How to Insert a Text Box in Google Slides
Short Answer
How do you insert a text box in Google Slides?
Go to the slide and click Insert › Text box at the top. Google Slides adds the text box to the slide, and you can then arrange or format it however you want. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then N X.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Insert › Text Box. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Using the Menus
- Go to the slide where you want the text box.
- At the top, click Insert › Text box.
- Arrange or format the text box however you want.
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides has no shortcut for this.
The PowerPoint-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Slides presentation.
- Go to the slide where you want the text box.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). PowerPoint-style key-tips appear.
- Press N, then X. ShortieCuts runs “Text Box”.
When the ALT route helps: Alt, N, X is the Text Box key-tip on PowerPoint's Insert tab. With ShortieCuts it starts a text box in Google Slides too.
More Google Slides How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt SH | Skip Slide |
| Alt AOK | Send to BackBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + Down arrow |
| Alt GH | Change Theme |
| Alt KT | Add Transition |
| Alt HU | Bullet PointsBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 8 |
| Alt HL | Change Layout |
FAQ
Is there a keyboard shortcut to insert a text box in Google Slides?
Google's keyboard shortcut list for Google Slides doesn't include one. Go to the slide and click Insert › Text box at the top. Google Slides adds the text box to the slide, and you can then arrange or format it however you want. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then N, then X.
Does Alt + N + X work in Google Slides?
Not on its own. Google Slides has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + N + X there won't insert a text box. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then N, then X, and ShortieCuts runs its "Text Box" command.
How do I insert a text box in Google Slides on a Mac?
The steps above work the same way on a Mac. With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then N, then X.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.