Using Different Shapes in WordArt

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 29, 2018)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

WordArt is a program that allows you to treat text as a graphic. You can use the program to add special effects and flourishes to text and then insert the text in your document. One of the special effects areas is implemented through different shapes you can apply to your text. You apply shapes in the following manner:

Select the WordArt object by clicking on it. Word displays the WordArt toolbar.
Click on the WordArt Shape tool. A graphic menu of forty different shapes appears.
Select the shape you want to use. WordArt updates your WordArt object.

You should note that the WordArt shapes are different than what you selected in the WordArt Gallery. Each affects the other, and you may need to do some experimentation to get exactly the effect you desire.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (680) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

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What is five more than 8?

2024-07-27 12:55:58

Barbie

I miss this feature in the new version of Word, so have saved a file in the old version specifically for creating WordArt. Once I have my WordArt as I want it, I copy it, paste it into Paint, then copy it from Paint and paste it as a graphic in my .docx file.

2018-09-29 07:18:54

Ron

Is this tip saying that if we have a WordArt selected then pick a Shape from the (Wordart) Drawing Tools > Format contextual tab > Insert Shapes group > Shapes gallery it is supposed to impose that shape outline on the Wordart.

I've tried that in Word 2010 and 2016. It does not work that way. It just inserts that shape, separately, next time I click in the document.

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