Convert to Shape

Here's a cool way to add a box to text without having to make a separate shape. Select a text object with the Selection tool (V) and in the Appearance palette (Window>Appearance), choose Add New Fill from the flyout menu. Then go to the Effect menu and choose Convert to Shape>Rectangle. In the dialog, in the Relative section, enter how much larger than the text you want the rectangle. Change the text and the rectangle grows with the text. (Hint: If you can't see the text because of the box's color, double check the Appearance palette to make sure the Characters tab is above the Fill tab. Then highlight your text with the Type tool (T) to change its color. Here we use black text on a yellow-filled box.)