Eliminating Textbox Stroke In Microsoft Word: A Simple Guide

Microsoft Word allows users to insert text boxes to create headlines or highlight important text. By default, Word places a border around text boxes, which can be customized in terms of thickness, style, and colour. However, in some cases, users may prefer to remove the border altogether for a more minimalistic look. This can be achieved by accessing the Format tab, clicking on Shape Outline, and selecting No Outline to eliminate the border. Alternatively, users can modify the Format Shape settings by selecting No Line to achieve the same result. Removing the text box outline gives documents a cleaner, more professional appearance, but it's important to consider accessibility for users with visual impairments by ensuring appropriate colour contrasts and readability.

Removing the text box outline

Text boxes are a great way to highlight important text or create headlines in your Microsoft Word document. However, the default border around text boxes may not always align with your desired design. In some cases, you may want to remove the border altogether for a more minimalistic look. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Selecting the Text Box

The first step is to select the text box you want to modify. Go to the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon and click on Text Box in the Text section. Choose the type of text box that fits your needs, considering its shape, size, and placement.

Step 2: Accessing the Format Tab

Once you have selected the text box, go to the Format tab at the top of the screen. This tab allows you to personalise various elements of your document. In the "Format" tab, find the Text Box Styles section and click on it to reveal more options.

Step 3: Removing the Text Box Outline

To remove the outline of the selected text box, click on the Shape Outline option in the Text Box Styles section. From the dropdown menu, select No Outline to remove any visible borders around your text box. Alternatively, you can also select Transparent to achieve a similar effect.

Alternative Method: Changing the Text Box Outline Colour

Instead of completely removing the text box outline, you can also choose to change its colour to match your document's design. Here's how:

• Select the text box by clicking on its edge.
• Go to the Format tab at the top of the Word window.
• Click on Shape Outline to access the dropdown menu.
• From the menu, select a solid or gradient colour of your choice.
• Your selected colour will now be applied to the text box outline.

Important Considerations

While removing the text box outline can enhance the visual impact of your document, it may also affect accessibility for individuals with vision difficulties. To ensure readability, consider using contrasting colours or an alternative outline colour. Additionally, explore other formatting tools like font styles, spacing, and colours to further improve the overall design of your document.

Modifying the outline

Step 1: Open the Word Document

Start by opening the Word document that contains the text box you want to modify. Ensure that the document has at least one text box inserted.

Step 2: Select the Text Box

Click on the border of the text box you wish to edit. This will ensure that the text box is selected and ready for modifications.

Step 3: Access the Text Box Menu

Once the text box is selected, right-click anywhere inside the text box. This will open up the text box menu, providing various formatting options.

Step 4: Modify the Outline

In the text box menu, locate and click on the "Outline" icon. This will open another dialog box with outline options. From here, you can choose to modify the colour, thickness, or style of the outline. If you wish to completely remove the outline, select "No Outline" from the options. Alternatively, you can also select "Transparent" to achieve a similar effect.

Step 5: Deselect the Text Box

After making your desired modifications to the outline, click anywhere outside the text box to deselect it. Your changes will be automatically saved, and the text box outline will be updated accordingly.

It is important to note that removing the outline will not make the text box disappear; it will only remove its border, giving it a smoother and more minimalistic appearance. Additionally, you can always add the border back or switch the outline colour by following the same steps and choosing your preferred options.

By following these simple steps, you can easily modify the outline of a text box in Microsoft Word to suit your design preferences and create visually appealing documents.

Changing the format shape

Another way to remove the border from a text box in Microsoft Word is by changing the format shape. This method involves accessing the "Format Shape" dialog box and adjusting the line settings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Open the Word Document

Start by opening the Microsoft Word document that contains the text box you want to modify. Ensure that your document has at least one text box inserted.

Step 2: Select the Text Box

Click on the border of the text box to select it. This allows you to access the text box's formatting options.

Step 3: Open the Text Box Menu

Right-click anywhere inside the selected text box. This will open a menu with various formatting options.

Step 4: Change the Format Shape

At the bottom of the menu, locate and click on "Format Shape." This will open the "Format Shape" dialog box, usually on the right side of your screen.

