Got annoying boxes in your Microsoft Word document that are driving you up the wall? You can easily get rid of them with a few quick steps! Whether they’re text boxes, check boxes, or borders around your text, this guide will show you how to remove them so your document looks clean and professional. Let’s dive right in!
How to Remove Boxes in Word
In this section, you’ll learn the steps to delete any type of box in your Word document. This will make your document look more polished and easier to read. Ready? Let’s get started!
Step 1: Open Your Document
The first thing you need to do is open the Word document that you want to edit.
Make sure that you have the document opened where the unwanted boxes are. This will allow you to make the necessary edits.
Step 2: Select the Box
Next, click on the box that you want to remove.
When you click on the box, you should see small squares or circles appear around the edges. This indicates that the box is selected and ready to be modified.
Step 3: Press Delete or Backspace
After selecting the box, hit the "Delete" or "Backspace" key on your keyboard.
This action will remove the box from your document immediately. Be careful to ensure that only the box is selected and not any other part of your text.
Step 4: Remove Borders Around Text
If your document has unwanted borders around text, go to the "Design" or "Format" tab and select "Borders" > "No Border."
This will remove any border that might be surrounding your text, giving it a cleaner look.
Step 5: Save Your Document
Finally, don’t forget to save your changes. Click "File" > "Save" or press "Ctrl+S."
Saving your document ensures that all your edits are preserved. You don’t want to go through the process of removing boxes again!
After following these steps, your document will be free of those pesky boxes, and you’ll be left with a clean, organized file.
Tips for Removing Boxes in Word
- Double-check if the box is an image or a text box. The steps might differ slightly.
- If you accidentally delete text, use "Ctrl+Z" to undo.
- Right-click offers additional quick-edit options.
- Consider using the "Show/Hide" feature to see hidden formatting marks.
- Save a backup of your document before making major changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the box is part of a header or footer?
To remove a box from a header or footer, you need to double-click the header or footer area, then follow the same steps to select and delete the box.
Can I remove multiple boxes at once?
Yes, by holding the "Ctrl" key and clicking each box, you can select multiple boxes and delete them all at once.
Are there keyboard shortcuts for these steps?
Yes, "Ctrl+S" saves your document, and "Ctrl+Z" undoes the last action. These shortcuts can speed up your editing process.
What if the box contains important content?
If the box contains important content, consider copying the text to another part of your document before deleting the box.
How do I know if the box is invisible?
Invisible boxes might not have visible borders. You can still select and delete them by clicking around the area where you suspect the box is.
Summary
- Open your document.
- Select the box.
- Press Delete or Backspace.
- Remove borders around text.
- Save your document.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Removing boxes in Word is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance the clarity and appearance of your documents. No more distracting borders or unwanted text boxes to clutter your work. Now that you know how to remove these boxes, you can tackle any Word document with confidence.
If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more advanced Word features to further streamline your document editing. Whether you’re preparing a school project or a professional report, mastering these small, yet impactful, details can make a world of difference. Happy editing!

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.