Remove an Invisible Box When Selecting Text in WPS Writer
Question details
The user needs to remove an invisible, non-printing box that appears around selected text in WPS Writer but cannot be selected or deleted.
- Product
- WPS Writer
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- While editing a Word-compatible document in WPS Writer, an invisible box appears around selected text and is highlighted when searching for graphics.
- Observed behavior
- The box does not print, cannot be selected with Select Objects, and cannot be deleted through normal text selection.
Open the document in WPS Writer and use the Selection Pane by clicking Home > Select > Selection Pane. This lists objects on the page and helps identify whether the invisible box is a text box, frame, shape, or table cell border.
Use the Selection Pane to Select and Delete the Invisible Object
Use this method first when the box is a floating text box, frame, or drawing object that is not easily clickable in the document body.
An invisible box around selected text is usually a non-printing object anchored to the text, such as a text box, frame, or shape. The Selection Pane reveals these objects even when they are hidden behind text or marked as non-printing.
In WPS Writer, open the affected document, click the Home tab, then click Select > Selection Pane.
In the Selection Pane list, look for a text box, rectangle, or unnamed shape that corresponds to the area around the selected text.
Click the object name in the list, then press Delete or right-click and choose Delete Object.
Remove a Table Cell Border or Header Object Causing the Box
Use this method when the Selection Pane does not list the object and the box appears around a paragraph, table cell, or header content.
Remove Hidden Text Boxes, Frames, and Borders in WPS Writer
Use WPS Writer's Selection Pane, Select Objects tool, and border settings to identify and delete the invisible box around selected text. This keeps the document clean in Word-compatible .docx files without affecting printed output.
- 1. Open the document: Launch WPS Writer and open the Word document that contains the invisible box.
- 2. Turn on visibility aids: On the Home tab, click Select > Selection Pane to list all objects on the current page.
- 3. Locate and delete the object: Select the suspicious text box, rectangle, or frame in the list, then press Delete.
- 4. Remove border formatting: If the box remains, select the affected text or table cell, right-click, choose Borders and Shading, and set the border to None.
- 5. Save and verify: Save the document and preview or print to confirm the box no longer appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an invisible box appear around selected text in WPS Writer?
It is usually a non-printing object such as a text box, frame, table cell border, or header shape. WPS Writer shows it when you select text or use Find because the object is anchored to that content but may be hidden behind the text or outside the body layer.
How do I open the Selection Pane in WPS Writer?
Open the document, click the Home tab, then click Select > Selection Pane. The pane lists all floating and inline objects so you can click one and press Delete.
Why can’t I select the box with Select Objects?
Select Objects only selects drawing objects in the body layer. If the box is in the header or footer, or is a table cell border, Select Objects will not catch it. Check the header layer or remove the border through Borders and Shading.
Will the invisible box print?
No, most non-printing frames, text box boundaries, and selection boxes do not print. If the box appears only on screen, it is likely a formatting boundary rather than a printable border.
How do I remove a box that is actually a table cell border?
Select the cell or table, right-click, choose Borders and Shading, and set the border to None. This removes the visible cell outline without deleting the text.
