Creating See-through Text Boxes

Word allows you to create text boxes in your document. These can be used to create special document elements, such as sidebars or boxed text. There may be times when you want the text box to be transparent, meaning that whatever is behind the text box shows through. There are two ways you can handle this: you can either make the text box partially transparent, or make it fully transparent. To control the transparency in Word 97 or later versions, follow these steps:

1. Place your text box, as normal.
2. Right-click on the text box. Word displays a Context menu.
3. Choose Format Text Box from the Context menu. Word displays the Format Text Box dialog box.
4. Make sure the Colors and Lines tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
5. Click the Semitransparent check box if you want a "ghost image" of what is behind the text box to show through.
6. If you want the text box to be fully transparent, use the Color setting in the Fill area to choose No Fill.
7. Display the Layout tab in Word 2000 or later versions or the wrapping tab for Word 97. (Click here to see a related figure.)
8. Make sure the wrapping style is set to None.
9. Click on OK.

If you are using Word 6 or Word 95, the process is a bit different.

1. Place your text box using the tools on the Drawing toolbar, as normal.
2. Right-click on the text box. Word displays a Context menu.
3. Choose Format Drawing Object from the Context menu. Word displays the Drawing Object dialog box.
4. Make sure the Fill tab is selected.
5. Set the Color setting to None.
6. Make sure the Patterns setting is set to None.
7. Click on OK.