---
title: "How to add a border in Google Docs"
description: "Google Docs doesn't offer a feature specifically designed for creating borders. But there are workarounds. Here are two ways to add a border in Google Docs."
image: "https://images.ctfassets.net/lzny33ho1g45/5LgNoaJ8dOotOnBwEUR1js/a86173ff0fc1bd01d74becc48afa9b8d/google-docs-hero-neutral.png"
---

# How to add a border in Google Docs

Google Docs doesn't offer a feature specifically designed for creating borders. But there are workarounds. Here are two ways to add a border in Google Docs.

If you've gone through every [Google Docs](https://zapier.com/blog/how-to-use-google-docs/) dropdown in search of an option to create a border around your document, I'm sorry to report that search was in vain. Google Docs doesn't offer a feature specifically designed for creating borders like Microsoft Word does, but there are a couple of workarounds. 

Here, I'll show you how to add a border in Google Docs in two ways. 

**Table of contents**: 

- [How to add a border in Google Docs using the shape tool](#shape-tool)
- [How to add a border in Google Docs by inserting a table](#table)

## How to add a border in Google Docs 

Unfortunately, [Gemini for Google Docs](https://vendors.selectsoftwarereviews.com/redirect/1767832546892x707334240001589200?p=1715808885462x244895206427328500) can't help you add a border (yet), so you'll have to do it manually.

### How to add a border in Google Docs using the shape tool 

1. Click **Insert** > **Drawing** > **New**.

2. Click the **Shape** icon > **Shapes** > **Rectangle** icon.

3. Draw a roughly rectangular shape (you don't have to get it perfect here).

4. Optionally, adjust the _Fill color_, _Border color_, and _Border weight_. If you plan to include text on your page, I suggest using the _Transparent _fill color or a color that adds enough contrast against your text color.

5. Click **Save and Close**.
6. You can then edit the size and shape of your border within the document by clicking and dragging.

**Need to add text within the parameters of your border?**

1. Click the rectangle in your document.
2. In the floating toolbar, click the **Behind text** icon.

You're all set. 

The one downside to using the shape tool to add a border in Google Docs is that, if you need to change the border's appearance, you can't view the changes in real time. Instead, you have to edit the shape in a popup, save your changes, and then view it on your doc. 

If you'd prefer to view your border edits in real time, try inserting a table for a border instead.  

### How to add a border in Google Docs by inserting a table 

1. Click **Insert** > **Table** > choose a 1 x 1 cell.

2. A box will appear in your document. Click and drag it to fill the whole page or to whatever parameters you want.

3. To [edit the border style](https://zapier.com/blog/remove-table-borders-in-google-docs/), click **Format **> **Table** > **Table Properties**.

4. Here's a rundown of the _Table properties_ options you're most likely to modify if you're using the table as a border:

- **Cell**: You can adjust the _Cell vertical alignment_ (where your text begins) to _Top_, _Middle_, or _Bottom_. To create more space between the border and the text, modify the _Cell padding_.
- **Color**: You can adjust the border color, thickness, and fill.

In my opinion, using a table to add a border is _slightly_ more user friendly. But whichever method works better for you, go for it. 

## Automate Google Sheets

Adding a border is one of the more time-consuming document-formatting tasks in Google Docs. To make up for all that time suck, turn your document into a [Google Docs template](https://zapier.com/blog/create-google-docs-template/), which you can then autopopulate from any other app with Zapier. Learn more about [how to autopopulate a Google Docs template](https://zapier.com/blog/create-autopopulate-google-docs-template/), or get started with this workflow.

**Related reading**: 

- [How to create effective document templates](https://zapier.com/blog/how-to-make-document-template/)
- [How to use Google Docs version history](https://zapier.com/blog/google-docs-revision-history/)
- [Google Docs features to improve your workflows](https://zapier.com/blog/google-docs-features/)
- [How to create a table of contents in Google Docs](https://zapier.com/blog/table-of-contents-google-docs)
- [How to add a checkbox to Google Docs](https://zapier.com/blog/checkbox-google-docs)