Erratic 'invisible' text box in Word

Question

Hi all,

I have a very strange problem. There is a text box in my document that is only visible in Preview mode. I am trying to delete it, but to no avail. I have tried Select All > Objects, I have used Inspect Document, I have looked to see if it's in a header/footer, but it is not found ... other than in Preview mode (doesn't show in Draft mode or Print mode).

Do anyone have an idea of how I can locate this text box so that I can delete it?

Thanks in advance,

Sharon R.

Answer 1

Hi SharonRoffey,

As per you document, I figured it out, the Text box is hidden inside "Artwork details" heading when I collapse/Expand it will show up Text box and I deleted Text box as per your requirement. See image below for your reference:

I just send you corrected file via PM, please access and get you Word file.

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best Regards

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 2

Hi SharonRoffey,

As per your description, I know you already tried Select All > Objects in the Editing group under Home tab, but you are still unable to find text bob in your Word document.

First, please   make sure you are viewing your document in Print Layout view. If you are viewing your document in some other view, then you won't be able to see some of your graphics, including text boxes.

If the text box is still not visible, then you should check to make sure that the display of drawings hasn't been turned off. Follow these steps:

1.Open problematic Word document, click the File >click Options

2. Click Advanced at the left side of the dialog box.
3. Scroll through the options until you can see the Show Document Content section. 

4.Make sure the Show Picture Placeholders check box is cleared.

5.Make sure the Show Drawings and Text Boxes on Screen check box is selected.

6.Click on OK.

Provided you are still viewing the document in Print Layout view, you should be able to see any text boxes. If you still can't see it, it could be possible that the text box is formatted for no line and no fill and that the text it contains is formatted as hidden. If you suspect this is the case, try to Zoom out on your page so that you can see it all on the screen.  Then you click Select> Select Objects. Click and drag to create a selection box around the entire page. When you release the mouse button, any objects on the page should be selected. You can then delete them.

If you are still having problems locating and getting rid of the text box, you can try a macro approach. The following macro will step through all the shapes defined in the document and delete them. This is a great approach if the offending text box is the only shape in your entire document.

If you can't sort it out, and if it is convenient for you, could you please send me a copy of the document file so that I can take a look from my side, and I will investigate the issue and help you to check Fix it.?

If there is confidential information, then you can send it to me in Private Message

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best Regards

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 3

Hi Waqas Muhammad,

I really appreciate the detail of your reply. I had actually used the Advanced > Show document content and it was set as indicated in your screen capture. I am working in Print View and the box just isn't there!! Its format matches my usual modus operandi, i.e. a regular text box with an outline and highlighted content.

I have tried the zoom out option you suggest, still no deal.

It's not a confidential document, just a three page form with form fields. If it helps you to know this, I had uploaded it to Google Drive so that people can download it to complete the form. It was only when I started receiving those downloaded/completed forms that I saw the text box.

I will send you the original document. As mentioned in my earlier post, I can see the text box when I view it in the Preview Pane (Windows 10), but that is the only way to see it.

I am usually very self-sufficient when it comes to these app woes, but this one has me well and truly beaten!

Thanks again!

Sharon

Answer 4

Hi SharonRoffey,

Thanks for your valuable feedback and share updates with us. I will work on your provided file and I will updates you here ASAP.

I appreciate your understanding and stay safe!!

Best Regards

Waqas Muhammad

Answer 5

Thank you, Waqas Muhammad!

So, expand/collapse. That's one thing I didn't try and one great lesson.

I really appreciate your fix.

Best,

Sharon