile devices? Try WPS Office. It provides a comprehensive, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring seamless document editing across iPad, Windows, and Mac.
- 1. Install the app: Download WPS Office for free from the Apple App Store on your iPad.
- 2. Open your document: Launch the app and open your existing .docx file directly.
- 3. Format with ease: Use the comprehensive formatting tools available in the mobile ribbon to style your text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will text borders added on a desktop show up in Word for iPad?
Yes, if you apply text borders using Word for Windows or Mac and save the document, the borders will generally display properly when viewing the document in Word for iPad, even though you cannot edit them from the app.
Can I draw a shape around the text instead of using borders?
Yes, you can insert a rectangle shape from the 'Insert' tab, set its fill to 'No Fill', and carefully position it over your text. This acts as a makeshift border but requires manual adjustment if the text moves or expands.
Is Microsoft planning to add the Borders and Shading dialog to the iPad version?
Microsoft frequently updates its mobile applications, but many advanced desktop formatting tools remain exclusive to Windows and Mac. You can submit feature requests through the 'Help & Feedback' section within the Word app's settings.
