Adding a border around text in Canva can instantly make your designs pop and highlight important information. The quickest way to add a solid line border is using a simple keyboard shortcut.
How to Add a Border Around Text in Canva
You can add a border around text in Canva using several methods, ranging from quick shortcuts to utilizing design elements and shapes.
Method 1: Using the Shortcut for a Solid Border
For a fast and straightforward solid line border around a section of text, Canva offers a specific shortcut:
- Select Your Text Box: Click on the text box you want to frame.
- Apply the Shortcut: Press Alt + Shift + B on your keyboard (for Windows users). This instantly adds a solid line border around your selected text box.
After applying the shortcut, you can customize the border's appearance by selecting the text box and using the options in the toolbar (e.g., changing border color, thickness, or style if applicable to the element generated).
Method 2: Adding Shape Borders
Using shapes is a versatile way to create custom borders with more control over appearance.
- Add a Text Box: Place your text on your Canva design.
- Insert a Shape: Go to Elements in the left-hand sidebar and select Shapes. Choose a rectangle or square.
- Position and Resize: Drag the shape behind your text box. Adjust its size to frame your text perfectly, ensuring a border effect.
- Send to Back: Right-click on the shape and select Layer > Send backward or Send to back to place it behind your text.
- Customize the Shape:
- Fill Color: Click the color tile in the toolbar to change the shape's fill color.
- Border Color/Weight: If you only want an outline, set the shape's fill color to transparent (the striped square option) and then use the Border Style icon (a square outline) in the toolbar to add and customize the border color and weight.
- Group Elements (Optional but Recommended): To move your text and border together, select both the text box and the shape (click and drag a selection box over them or hold Shift and click both). Then, click Group in the toolbar.
Method 3: Utilizing Frames and Graphic Elements
Canva's Elements library contains a wide variety of pre-designed frames and graphic borders that you can use.
- Search for Borders or Frames: In the left-hand sidebar, click Elements. In the search bar, type "frames," "borders," "text borders," or "decorative borders" to explore different options.
- Choose and Place: Browse the results and click on a frame or border element to add it to your canvas.
- Position and Resize: Drag the element to surround your text. Resize it as needed to fit your text box.
- Adjust Layers: Ensure the border element is behind your text by right-clicking and selecting Layer > Send backward or Send to back.
- Customize (if applicable): Some graphic frames allow color changes, while others are fixed. Check the toolbar options after selecting the element.
Related Concept: Text Outline Effect
While not a border around a text box, the "Outline" text effect creates a border on the letters themselves. This is useful for making text stand out.
- Select Text: Click on your text box.
- Access Effects: In the top toolbar, click Effects.
- Choose Outline: From the "Style" options, select Outline.
- Customize: Use the sliders and color picker to adjust the outline's Thickness and Color.
Choosing the Right Border Style
Here's a quick comparison of the methods to help you decide:
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shortcut | Quick, simple solid line borders | Extremely fast; straightforward. | Limited customization options for the border itself (style is fixed). |
| Shape Borders | Custom sizing, background colors, precise fits | High control over border thickness, color, and background fill. | Requires manual positioning and grouping. |
| Graphic Elements/Frames | Decorative, unique, artistic borders | Wide variety of pre-designed styles; adds visual interest. | May not be fully customizable (e.g., color, line style). |
| Text Outline Effect | Making individual letters pop | Enhances readability of text against busy backgrounds; easy to apply. | Applies to the text, not around the text box. |
Pro Tips for Borders Around Text
- Consistency: Use borders consistently throughout your design for a cohesive look.
- Grouping: Always group your text and its border (shapes or elements) together. This ensures they move and scale as a single unit, preventing misalignment. To group, select both items and click Group in the toolbar.
- Readability: Ensure your border color and style don't overshadow or clash with your text, maintaining good readability.
- Accessibility: Consider contrast. High contrast between your text and its background/border makes your design more accessible to everyone.
