How to Put a Border Around Text in Google Slides

A border around text in Google Slides makes titles, callouts and key points stand out. Borders are applied to the text box (or shape) that holds the text, using the Border color, Border weight and Border dash buttons on the toolbar. This guide shows how to add, style and remove borders, plus how to outline the letters themselves or put a border around a whole slide.

Quick Answer

Click the text box’s edge to select it. On the toolbar, click Border color (pencil) and choose a color, then use Border weight to set the thickness and Border dash for a dotted or dashed style.

Add a Border to a Text Box

1. Click the text, then click the edge of the text box so the box (not the cursor) is selected.
2. Click Border color (pencil icon) and choose a color. The border appears.
3. Click Border weight (lines icon) and pick a thickness, such as 2px or 4px.
4. Click Border dash to choose solid, dotted or dashed.

Add padding by resizing the box, or use Format options > Text fitting to adjust the inner padding.

Add a Background Fill Behind the Text

With the text box selected, click Fill color (paint bucket) for a colored background. Combine fill and border for callout boxes.

Use a Shape for Rounded Corners

1. Click Insert > Shape > Shapes and choose a rounded rectangle.
2. Draw it on the slide, then double-click inside to type.
3. Style the border and fill with the same toolbar buttons.

Outline the Letters Themselves

Google Slides doesn’t have a text outline option for letters. Workarounds:

• Use Insert > Word art: type your text, then set Border color and Border weight to outline each letter, and Fill color for the inside.
• Add a drop shadow with Format options > Drop shadow for contrast.

Put a Border Around the Whole Slide

1. Choose Insert > Shape > Shapes > Rectangle and drag it across the slide.
2. Set Fill color to Transparent and choose a border color and weight.
3. Right-click it and choose Order > Send to back.

To add it to every slide, edit the layout in Slide > Edit theme and place the rectangle there.

Remove a Border

Select the text box, click Border color, and choose Transparent.

To add sketches, see how to draw on Google Slides on iPad.

To recolour shapes too, see changing shape colours in Google Slides.

Troubleshooting

• Border buttons missing: the cursor is inside the text. Click the box edge to select the object.
• Border doesn’t print: make sure it isn’t transparent and the weight is visible; very thin borders may disappear when printed small.
• Text overflows the border: resize the box or reduce font size; turn on Autofit in Format options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a border in the mobile app?

Yes. Select the text box, tap the Format (A) icon, open Shape, and set Border color and weight.

Can I apply the same border to many boxes?

Select several boxes with Shift and style them together, or use Paint format.

Does this work in Google Docs?

In Docs, use a one-cell table or Format > Paragraph styles > Borders and shading.

Summary

1. Select the text box edge.
2. Set Border color, weight and dash.
3. Use shapes for rounded boxes and Word art for outlined letters.
4. Set Border color to Transparent to remove it.