how to add border on google docs

Jane Haynes

2 min read

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05-09-2024

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Adding borders to your document can significantly enhance its appearance, making important sections stand out. Whether you want to highlight a specific paragraph, create a framed text box, or delineate sections, Google Docs provides simple yet effective ways to accomplish this. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to add borders in Google Docs.

Why Add Borders?

Borders can serve various purposes, such as:

• Highlighting important information: Draw attention to key points or quotes.
• Creating a clean layout: Organize content visually for better readability.
• Styling documents: Enhance the overall aesthetic of your document.

Methods to Add Borders in Google Docs

There are two main methods to add borders in Google Docs: using tables and drawing shapes. Below, we will explore both methods.

Method 1: Using Tables

Adding borders via a table is one of the most straightforward approaches. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Borders with Tables

1. Open Your Google Docs Document: Go to Google Docs and open the document you want to edit.

2. Insert a Table:

   • Click on the Insert menu in the top toolbar.
   • Select Table and choose a 1x1 table.

3. Resize the Table:

   • Click and drag the edges of the table to adjust its size to fit your text or desired area.

4. Add Content:

   • Type or paste the text that you want to be enclosed within the border.

5. Customize the Border (Optional):

   • Right-click on the table and select Table properties.
   • In the sidebar, you can change the border color, border width, and cell padding to customize your table’s appearance.

6. Remove Table Background (Optional):

   • While still in the Table properties, find Cell background color and select None to remove any background color.

Method 2: Using Drawing Tool

If you want more flexibility with the border’s style and shape, using the Drawing tool can be a great option.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create Borders Using the Drawing Tool

1. Open Google Docs: Access your document.

2. Insert Drawing:

   • Click on Insert in the toolbar.
   • Select Drawing, and then click on + New.

3. Draw a Shape:

   • In the Drawing panel, select the Shape icon from the toolbar.
   • Choose a shape (like rectangle) and draw it on the canvas.

4. Add Text:

   • Click on the Text Box icon and draw a text box inside the shape.
   • Enter your text in the text box.

5. Customize Your Border:

   • Select the shape to change the border color and border weight using the toolbar options.

6. Save and Close:

   • Once you’re satisfied with the design, click Save and Close to insert it into your document.

Tips for Effective Use of Borders

• Consistency: Keep border styles consistent throughout your document for a polished look.
• Simplicity: Sometimes less is more; don’t overcrowd your document with too many borders.
• Purposeful Placement: Use borders strategically to emphasize important sections or separate distinct topics.

Conclusion

Adding borders in Google Docs is a powerful way to enhance the visual appeal of your documents. Whether you prefer using tables or the Drawing tool, the steps outlined in this article should help you create effective borders that improve clarity and style. Now that you know how to add borders, experiment with them in your next document to see how they can elevate your content!

Related Articles

• Formatting Text in Google Docs
• Using Headings to Organize Your Document
• How to Create Lists in Google Docs

Feel free to explore and make your Google Docs a delightful place for your readers!