Expert: Laith Ibrahim - 2/15/2008

Question
Hi, I add a simple type tool to define a rectangular region and I can type in it. I would like the box to be colored and outlined, although I apply these, the bounding box doesn't show and the color of the box does not show. I have "Show bounding box" enabled, and I can resize the box.

Answer
Hi Douglas,
The "Show Bounding Box" is used to get the resizing handles. It's not related to what you want to achieve.
Here's what you need to do to get the text box filled with a fill and stroke:

1. Use your text tool to click and drag a text box and type something. Adjust your paragraph setting to flush the text to the left or right or make it centered.

2. Select the "direct Selection Tool" from the tool menu (it's the white arrow, 2nd from top).

3. We need to click on the edge of text box which is invisible if the box is not selected. To be able to see the edge of the box by just hovering the mouse over he box, go to "View/Smart Guides". When you move your mouse now using the white arrow (Direct Selection Tool) the edges will show. Click on the edge (not inside the box) of the text box. If the edge is selected properly, the corners will be small white squares.

4. Now with the edge selected change the fill color and stroke of the box to any colors you want.

5. Perhaps you would like to change the location of the text you typed inside the text box. You probably would like it more centered, right? You can fix the position by selecting the text box (with the selection Tool "black arrow") and then under "Type" in the menu at top, select "Area Type Options". You can change the numbers in "Offset" and "First Base Line" until you get your desired location.

That's it!

Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Best regards,

Laith