Google Docs

How to Insert Shapes in Google Docs

February 17, 2021

Are you looking for a solution that’ll make your Google Docs more interesting? Do you struggle to find an option to insert a drawing or an image into your document to make it stand out? And do you wonder how to add text to speech bubbles?

Many people have the same issues. They can’t seem to find a command to insert different shapes in their Google Docs.

Fortunately, the solution is simple. In this guide, you’ll learn about tools in Google Docs that enable you to insert any shape you want and make your document more interesting. Moreover, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you customize the shapes.

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How to Insert Shapes: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Inserting shapes into Google Docs is relatively simple once you’re familiar with the steps. But did you know it’s possible to insert different kinds of shapes? For example, you can add circles, callouts, a drawing, speech boxes with text, and much more.

For most Google Docs users, this can sound overwhelming. But don’t worry! Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have no issues adding any shape to your document.

Add Shapes with the Google Drawing Tool

Google Drawing tool is the easiest way to add interesting shapes to Google Docs. Being a relatively simple function that almost any Google Docs user can master, it allows people to draw various shapes and diagrams. But keep in mind that it isn’t an advanced tool, so forget about creating complex shapes.

Here’s how to take advantage of the Google Drawing tool:

  • Open Google Docs.
  • Hover over the “Insert” tab from the main menu and choose “Drawing,” and then “New.”
insert new drawing
  • A pop-up “Google Drawing Tool” window will show on your screen. Click on the “Shape” button from the menu. It looks like a circle over a square.
insert shape
  • From the drop-down menu, click on the shape you want to draw. You can select “Shapes,” which allows you to draw basic shapes, “Arrows” for different arrow shapes, or “Equation” to insert equation symbols.
  • Once you’ve chosen the shape, use the mouse to draw it in the drawing area. You can make it as small or as big as you like.
create shape in drawing space
  • When you’re done, click on “Save and Close.”
  • The shape will appear in your Google Docs.

It’s possible to leave the shape the way it is. But if you want to make it more interesting, here’s how to do it:

  • Before clicking on “Save and Close,” it’s possible to format the shape in your document. The formatting options are visible in the “Google Drawing Tool” menu bar.
  • Click on the bucket icon to choose the color of your shape. It can be solid or gradient. Or customize it.
  • Then, tap on the pen icon to change the border color.
  • Next to this option, there will be three horizontal lines to adjust the border width.
  • Tap on the “T” sign to add the text box.
  • Use a mouse to draw the writing space on your drawing.
  • Type the text you want.
  • Click outside the shape to turn off the text box.
insert shapes

All these tools allow you to customize your drawing and create something unique.

Add Speech Bubbles

Did you know you can add speech bubbles with text to your document? This option will make words stand out more:

  • Open Google Docs
  • Tap on “Insert,” choose “Drawing,” and select “New.”
  • Click on the “Shape” icon and choose “Callouts.”
  • Select the speech bubble and draw it.
  • Double-tap on it to add any text.
  • Finish by clicking on “Save and Close.”

That’s it! You’ve added a speech bubble with the text. Your document will look much more exciting.

insert speech bubble

Add Shapes Using Images

Another method to add shapes to your document is to insert an image from third-party programs such as Photoshop.

  • Open Google Docs.
  • Click on the “Insert” tab and select “Image.”
  • Choose “Upload from computer.”
  • Find the drawing on your computer and tap on it.
  • Then, click on the “Insert” button to add it to your document.
  • To resize it, simply drag the corners of it inside or outside.
  • Right-click on the drawing and then tap on “Image options.”
  • There will be a menu with different editing functions. You can change the image transparency, brightness, and much more.
upload image from computer

Alternatively, you can insert a drawing from the internet. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open Google Docs.
  • Click on “Insert” and choose “Search the web.”
  • Find the image you like and tap on it to add it to the document.

Explore Google Docs Shape Options

We hope you now understand how to insert shapes in Google Docs. We’ve shown you various steps that enable you to add a drawing from your computer or use in-built Google Docs functions to insert unique figures. You also now know how to add text to any shape. We are certain your documents and text will now stand out and look even better!

Kevin Kessler
Kevin J. Kessler is a published author of five fantasy novels, a professional wrestler, and a puppeteer (not all at the same time). Kevin is a content writer at Codeless.
Kevin Kessler
Kevin J. Kessler is a published author of five fantasy novels, a professional wrestler, and a puppeteer (not all at the same time). Kevin is a content writer at Codeless.