Step 5: Adjust Line Settings

In the "Format Shape" dialog box, locate and click on "Line" to expand its menu options. From the "Line" menu, select "No Line" to remove the border from the text box. Make sure a dot appears inside the circle next to "No Line," indicating that it is selected.

Step 6: Exit the Format Shape Dialog Box

Once you have selected "No Line," it's time to exit the "Format Shape" dialog box. Click on the "X" mark in the top right corner of the dialog box to close it.

Step 7: Deselect the Text Box

Finally, click anywhere in the document outside the text box to deselect it. Now, observe that the border has been successfully removed from your text box in Microsoft Word.

This method provides a straightforward way to remove borders from text boxes, giving your document a cleaner and more minimalistic look. It is worth noting that you can also modify the outline or change the colour and thickness of the border to achieve a different visual effect.

Removing the text box border

There are several ways to remove the text box border in Microsoft Word. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Method 1: Modifying the Outline

• Open the Word document that contains the text box.
• Click on the border of the text box to select it.
• Right-click anywhere inside the text box.
• Click on the Outline icon.
• Select "No Outline" from the dialog box.
• Click anywhere in the document to deselect the text box. The border will now be removed.

Method 2: Changing the Format Shape

• Open the Word document with the text box.
• Click on the border of the text box to select it.
• Right-click inside the text box.
• At the bottom of the menu, click on "Format Shape".
• In the "Format Shape" dialog box, click on "Line" to expand its menu.
• In the "Line" menu, select "No Line". Ensure there is a dot inside the circle next to "No Line".
• Exit the "Format Shape" dialog box by clicking the "X" in the top-right corner.
• Click anywhere in the document to deselect the text box. The border will be removed.

Alternative Method: Changing the Text Box Outline Color

If you prefer, you can change the colour of the text box outline to match the background, effectively making the border invisible. Here's how:

• Select the text box by clicking on its edge with your mouse cursor.
• Click on the "Format" tab at the top of the Word window.
• Click on "Shape Outline" to access the outline settings.
• From the drop-down menu, select a solid or gradient colour that matches your document background.

Removing Text Boundaries

If you are seeing boxes around everything you type, you may have the "Show Text Boundaries" option turned on. To turn it off:

• Go to "File > Options > Advanced".
• In the "Show Document Content" tab, uncheck "Show text boundaries".
• Click "OK".

By following these steps, you can easily remove the text box border in Microsoft Word, giving your document a minimalistic and polished look.

Disabling 'Show text boundaries'

Disabling the "Show Text Boundaries" feature in Microsoft Word is a straightforward process that can enhance the cleanliness of your document's layout. This feature, which was changed in Word 2013 to display a pseudo-border around each paragraph, can be a nuisance for users who prefer a minimalistic look. Here's a step-by-step guide on disabling "Show Text Boundaries" in various versions of Microsoft Word:

For Microsoft Word 2007 and later versions on Windows:

• Go to the "File" tab, then click "Options".
• In the "Word Options" window, navigate to the "Advanced" section.
• Locate the "Show Document Content" section and uncheck the "Show Text Boundaries" option.
• Click anywhere in the document to deselect the text box.

For Microsoft Word 97-2003 on Windows:

• Go to the "Tools" menu, then select "Options".
• In the dialog box that appears, navigate to the "View" tab.
• Find the "Show Text Boundaries" option and ensure it is unchecked.
• Click "OK" to save the changes.

For Mac Users:

For Mac users, the process may vary slightly depending on the version of Microsoft Word installed. However, the general steps should be similar to the following:

• Go to the "Word" menu in the upper left corner of your screen.
• Select "Preferences", then choose the "View" icon.
• Locate the "Show in Document" area and uncheck the "Text Boundaries" option.
• Click "OK" to apply the changes.

Disabling "Show Text Boundaries" can provide a cleaner and less distracting view of your document, especially if you are not concerned about precise editing. It is worth noting that while this feature can improve the aesthetic of your document, it may make it slightly more challenging to identify and manipulate text boxes. However, for those seeking a minimalistic and polished look, disabling "Show Text Boundaries" can be a useful technique.

Frequently asked questions