Expert: Laith Ibrahim - 9/29/2008

Question
I saw another with the same question.  When I draw a text box and type I cannot enlarge the box.  Advice was given to draw the box not just start typing but this is what I already do. I cannot grab the corner with the selection tool, it only moves the entire box. The direct selection will only move each corner independently.

Answer
Hi Barb,
I have answered a similar question a few days ago. The solution is very simple; you need to show the bounding box to be able to resize the text box. You can do that either by pressing CTRL+Shift+B (CMD+shift+B for MAC) or select "View > Show Bounding Box" from the top menu. This will fix the issue and you'll be able to resize the text box.

Be aware that when you drag the corner handles only the text box changes in size. The font size will remain the same. To resize both the font size and the text box you need to use the "Free Transform Tool" from the tool box. If you don't know which one it is, here's what to do:
1. Select your text box
2. Press the letter "E" and your tool will change to the "Free Transform Tool"
3. While holding the "Shift" key Resize your text box from the corner handles.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance and I'll be happy to help you.

Best regards,

Laith