Document Editing Problems

How to Ungroup Objects and Edit Text Boxes in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to edit individual text boxes but is unable to separate or ungroup grouped objects in Microsoft Word.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to edit specific content within a grouped set of text boxes or objects in a Word document.
Observed behavior: The text boxes are locked in a group and cannot be ungrouped using the standard command, preventing edits to individual objects.

Before you start

Ensure your document layout is set to Print Layout, as object selection tools and the Shape Format tab may not function properly in Read Mode or Web Layout.

Solution 1Recommended

Edit Text Boxes Without Ungrouping

You can modify text directly inside a grouped object without separating the entire group, preserving your layout.

Microsoft Word allows you to select individual elements within a group. This is the safest method if you only need to change text and want to keep the grouping intact for easy document formatting.

Select the Group

Click once on the grouped object to highlight the entire group boundary.

Select the Individual Text Box

Click a second time directly on the specific text box you wish to edit within the group. A secondary selection box will appear around just that element.

Modify the Text

Click inside the highlighted text box to place your cursor, and type or edit your text as needed.

Layout Preserved: By editing the text box without ungrouping, you avoid accidentally shifting other shapes out of alignment.

Solution 2

Ungroup the Objects via the Shape Format Tab

If you need to move, resize, or delete individual text boxes independently, you will need to ungroup the objects.

WPS Office Writer

Easily Manage and Ungroup Objects with WPS Office

WPS Office provides an intuitive interface for handling complex document layouts. You can seamlessly group, ungroup, and edit text boxes with full compatibility for Microsoft Word documents.

1. Open your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the grouped text boxes.
2. Select the Object: Click on the grouped text boxes to highlight the entire selection.
3. Navigate to Drawing Tools: Click on the 'Drawing Tools' tab that appears on the top ribbon.
4. Ungroup the Elements: Click the 'Group' icon and select 'Ungroup' from the dropdown list to separate the objects.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) formats.Intuitive Shape and Drawing Tools for quick object grouping and ungrouping.Free and lightweight alternative for seamless document editing.Familiar ribbon interface requiring zero learning curve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Ungroup option grayed out in my document?

The Ungroup option can be grayed out if the document is saved in an older compatibility mode, if the document is protected/restricted from editing, or if the selected object is an embedded image or chart rather than a grouped shape.

Can I regroup text boxes after I finish editing them?

Yes. After editing, select one object, hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac), click the other objects you want to group, then go to the Shape Format tab and click Group > Regroup.

How do I group multiple text boxes together initially?

Hold down the Ctrl key (Windows) or Command key (Mac) and click the border of each text box you want to group. Once all are selected, go to Shape Format > Arrange > Group, and select Group.

Document & File Issues