How to Create a Text Box in Power BI Desktop (Titles & Annotations) Easily 2026
By Impran M N
A well-placed text box can turn a chart full of numbers into a report that actually explains itself. This tutorial shows how to create text boxes in Power BI Desktop for titles and annotations, helping your dashboards communicate more clearly.
01Insert a text box
From the Insert menu in Power BI Desktop, add a text box to your report canvas in the location you want.
02Add a title
Type a clear, descriptive title into the text box so viewers immediately understand what the report page covers.
03Add annotations for context
Use additional text boxes near specific visuals to call out important trends, caveats, or explanations.
04Apply it to business reporting
Use titled, annotated pages for stakeholder-facing reports like sales summaries where extra context helps readers act on the data.
Frequently asked questions
Can I format the text in a Power BI text box?
Yes, you can adjust font, size, color, and alignment within the text box formatting options.
Do text boxes update automatically with the data?
No, text boxes are static content, so any references to specific numbers need to be updated manually.
Can I link a text box to a bookmark or URL?
Yes, Power BI text boxes support adding hyperlinks to external sites or internal bookmarks.
Will a text box affect my report's performance?
No, text boxes are lightweight elements and don't add any meaningful load to report performance.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.



