Although Microsoft Word is the most well-known text editor out there, for many people, Google Docs is a close second. You can replicate almost all the things you want from Microsoft Word on Google Docs, and a few unique things too. Another feature common between the two tools is the ability to add borders to document pages. In this article, we will demonstrate how you can add borders in Google Docs. Although you can’t add borders in Google Docs with a native feature, there are several workarounds in place that can help you.
How to add borders in Google Docs
Since there isn’t an actual border feature in Google Docs, you can add objects to your document and give it the appearance of having a border. Let’s look at the three ways in which you can do that.
- Add borders using a table cell
- Add borders by inserting the drawing of a box
- Insert an image as a page border
1] Add borders using a table cell
This is the easiest way in which you can add borders to the three. The technique here is to use a single cell and add text inside it, so it gives the appearance of a page border. For that, just follow the steps discussed below:
- Open the Google Docs homepage and create a new document
- Click on the Insert tab > Table and click to add only one table cell (1×1)
- An empty table cell will be added to the document. You can now expand its dimensions, both vertically and horizontally, and stretch its borders out to the ends of the document
- This would give your page the appearance of a border
Not only can you add a page border this way, but you can also customize it. Below the Tools tab is the Border Color option. You can click on it and add the same or 4 different colors to the 4 sides of this cell border.
Read: How to add a Border to an image in Google Docs
2] Add borders by inserting the drawing of a box
Another way around the topic at hand is to insert an object in the document, preferably one in the shape of a box, and insert text inside it to make it look like a page border.
- Open Google Docs and create a new document
- Click on the Insert tab, select Drawing and click on New
- In the resultant dialog box, click on the Shapes option and select the rectangle/box icon
- You can now draw a rectangle-shaped object in the box presented, resize it the way you want and once you’re done, click on Save and Close
It doesn’t matter if the size you choose isn’t compatible at first, since you’ll always have the chance to edit it in the document. This border, like with a 1×1 table, is also customizable. The default background color here is blue, but it can be changed by clicking on the Edit icon.
3] Insert an image as a page border
Thirdly, you can also use an image from the web as a page border. This isn’t a fool-proof solution to the topic, but a viable solution nonetheless.
- Open Google Docs and click to open a blank, new document
- Click on the Insert tab, select Image, and further click on Search the web
- This will open a separate dialog box on the right of the screen with a search prompt
- Type “Border” and press enter
- Click on the most suitable border image and select Insert
The border created this way is also customizable i.e., you can adjust its size, or how it should be positioned concerning the text in the document.
How do you decorate Google Docs?
There are several formatting options on Google Docs that you can use to make your document look aesthetically pleasing. You can add all kinds of handmade or geometric shapes, add subscripts or superscripts using the Format option, or even make decorative tables.
Does Google Docs have templates?
A simple document template may not cater to all your needs, but worry not, since there are several built-in templates in the application. Not only is there an extensive document template gallery, but you can also create your templates on it.
We hope that you find this helpful.
