How to Fix WordArt or Text Box Not Opening in Microsoft Word
Question details
The user is unable to open or use the WordArt and Draw Text Box commands within Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Attempting to insert a Text Box or WordArt object into an existing document.
- Observed behavior
- When selecting WordArt or clicking the Draw Text Box command, the feature stops responding or fails to open the text box.
Before proceeding with system-level repairs, create a brand-new blank document and try inserting a text box to determine if the issue is with the Word application itself or isolated to a specific corrupted file.
Check for Restricted Editing and Recreate the Object
Verify that the document is not locked for editing and bypass potential file corruption by recreating the objects in a fresh file.
If WordArt or the Text Box tool only fails in one specific document, the file may have restricted editing applied or contain corrupted elements. Removing protection or transferring the content to a new document usually resolves this.
Open the problematic document, navigate to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon, and click on 'Restrict Editing'. If the document is protected, click 'Stop Protection' at the bottom of the pane and enter the password if prompted.
Go to File > New > Blank document. Navigate to the Insert tab and try to use the Draw Text Box or WordArt command. If it works perfectly here, the original document is likely corrupted.
In the corrupted document, press Ctrl+A to select all text, then hold Shift and press the Left Arrow key to deselect the final paragraph mark. Copy the content (Ctrl+C) and paste it (Ctrl+V) into your new blank document, then recreate your Text Box.
Update or Repair Microsoft Office
Resolve underlying software glitches causing the application commands to freeze by repairing the Office installation.
Experience Flawless Document Editing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Word continues to freeze or fail when inserting Text Boxes and WordArt, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative that perfectly supports all Microsoft Word formats, ensuring a smooth and familiar editing experience without the unexpected glitches.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Install the Software: Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to quickly set up WPS Office on your device.
- 3. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word document to seamlessly add text boxes and WordArt without any unresponsiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Draw Text Box greyed out in Microsoft Word?
The Draw Text Box option usually grays out if the document is opened in Protected View, if editing is restricted by the author, or if the document is saved in an older format running in Compatibility Mode. Upgrading the document format or removing restrictions via the Review tab can enable the feature.
Can a corrupted document prevent WordArt from loading?
Yes, document corruption can break specific graphical layers and object commands like WordArt or Text Boxes. A common fix is to copy all text (excluding the very last paragraph mark) and paste it into a brand-new blank document.
How do I remove editing restrictions in Microsoft Word?
Go to the 'Review' tab on the ribbon, click on 'Restrict Editing' in the Protect group, and then click the 'Stop Protection' button at the bottom of the right-hand pane. You may be required to enter a password if the original author set one.
Why did my password-protected Word document open with extremely small text?
This is a known rendering glitch that can occasionally happen with protected documents or specific font scaling issues. Selecting the text (Ctrl+A) and manually readjusting the font size, or repairing the Office installation, usually corrects the display behavior.
