This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Adding WordArt
WordArt does just what it sounds like—it lets you create art out of words. You type in a word or phrase and then manipulate it to create art. The results may not fall into the “polished and professional” category, but the casualness of the result is friendlier, warmer—maybe less intimidating?
Whatever the case, WordArt started as a small utility that you ran outside of Word. It has become so popular that Microsoft built it in and continues to include it in each new release. It’s simple to use and fun!
Inserting WordArt
Inserting WordArt into a publication is a two-step process: select the style, type the text, and voila! You can then consider that job done, or you can use the WordArt Tools to format and tweak the design. Be warned—a little “minor” tweaking can turn into a 2-hour playtime.
- Click the Insert tab to display those options.
- Click the WordArt command button. This opens a palette of WordArt styles.
Click the style that best suits your publication. You can always change it later.
- The Edit WordArt Text dialog box appears with the sample text highlighted, so all you have to do is start typing. Your new text automatically replaces the sample text.
- If necessary, select a different font from the drop-down list.
- Select a different size here if you like.
Click OK when you finish.
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Formatting WordArt
When WordArt is selected in a publication, there is a new WordArt Tools tab on the Format tab. The tools enable you to select a different style, change the shape, select a fill, and apply effects to the shape.
- To change the shape of the WordArt, click the More button to display the same large palette of styles you saw in the previous section, when you inserted the WordArt.
- Click the Change Shape command button to open a palette of shapes you can assign.
Move the mouse pointer over the shapes in the palette to get a preview of how the WordArt will look if you assign that shape.
- Click the Shape Fill command button to open a palette of Scheme Colors, Standard Colors, and Recent Colors.
- Click here to select a picture as the fill for the shape.
- Click here to select a gradient for the shape.
- Click here to select a texture for the shape.
Click here to select a pattern for the shape.
- Click the Shape Effects command button to open a list of different effects that can be applied to the WordArt.
Each of the Effects options opens a palette where you can preview and select an effect. There is also an Options option that opens a dialog box where specific settings can be made.
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