Creating shapes in Microsoft Word 365 is easier than you might think. You don’t need to be a graphic designer or have any special skills. All you need is a few clicks, and you’re on your way to adding some pizzazz to your documents. So, whether you’re looking to add a simple rectangle or something more complex like a star, we’ve got you covered. Just follow the steps below, and you’ll be a shape-making pro in no time!
Step by Step Tutorial: Making Shapes in Microsoft Word 365
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of shape creation, let’s understand what we’re aiming for. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to insert a variety of shapes into your Word document, customize their appearance, and manipulate them to suit your needs.
Step 1: Open the ‘Insert’ tab
Open the ‘Insert’ tab on the ribbon at the top of the screen.
In this step, you’re setting the stage for your shape creation. The ‘Insert’ tab is your gateway to adding all sorts of elements to your document, including shapes.
Step 2: Click on ‘Shapes’
Click on the ‘Shapes’ button within the ‘Insert’ tab.
After clicking ‘Shapes,’ you’ll see a drop-down menu with a variety of shapes to choose from. Take your pick from rectangles, circles, arrows, and more.
Step 3: Select the desired shape
Select the shape you wish to insert into your document.
Once you’ve chosen a shape, your cursor will change to a crosshair. This indicates that you’re ready to draw your shape.
Step 4: Draw the shape
Click and drag your mouse on the document to draw the shape.
You can make your shape as large or as small as you want by adjusting how far you drag your mouse.
Step 5: Customize the shape
Use the format options to customize the shape’s color, outline, and effects.
After drawing your shape, a new ‘Format’ tab will appear. Here, you can get creative and make your shape stand out. Change the fill color, add a border, or even apply some shadow effects.
After completing these steps, you’ll have a shiny new shape sitting in your Word document. You can move it around, resize it, or even layer it with other shapes to create a more complex design.
Tips for Making Shapes in Microsoft Word 365
- Experiment with different shapes and combinations to create unique designs.
- Use the ‘Align’ tools under the ‘Format’ tab to ensure your shapes are evenly spaced and aligned.
- To maintain the aspect ratio of a shape while resizing it, hold down the ‘Shift’ key as you drag a corner handle.
- Right-click on a shape and select ‘Edit Points’ for more precise control over the shape’s contours.
- Group multiple shapes together by selecting them and clicking ‘Group’ under the ‘Format’ tab to move or resize them as a single unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I rotate a shape?
To rotate a shape, select it and use the rotation handle at the top of the shape to turn it to the desired angle.
Can I add text to a shape?
Yes, you can add text to most shapes by simply selecting the shape and typing.
How do I change the layering order of shapes?
Right-click on a shape, select ‘Bring to Front’ or ‘Send to Back’ to change its layering position relative to other objects.
Is it possible to make custom shapes?
While Word doesn’t offer a freehand drawing tool for custom shapes, you can edit points on existing shapes to modify them.
Can I save a shape to use in other documents?
You can copy and paste shapes into other Word documents, but there’s no feature to save a shape as a standalone element.
Summary
- Open the ‘Insert’ tab
- Click on ‘Shapes’
- Select the desired shape
- Draw the shape on the document
- Customize the shape’s appearance
Conclusion
Microsoft Word 365 is a powerful tool that goes beyond just text editing. With the ability to add and customize shapes, the possibilities for enhancing your documents are endless. Whether you’re creating a flowchart, designing a newsletter, or just want to add some visual interest to a report, knowing how to make a shape on Microsoft Word 365 is an essential skill. So, go ahead and give it a try. Play around with different shapes and styles – let your creativity flow! And if you ever get stuck, just remember these simple steps, and you’ll be back on track. Now, what shape will you create next?
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.