MS Publisher Tips & Tricks
MS Publisher is the desktop publishing application offered as part of the Microsoft Office Suite or as a standalone software program. You can use MS Publisher to make high-quality publications to print, such as brochures, fliers or greeting cards. Learn some tips and tricks to make impressive, professional-looking publications.
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Clip Art, Pictures and Other Graphics
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Nudge an Image
Images are one of the primary objects used in Microsoft Publisher publications. Whether you are creating an invitation, a sign or any other item to print from Publisher, you will probably use at least one large graphic. Publisher makes it easy to insert, format and change graphics.
For example, if you place a graphic onto the front of a brochure and want to move it, you can easily drag it with the mouse. However, if you only want to move it the tiniest bit, there is a trick you can use. Click on the object with your mouse to select it and then "nudge" it by pressing the arrow key that corresponds with the direction you want to move the picture. The image will move one pixel each time you press an arrow key.
If you want to change the "Nudge" distance in Publisher, select "Options" from the "Tools" menu and go to the "Edit" tab. Click the "Arrow Keys Nudge Objects By" check box, and then enter the increment you want to use.
Connecting Text Boxes
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Connecting Text Boxes
Another great trick to use when creating a publication in MS Publisher is to connect text boxes. You can insert text boxes on different sides of a page, or even different pages, and allow your text to continue and "spill over" from one text box to another.
Insert as many text boxes onto the publication as you need or want to use. Click inside the text box in which you want to start. Click the "Create Text Box Link" button, which looks like two linked chains, on the "Connect Text Boxes" toolbar. Your mouse pointer will change to a pitcher icon. Click inside the second text box. The boxes are now linked and any overflowing text will continue from the first box into the second. Repeat with as many text boxes as you require.
Text in Shapes
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Shrink Text to Fit Shape
You may want to combine text and shapes in a Publisher publication. Fortunately, Publisher offers several ways to make them work well together. To put text on a shape, right click the shape and select "Add Text." A cursor will appear on the shape and you can begin typing directly into it. To make the text fit the shape, right click the shape and select "Format AutoShape." Go to the "Text Box" tab and select "Shrink Text on Overflow" and the text will shrink to fit the size of the shape.
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