Everyone knows you can create text boxes in MS Word. They certainly come in handy at times. I have clients in law offices that use them to create line numbering in a sidebar and other clients who use them to box text, like I do when creating a tutorial that includes screen shots. There could be a time however, when you might like whatever is behind your text box to be visible.
There are a couple of ways to accomplish this:
- You can make your text box partially transparent; or
- Completely transparent.
Follow the steps below to learn how:
- Create your text box as you normally would.
- Right-click on your text box to display a Context menu.
- Select Format Text Box from the context menu to display the dialog box.
- Be certain the Colors and Lines tab has been selected.
- Click the Semitransparent check box for a ghosted image of what is behind your text box to be visible.
- If you want your text box to be fully transparent, use the Color setting in the Fill area to select No Fill.
- Display the Layout tab.
- Be certain the Wrapping style is set to None or In Front of Text.
- Click on OK.
Versions 2003, 2007, 2010


