To link two text boxes in Word, first insert and position at least two text boxes with content in the first one. 1. Select the first text box, go to the Format tab under Drawing Tools. 2. Click Create Link in the Text group, then click the second text box to connect them. Ensure text boxes are not empty or already linked, and check for proper formatting if linking fails. You can chain multiple text boxes, but avoid grouping them with other objects and test the layout beforehand. Break links via right-click options when needed.

Linking two text boxes in Word is a handy feature when you want to create flowing text across multiple sections of a document, like in newsletters or multi-column layouts. Here’s how to do it without getting lost in the menus.

Set Up Your Text Boxes First

Before linking, you need to have at least two text boxes on your page.

• Insert them by going to the Insert tab > Text Box > choose one or draw a custom size.
• Position them where you want — they can be side by side, stacked, or even on different pages.

Make sure the first text box has some content already. If you try to link an empty box, there won’t be anything to flow into the next one.

How to Link the Text Boxes

Once your text boxes are ready, linking them is straightforward:

1. Click the first text box to select it.
2. Go to the Format tab under Drawing Tools (this tab only appears when a text box is selected).
3. Click Create Link in the Text group.
4. Your cursor will change to a pouring icon — click on the second text box to connect them.

Now, when the first text box fills up, the overflow text will automatically move to the linked text box.

What to Do When It Doesn’t Work

Sometimes linking doesn’t behave as expected. Here are common issues and fixes:

• Text boxes aren’t formatted correctly: Make sure both are regular text boxes, not shapes with text added.
• Already linked text boxes: A text box can only be part of one link chain. If you’re trying to link one that’s already connected elsewhere, it won’t work until you break the existing link.
• No overflow happening? Check if the first box actually has enough text to overflow. Also, make sure the second box isn’t locked or formatted to prevent resizing.

If you need to undo a link:

• Right-click the text box.
• Choose Break Forward Link (or Break Link depending on your version).

Tips for Managing Linked Text Boxes

Linked text boxes are powerful but can get tricky in complex documents. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• You can chain more than two text boxes — just repeat the Create Link process.
• Keep an eye on layout flow; linked boxes that jump between pages may cause formatting issues.
• Don’t group linked text boxes with other objects unless you’re sure about how grouping affects editing.

If you're working on a design-heavy document, test the layout with sample text before finalizing everything.

That’s basically all you need to know to link two text boxes in Word. It’s not complicated, but it does require attention to detail so everything flows smoothly.

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