How to Find the Text Box Command in Microsoft 365 Word
Question details
The user needs to locate the Text Box command in the updated Microsoft 365 Word interface.
- Product
- Microsoft 365 Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Inserting a built-in text box or drawing a manual text box in a document.
- Observed behavior
- The Text Box command is difficult to locate due to interface redesigns, but it remains accessible via the Insert tab.
Ensure your Microsoft 365 Word application is updated and open a blank or existing document where you wish to add the text box.
Locate the Text Box Command via the Insert Tab
The standard and most direct method to find the Text Box feature in the Microsoft Word ribbon.
Despite interface updates in Microsoft 365, the core functionalities remain organized by tabs. The Text Box command is housed within the Insert tab alongside other add-in elements like shapes and charts.
Launch Microsoft 365 Word and open your document. Click on the 'Insert' tab located in the top ribbon menu.
Scan towards the right side of the Insert ribbon to find the 'Text' group section.
Click the drop-down arrow next to 'Text Box'. You can either choose one of the formatted built-in text box templates or select 'Draw Text Box' to manually drag and size a box anywhere on your page.
Use the Microsoft Search Bar
A fast alternative method if you cannot visually locate the command on the ribbon.
Try WPS Office for a Classic and Intuitive Interface
If you find Microsoft 365 Word's redesigned interface confusing or hard to navigate, WPS Office offers a free, lightweight, and highly intuitive alternative. It features a classic ribbon layout that makes finding essential tools like Text Boxes effortless, while maintaining seamless compatibility with your existing Word documents.
- 1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your text document in WPS Writer.
- 2. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Click on the 'Insert' tab located on the top ribbon.
- 3. Click Text Box: Click the 'Text Box' icon to select either a horizontal or vertical text box, then click and drag on the page to draw it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the border and background of a text box in Word?
Yes. Once you insert a text box, click on its border to select it. This reveals the 'Shape Format' tab on the ribbon. From there, you can use the 'Shape Fill' and 'Shape Outline' options to change background colors, border thickness, and line styles.
How do I link two text boxes together so text flows between them?
Select the first text box, navigate to the 'Shape Format' tab, and click 'Create Link' in the Text group. Your cursor will turn into a pitcher icon. Click on an empty second text box. The text will now automatically flow from the first box to the second when it becomes full.
Why is the Text Box command grayed out in Word?
The Text Box command may be disabled if your document is in 'Compatibility Mode' for an older version of Word, or if document protection and editing restrictions are enabled. Try saving the document as the newest .docx format via 'File > Save As' to restore functionality.
