Removing a text box in Word is a simple task that can be completed in just a few clicks. First, click on the border of the text box to select it. Then, press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard, and voila! The text box is gone. But what if there’s more to it? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to ensure you remove that pesky text box without a hitch.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Remove a Text Box in Word
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s important to understand that following these steps will permanently remove the text box from your document. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to it forever, consider copying the text somewhere else first.
Step 1: Click on the Text Box
Click on the border of the text box that you wish to delete. This will select the text box and you’ll see a new “Format” tab appear on the ribbon.
When you select the text box, make sure you click on its border. If you click inside the text box, you’ll only select the text, not the box itself. The “Format” tab is important because it gives you additional text box tools, but for removal, you won’t need it.
Step 2: Press ‘Delete’
With the text box selected, press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard. This should remove the text box from your document.
If the text box doesn’t disappear after pressing ‘Delete’, double-check that you’ve selected the border and not the text inside. Sometimes, text boxes can be layered on top of each other, so make sure you’ve selected the right one.
After you complete these steps, the text box will be removed from your Word document. If you had any text inside the box, it would be deleted as well. If you need that text, make sure to copy it elsewhere before deleting the box.
Tips: How to Remove a Text Box in Word
- If you’re having trouble selecting the text box, try clicking on the edge of the box.
- Make sure that you’re not in “Read Mode” as you can’t delete text boxes in this mode.
- If there is more than one text box, you’ll need to delete them one at a time.
- If the ‘Delete’ key doesn’t work, try right-clicking on the text box and selecting ‘Cut’.
- Remember to save your document after removing the text box, so you don’t lose any other changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo the deletion of a text box?
Absolutely! If you accidentally delete a text box, simply press ‘Ctrl + Z’ on your keyboard to undo the action.
What if the ‘Delete’ key doesn’t remove the text box?
If pressing ‘Delete’ doesn’t work, try right-clicking on the text box and selecting ‘Cut’. This should remove it.
How do I remove the text inside the text box without deleting the box?
To remove the text and not the box, click inside the text box, select all the text (Ctrl + A), and then press ‘Delete’.
Can I save the text before deleting the text box?
Yes, you can. Simply select the text inside the text box, copy it (Ctrl + C), and paste it (Ctrl + V) somewhere else in the document or in a new document.
Why can’t I select the text box?
If you can’t select the text box, make sure you’re not in “Read Mode” or that the document is not protected.
Summary
- Click on the border of the text box to select it.
- Press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.
Conclusion
Removing a text box in Word might seem like a no-brainer, but sometimes, it can get a little tricky, especially when you have multiple boxes or need to save the text. It’s all about selecting the right area and making sure you’re in the correct mode for editing. Whether you’re tidying up a document or making room for new content, knowing how to remove a text box properly is a handy skill in your Word toolkit. Always remember to double-check before hitting that delete key, and don’t forget to take advantage of undo functions if things go south. Happy editing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.