Using Different Shapes in WordArt

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 29, 2018)

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...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Open Documents Suddenly Become Read-Only

If a Word document is marked as "read only," that means that you cannot save updates to the document; they must be saved ...

Discover More

Calculating Business Days

There are calendar days and then there are business days. Excel provides the NETWORKDAYS function that is helpful to ...

Discover More

Changing the User Name in Existing Comments

Want to change the name that Word associates with various comments previously added to your document? Here are some ideas ...

Discover More

Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!

More WordTips (menu)

Fonts in WordArt

Want to make sure that people can view your WordArt as you intended? Then you'll want to make sure that you follow these ...

Discover More

Specifying a Font in WordArt

WordArt is a great add-in that allows you to insert creative wording into your document. This tip shows how you can ...

Discover More

Applying Text Options in WordArt

WordArt is a great tool for adding color and variety to your documents. Here's how to apply different types of ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is three more than 4?

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.

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.