Creating a Drawing Object

Word allows you to create drawing objects in your document. These objects (such as an oval, rectangle, line, or AutoShape) are positioned on what is termed the "drawing layer," which is separate and distinct from the text that appears in a document. In versions of Word prior to Word 2007 you generally create such objects by using the tools on the Drawing toolbar. (Display the Drawing toolbar by clicking your mouse on the Drawing tool on the Standard toolbar.) If you are using Word 2007, then there is no Drawing toolbar; you use the Insert tab of the ribbon, instead.

If you are using the Drawing toolbar, notice that on the left side of the toolbar are several tools used to create basic shapes. The line, arrow, rectangle, and oval tools are easily identifiable. In addition, the AutoShapes tool displays a menu of more than 125 different symbols, banners, and callouts.

If you are using Word 2007, you'll find that all of the drawing objects (lines, arrows, etc.) are all available on the Insert tab of the ribbon by clicking the Shapes tool in the Illustrations group. Doing so presents an organized palette of shapes that you can select—almost 140 of them.

Regardless of which version of Word you are using and the tools available, you can follow these steps to place a drawing object in your document:

1. Click on the tool that represents the type of object you want to create, or select the object from the AutoShape or Shape tools. Once a tool is selected, the mouse pointer changes to crosshairs, or a plus sign.
2. Click within your document at one corner of where you want the shape to appear.
3. Drag the mouse to the opposite corner for the object.
4. When you release the mouse button, the object appears in the document and you can manipulate it as desired.