How to Create Basic Shapes Using Auto Shapes in Microsoft Word 2003

Sometimes a good illustration is essential to augmenting a professional document. Thankfully, the word processors of today allow for users to easily insert shapes by using the drawing toolbar. Programs like Microsoft Word 2003 come with thousands of included auto shapes. Users can choose to draw custom shapes from the main drawing toolbar or access a database that has many more custom shapes for their project needs.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Open the drawing tool. Click on “View” and click on “Toolbars.” Check the tool labeled “Drawing” in the “Toolbars” submenu to activate this tool on your command bar.

2. Create a rectangle using auto shapes. On the auto shapes toolbar, click on the rectangle icon to create one; a drawing canvas box will open when you click on this. Click and hold inside of the drawing canvas and drag the mouse cursor until you create the desired size of the rectangle. Release the mouse button and click elsewhere on the document and you will see the rectangle that you created appear.

3. Create a circle using auto shapes. Click on the circle shape to create one and then click inside of the drawing canvas box. Hold the mouse button in as you drag the circle to the desired size. Release the mouse button and the circle will remain there.

4. Find more auto shapes to use. Click on the “Autoshapes” dropdown menu on the drawing toolbar and select “More Autoshapes” from the menu that opens. An auto shape menu will open in the task pane to the right. Use the up and down arrows to scroll through selections. Click anywhere on the document to select where you wish to place the shape. Then click on the shape icon in the task pane and it will be inserted into the document. You can resize the shape by clicking on the corners and holding as you drag the mouse cursor to the desired shape size.

Tips & Warnings

• It is recommended that you use a separate and blank document to accustom yourself to this feature before implementing it into a professional document.
• Make sure that you do not place the shapes you create outside of the defined print margins or they will not print properly.