How to Delete a Text Box in Google Slides: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Remove a Text Box in Google Slides

So, you’ve got a text box on your slide that you didn’t mean to add — happens to the best of us. Removing it is straightforward, though it can be a bit fiddly if you’re not quite sure where to begin. Just a few clicks (or a couple of key presses) and your slide will be looking snazzier in no time.

Quick tip: Want to save a bit of time? If the text box is selected, press Delete (on Windows or Chromebook) or Backspace (on a Mac).

What to Know Before You Start

Keep in mind, once you delete a text box, it’s gone for good unless you undo immediately. Use Ctrl + Z on Windows/Chromebook, or Cmd + Z on Mac to bring it back.

Heads up: This applies in the Google Slides web app — no downloads needed.

The usual keyboard shortcuts work here, like right-clicking and choosing ‘Delete’, though some folks find that a bit old-school.

Open Your Presentation

Start by heading to slides.google.com and signing in. Find your presentation and open it in your preferred browser.

You can navigate through your slides with the left sidebar or just use the arrow keys if that’s easier.

Select the Text Box

Now, click on the text box you want to remove. A blue border should appear, indicating it’s selected.

Pro tip: Click directly on the border to avoid accidentally selecting other objects nearby. Seems simple, but it can save a lot of hassle.

Deleting It

With the text box highlighted, just press the Delete key, and voilà — it’s gone. Alternatively, right-click and choose Delete. It’s entirely up to your style.

If you make a mistake, just hit the undo shortcut mentioned earlier — it’s your safety net.

More Tips for Handling Text Boxes in Google Slides

Before hitting delete, think about whether you might want to keep some of that text. If so, cut it out first so you can paste it back later if needed.

To cut, simply press Ctrl + X (Windows/Chromebook) or Cmd + X (Mac). Easy as.

Remember, deleting a box also deletes all the text inside. If you want to save some info, highlight it first and copy with Ctrl + C (Windows/Chromebook) or Cmd + C (Mac) before deleting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Text Box Deletion

Can I recover a deleted text box?

Absolutely! Just press Ctrl + Z (on Windows or Chromebook) or Cmd + Z (on Mac) right after deleting, and it’ll be back in a jiffy.

You can also find the undo option in the Edit menu if you prefer clicking around.

Does deleting a text box remove its content too?

Yes, when you delete a box, all its content goes with it. If there’s anything you want to keep, copy or cut it before hitting delete.

Can I delete multiple text boxes at the same time?

Yes, you can! Hold down Shift and click on each text box you want gone, then press Delete or Backspace.

Extra tip: Use Ctrl + A (Windows/Chromebook) or Cmd + A (Mac) to select everything on a slide if needed — just watch out not to delete anything accidentally.

Is there a limit to how much I can delete at once?

Nope! You can delete as many objects as you like, no restrictions from Google Slides.

How does removing a text box affect my slide layout?

Getting rid of a large text box can shift things around a bit, so you might need to tweak other elements to keep your slide looking its best. Drag-and-drop makes repositioning easy, or you can use the options in the Arrange menu.

Wrapping It Up

Deleting text boxes in Google Slides is a handy skill for creating a polished presentation. Keep these tips in mind — using Delete or undo shortcuts — and you’ll be tidying up slides like a pro in no time. Just remember, once you hit delete, it’s gone unless you undo quickly!

After deleting, take a moment to check your slide’s layout and alignment. Feel free to experiment with positioning and formatting for the best visual balance.

  • Open your presentation in Google Slides.
  • Select the text box you want to remove.
  • Press Delete (Windows/Chromebook) or Backspace (Mac) to delete it.

A little tip that might save you from future headaches — happy slideshows!