Formatting Issues

How to Draw One Box Around a Group of Images and Text Boxes

WPS Editor Sep 25, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to enclose a group of images and text boxes within a single unified border instead of having individual outlines around each object.

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Trying to apply a single bounding box or border around multiple combined graphical elements in a document.
Observed behavior: The word processor outlines each image or text box individually instead of drawing one unified border around the entire grouped object.

Before you start

Ensure all the images and text boxes you want to enclose are properly aligned, positioned, and grouped together on your document before adding the bounding box.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Transparent Rectangle to Enclose the Group

Draw a new rectangle shape with no fill to act as a single border around the grouped objects, then group it with the original elements.

Since word processors natively apply borders to the individual elements within a group rather than the group's bounding box, creating a separate transparent shape is the most reliable workaround.

Insert a rectangle

Navigate to the Insert tab, click on Shapes, and select the Rectangle tool. Draw the rectangle over your group of images and text boxes.

Remove the shape fill

With the new rectangle selected, go to the Shape Format (or Drawing Tools) tab. Click on Shape Fill and select No Fill so your underlying objects become visible.

Adjust the boundaries

Click and drag the sizing handles of the rectangle to perfectly fit the boundaries of your grouped objects.

Group the objects together

Hold down the Shift or Ctrl key and click both the transparent rectangle and your original group. Right-click the selection and choose Group > Group so they move together as a single unit.

Use a Transparent Rectangle to Enclose the Group

Precision Tip: For highly accurate placement, select your original group and note its Height, Width, Left, and Top values in the formatting pane, then manually apply these exact dimensions to your newly drawn rectangle.

Solution 2

Use an Add-in to Match Bounding Box Dimensions

Utilize a third-party add-in like THOR to automatically size and position a rectangle to match the group's exact bounds.

Use WPS Writer for Easy Object Grouping

Easily Group and Outline Objects with WPS Office

WPS Writer provides intuitive drawing, formatting, and object alignment tools. It allows you to seamlessly group multiple text boxes and images, and effortlessly layer transparent shapes to create custom borders.

1. Open your document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing your images and text boxes.
2. Group your items: Hold Ctrl, select all your elements, right-click, and select 'Group'.
3. Add the border shape: Go to the Insert tab, select Shapes, and draw a Rectangle over the group.
4. Make it transparent: In the Drawing Tools menu on the right, set the Fill to 'No Fill' and customize the Line color.
5. Finalize the group: Select both the border and the grouped objects, right-click, and select 'Group' again to lock them together.

Intuitive shape formatting and object grouping controls.High-precision alignment and sizing menus for pixel-perfect borders.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formats.Lightweight, fast, and free to use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does grouping objects add individual outlines instead of one big box?

When you group objects and apply a border or outline formatting, the word processor applies the style to the individual graphical elements inside the group rather than the invisible bounding box containing them. Adding a separate, unfilled shape around the group is the standard way to achieve a single border.

Can I lock the transparent rectangle so it moves with my images?

Yes. Once you have drawn and positioned the transparent rectangle, hold the Shift or Ctrl key to select both the rectangle and your existing group. Right-click on the selection and choose Group > Group. They will now move and scale as a single object.

How do I make the border line thicker or change its color?

Select your newly drawn bounding rectangle. Navigate to the Shape Format or Drawing Tools tab, click on Shape Outline, and use the dropdown menu to choose your preferred color, line weight (thickness), or dash style.

Will the transparent box interfere with clicking the text boxes inside?

Usually, a shape with 'No Fill' allows you to click through the transparent areas to select objects underneath. However, if you find it difficult to edit the text boxes, you can temporarily send the border shape to the back by right-clicking it and selecting Send to Back > Send Backward.

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