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Quick reference
Basic Use of Shapes
When to use
Shapes are for more than decoration. They draw a reader’s eye to a specific point. For example, the red outline above is simply a rectangle shape placed for a useful purpose.
Instructions:
Note: When you add a shape, a new ribbon appears called the Shape Format ribbon.
Insert Ribbon, Shapes
- Click Insert, Shapes: a gallery of available shapes appears on the screen
- Click any shape and notice your cursor changes to a crossbar.
- Click to drop, or Click and drag to control the size of the shape on your document.
Move and Resize a Shape
- Move a Shape: When dragging a shape to a new area of your document, make sure to click the edge of the shape rather than a re-size handle. The cursor will have 4 arrows on it.
- Re-size a Shape: You can resize using the white handles around the shape frame; and you can use the Size options on the Shape Format ribbon.
Shape Styles
Notice the gallery of Shape Styles with ABC in the shape examples. That allows you to type words inside your shape.
You also can choose a specific “Shape Fill” color, even “No Fill” if you want a transparent box.
You can choose a color for the outline and even the thickness, or WEIGHT, of the outline: EXAMPLE
And Shape Effects will give a new dimension to the look of the shape. Click and experiment!
Layout Options
- The tiny symbol next to the shape is the “Layout Options” tool. This allows you to choose how the shape aligns with the text of your document.
- Click through the options and observe what happens as each is selected.
There is no right or wrong answer when using Layout Options; it is simply up to you and your document design choices.
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