Creating borders in Google Docs can give your document a polished look. Whether you’re designing a report, a newsletter, or just a plain document that needs some flair, adding borders is a simple task. You can easily use tables, the drawing tool, or even explore the paragraph styles to create a border around your text or your entire page. With a few clicks, you’ll have a neat and organized document that stands out.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on Creating Borders in Google Docs
Adding borders to a Google Doc can make it more visually appealing and organized. Let’s explore the steps to create different types of borders in your document.
Step 1: Use a Table for Borders
Create a one-cell table to frame your text and give it a border.
Inserting a single-cell table is the easiest way to add borders. You just go to “Insert” in the menu, select “Table,” and choose a 1×1 table. This method is straightforward and allows you to place any text or images inside a bordered box. Adjust the size to suit your needs and format the border line to your liking.
Step 2: Utilize the Drawing Tool
Draw a custom border using Google Docs’ built-in drawing tool for more control.
To use the drawing tool, click on “Insert” and then “Drawing.” Choose “+ New” to open a drawing canvas. Here, you can use shapes or lines to create your border. Once you’re satisfied, save and close the drawing. This option gives you more flexibility in designing your border but can be a bit more time-consuming.
Step 3: Adjust Paragraph Styles
Apply paragraph formatting to add borders around specific sections of text.
Google Docs allows you to format paragraphs with borders using the “Format” menu. Highlight the text you want to surround with a border, then click “Format,” “Paragraph styles,” and “Borders and shading.” Here, you can choose which sides to apply borders to and customize their appearance.
Step 4: Add Page Borders Using Google Drawings
For a full-page border, utilize Google Drawings and embed it into your doc.
Visit Google Drawings via Google Drive and create a new drawing. Design your border, then copy and paste it into your Google Doc. This method is perfect for creating aesthetic full-page borders that encompass all your content.
Step 5: Customize Border Styles
Experiment with line styles and colors to find the perfect look.
Whether using a table or the drawing tool, you can customize border lines by changing their thickness, style (solid, dashed, etc.), and color. This helps your document match your desired theme or branding.
After completing these steps, your document will feature the borders you’ve applied, adding a professional and organized touch to your work. You can always revisit these steps to tweak or remove borders as needed.
Tips for Creating Borders in Google Docs
- Explore Templates: Before starting from scratch, check if Google Docs templates have ready-made borders you can modify.
- Preview Your Work: Always preview your document to ensure the borders appear as intended on different devices.
- Consistent Styling: Maintain consistent border styles throughout the document for a cohesive look.
- Use Layers: When using drawings, arrange them properly so text isn’t hidden.
- Less is More: Avoid overly thick or decorative borders that can distract from the content.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove a border once it’s added?
You can remove a border by selecting the bordered area and choosing the option to format it without borders.
Can I apply borders to images in Google Docs?
Yes, you can click on the image, select “Format options,” and adjust the border options to add a border around your image.
Are there any shortcuts for adding borders?
Unfortunately, there are no keyboard shortcuts for adding borders directly; you must use the menu options.
Can I add borders to headers or footers?
While direct border options for headers and footers are limited, you can use tables or drawings within these sections for creative borders.
Do borders affect document printing?
Borders can affect print layout, so always print preview to ensure they appear correctly on paper.
Summary
- Use a table for borders.
- Utilize the drawing tool.
- Adjust paragraph styles.
- Add page borders using Google Drawings.
- Customize border styles.
Conclusion
Creating borders in Google Docs is a nifty way to make your documents more engaging and neatly organized. Whether you’re using tables for quick borders or exploring the drawing tool for custom designs, the possibilities are numerous. As you venture into using these tools, remember that simplicity often triumphs over complexity. A well-placed border can transform a plain document into something visually appealing and professional.
If you’re still curious about enhancing your Google Docs skills, consider exploring other features like adding headers, footers, or using add-ons for extended functionalities. There’s always something new to learn, which can elevate the quality of your documents.
For anyone looking to make their Google Docs stand out, mastering the art of creating borders is a great starting point. So, why not give it a try? You might discover a new favorite trick to add to your document arsenal.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech content online for more than ten years. He enjoys writing about Google Docs in addition to many other applications and devices and has cumulatively covered Google’s word-processing application in hundreds of different articles.
He has been published on dozens of popular websites, and his works have accumulated millions of pageviews.
While focused primarily on tutorials and guides for popular electronics like the iPhone and iPad, as well as common applications like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel, he covers topics across the entire technology spectrum.
You can read his bio here.