Hi prusco, You said: <<<<The background doesn't have to be changed if you change font size. It's not a case of defining a "text box" -- just create the text and change the foreground and background colors.>> <<Just like this, even if the font size changes - it works.>> I don't understand that. HOW does one change the background color for individual word or parts of lines of text? I mentioned text boxes in my original question only because I don't see any other way to accomplish what I want. At the time, I said text boxes are too cumbersome. In Word 2002, when I select some text and click on Format, I see options for color or outline or strikethrough or size etc., however, I don't see any way to change the background behind the selected text. When I click Format | Background..., it changes the background of the entire document. How to change background behind only selected text? Thank you, Ray Shapp ************************************************************* You are receiving this mail because you subscribed to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or MicrosoftOffice@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To send mail to the group, simply address it to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To Unsubscribe from this group, visit the group's homepage and use the dropdown menu at the top. This will allow you to unsubscribe your email address or change your email settings to digest or vacation (no mail). //www.freelists.org/webpage/mso If you are using Outlook and you see a lot of unnecessary code in your email messages, read these instructions that explain why and how to fix it: http://personal-computer-tutor.com/abc3/v28/greg28.htm *************************************************************