Text boxes in Microsoft Word are graphic elements that contain editable text. You add these objects to documents for extra visual appeal or to call out sections of text within the document.

Adding Gray Text Boxes in Word. Adding a text box to a Microsoft Word document is an effective way to make certain sections of text stand out on the page; for example, the text for an image ...

Add a text form field to a Word 2003 document by clicking the "ab" button on the Forms toolbar. Microsoft A gray box appears with five small circles side-by-side.

If the text box won't resize in Word or Excel, check if the document is opened in the Compatibility Mode, and convert it to a newer format.