Adding a frame in Microsoft Word can give your documents a polished, professional look. Whether you’re working on a school project, a resume, or a flyer, framing text or images can help them stand out. In a few simple steps, you can easily add a frame to your Word document. This guide will walk you through the process and provide helpful tips to ensure your documents look their best.
How to Add a Frame in Word
Adding a frame in Word is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. By following these steps, you can enhance the appearance of any text or image in your document.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Word
First, open your Microsoft Word program. This should be done before any other steps.
Ensure Word is launched and you have a document open. If you don’t have a document ready, create a new one by selecting "New Document" from the File menu.
Step 2: Select the Text or Image
Next, select the text or image to which you want to add a frame.
Click and drag your mouse over the text, or click on the image to select it. Make sure your selection is highlighted.
Step 3: Go to the Format Menu
Navigate to the "Format" menu in the top toolbar.
Depending on your version of Word, this might be labeled differently. In some versions, you may need to click on "Drawing Tools" or "Picture Tools" to find the appropriate formatting options.
Step 4: Choose Border Options
In the Format menu, find and select the "Borders and Shading" option.
This is usually located under a Borders section. Clicking this will open a new dialog box where you can customize your frame.
Step 5: Customize Your Frame
Customize the frame by selecting the style, color, and width you prefer.
Experiment with different styles to see what looks best for your document. You can also add shadow effects or 3D effects if desired.
Step 6: Apply the Frame
Click "OK" to apply the frame to your selected text or image.
Once you’ve customized your frame to your liking, click the "OK" button to see your changes applied to your document.
After completing these steps, your selected text or image will be framed, adding a professional touch to your document.
Tips for Adding a Frame in Word
- Experiment with Styles: Don’t be afraid to try different frame styles to see which one complements your document the best.
- Use Consistent Framing: Ensure that all frames in the document match for a cohesive look.
- Adjust Frame Size: Make sure the frame size is appropriate for the text or image. Too large or too small frames can look awkward.
- Consider Page Borders: For a more unified look, you can add borders to the entire page in addition to individual text or image frames.
- Preview Before Finalizing: Always preview your document before finalizing to ensure the frames look as intended.
Frequently Asked Questions about Adding a Frame in Word
Can I add a frame to an entire page?
Yes, you can add a border to an entire page. Go to the "Design" tab, select "Page Borders," and customize your border settings.
How do I remove a frame once it’s added?
To remove a frame, select the text or image, go back to the "Borders and Shading" menu, and choose "None" under the border settings.
Can I use custom border styles?
Yes, you can create custom borders by selecting "Custom" under the "Borders and Shading" options and adjusting the style, color, and width.
Will the frame print out with the document?
Yes, frames added in Word will print out with your document, provided your printer settings are configured to print graphics.
Is there a way to add shadow effects to frames?
Yes, you can add shadow effects through the "Borders and Shading" dialog by selecting the shadow option in the style section.
Summary
- Open Microsoft Word.
- Select the text or image.
- Go to the Format menu.
- Choose Border Options.
- Customize your frame.
- Apply the frame.
Conclusion
Adding a frame in Word is a simple yet powerful way to enhance the visual appeal of your documents. With just a few clicks, you can transform plain text or images into eye-catching elements that draw attention and convey a sense of professionalism. Whether you’re preparing a report, creating promotional materials, or designing a resume, mastering the art of adding frames can significantly improve your document’s presentation.
For further reading, consider exploring more advanced formatting techniques in Word, such as adding watermarks, using themes, or working with styles. Each of these features can help you create more polished and visually appealing documents. Now that you know how to add a frame in Word, try experimenting with different styles and settings to see what works best for your needs. Happy framing!

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.