Incorporating Word Art and AutoShapes

WordArt

AutoShapes

Drawing in Word

Moving, Editing, and Adding Text to Your AutoShape

Wrapping Text Around an Image

*Note for all of these topics make sure you have the drawing toolbar opened.  To make sure click on the View drop down menu, then move your cursor to toolbars, and make sure that the Drawing Toolbar Option is ticked.

Opening the Drawing Toolbar

Using WordArt

If you want to use text that is a bit more decorative or fancy then you can use WordArt.   If you want to put WordArt into your document then follow these steps:

1. Click on the Word Art icon on your drawing toolbar, or click on the Insert drop down menu, then move the cursor to picture, and then click on WordArt.
2. Select your WordArt style.
3. Type your text, select your font, and select your font size.

Moving and Sizing Your WordArt

1. First check to see if your WordArt is selected.  You should see the sizing handles (the eight small squares) around your WordArt.
2. If you want to move your WordArt move your cursor over the WordArt until it turns into four arrow heads.  Click and hold your mouse button and move your WordArt to the desired position.
3. If you want to size your WordArt click and hold your mouse button on one of the sizing handles.  Drag your mouse to the desired size and release the button.
4. If you want to skew (twist) your WordArt, click and hold on the yellow square (the one next to the sizing handles).  Drag it to the desired position and release your mouse button.

*You may also notice that when you select your WordArt that a WordArt Toolbar pops up.  You should take some time to explore all of the options available on this toolbar.  Again there are far too many options to be included in this site.

Using AutoShapes

AutoShapes are things like stars, banners, or word bubbles that you can insert into your Word document.  

If you want to use AutoShapes then do this:

1. Click on the AutoShapes Icon on your drawing toolbar or click on the Insert drop down menu, move your cursor to Pictures, and then click on the AutoShapes option.
2. Choose what type of shape you want from the AutoShapes Menu or from the AutoShapes Toolbar.                                                                 
3. Place the crosshairs wherever you like on the page and click your mouse button to insert your AutoShape.

Drawing in Word

The AutoShapes menu on the Drawing toolbar includes several types of tools. In the Lines category, you can use Curve , Freeform , and Scribble  to draw lines and curves, as well as shapes that combine both lines and curves. 

1. When you want to draw curves with greater control and accuracy, use Curve. 
2. Use Freeform when you want a more refined shape — one without jagged lines or drastic changes in direction. 
3. When you want a drawing object to look like it was drawn with a pen, use Scribble. The resulting shape closely matches what you draw on the screen.

Moving, Editing, and Adding Text to Your AutoShape

1. First check to see if your AutoShape is selected.  You should see the sizing handles around your AutoShape.
2. If you want to move your AutoShape move your cursor over the AutoShape until it turns into four arrow heads.  Click and hold your mouse button and move your AutoShape to the desired position.
3. If you want to size your AutoShape click and hold your mouse button on one of the sizing handles.  Drag your mouse to the desired size and release the button.
4. If you want to change the shape of your AutoShape, click and hold on the yellow square (the one next to the sizing handles).  Drag it to the desired position and release your mouse button.
5. If you want to add text to your AutoShape right-click any shape (except a line or freeform) click Add Text on the shortcut menu, and then type the text.

Wrapping Text Around an Image

Most times when you are working with a word file you will have text and images on the same page.  In these cases you may want the text to wrap around the image.  The are several options available to you.  To access these options follow these steps:

1. Make sure the image is selected (you will see the sizing handles around the image).
2. Right-click on the image and select Format Picture or Format AutoShape from the menu.
3. Select the Layout Tab from the pop up window.
4. Select the text wrapping layout you wish.