Circling something in Word 2016 is a simple process that can help you highlight important information in a document. Whether you’re trying to draw attention to a specific word, phrase, or image, circling it can make it stand out to your readers. Follow these easy steps below to learn how to circle something in Word 2016.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Circle Something in Word 2016
Before we begin, let’s clarify what we’re about to do. We’re going to insert a shape, specifically a circle, and place it around the item we want to highlight in our Word document. It’s a handy trick for making certain elements pop!
Step 1: Open your document in Word 2016
Open the Word document that contains the item you want to circle.
Once your document is open, make sure the item you want to circle is visible on your screen. This can be a word, a phrase, a paragraph, or even an image.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Insert’ tab
Click on the ‘Insert’ tab located at the top of your Word document.
The ‘Insert’ tab is where you’ll find all the tools you need to add extra elements to your document, including shapes, which we’ll be using to create our circle.
Step 3: Click on ‘Shapes’
In the ‘Insert’ tab, find and click on the ‘Shapes’ button.
After clicking ‘Shapes’, a dropdown menu will appear with a variety of shapes to choose from. We’re looking for the circle, which might be labeled as an “Oval” in some versions of Word.
Step 4: Select the ‘Oval’ shape
From the dropdown menu, select the ‘Oval’ shape to draw a circle.
When you select the ‘Oval’ shape, your cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating that you’re ready to draw your shape.
Step 5: Draw the circle around the item
Click and drag your cursor over the item you wish to circle.
As you click and drag, hold down the ‘Shift’ key on your keyboard to ensure you draw a perfect circle rather than an oval. You can adjust the size and position of the circle by dragging the handles that appear on the selected shape.
After completing these steps, you’ll have successfully circled an item in your Word 2016 document. The circled item should now stand out, making it easier for your readers to spot.
Tips for Circling Something in Word 2016
- Make sure to hold down the ‘Shift’ key while drawing your circle to keep the shape proportionate.
- If you want the circle to be a certain color, you can change the outline color by right-clicking on the shape and selecting ‘Outline’.
- To make sure the text or item you’re circling is still visible, adjust the circle’s transparency or fill color.
- If the circle isn’t positioned correctly, simply select it and use the arrow keys on your keyboard to nudge it into place.
- Remember to save your document after adding the circle to ensure the change is preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the thickness of the circle’s border?
Yes, you can adjust the thickness of the circle’s border by right-clicking on the shape, selecting ‘Outline’, and then choosing ‘Weight’ to select the desired thickness.
Is it possible to add text inside the circle?
Absolutely! Just double-click inside the circle and you can start typing right away.
Can I make the circle dashed or dotted?
Yes, by right-clicking on the circle, selecting ‘Outline’, and then ‘Dashes’, you can choose a dashed or dotted line style for your circle.
How do I remove the circle if I no longer need it?
To remove the circle, simply click on it to select it and then press the ‘Delete’ key on your keyboard.
Can I copy the circle to use it elsewhere in the document?
Yes, once the circle is created, you can copy and paste it anywhere within the document. Just make sure the circle is selected, then use ‘Ctrl+C’ to copy and ‘Ctrl+V’ to paste.
Summary
- Open the Word document.
- Click on the ‘Insert’ tab.
- Choose ‘Shapes’.
- Select the ‘Oval’ shape.
- Draw the circle around the item.
Conclusion
Circling something in Word 2016 can be a breeze if you know the right steps to take. With this handy little trick up your sleeve, you’ll be able to make elements of your document pop with just a few clicks. Whether it’s a key point in a meeting agenda, a vital term in a study guide, or an important date in a letter, a well-placed circle can ensure your readers’ eyes go exactly where you need them to.
Remember, the key to a perfect circle is holding down that ‘Shift’ key, and don’t forget to play around with colors and styles to make your circle fit the theme of your document. Now that you know how to circle something in Word 2016, you can add a professional touch to your documents that will surely catch the attention of your audience. Happy circling!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.