Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated March 23, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
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. 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.)
Notice that on the left side of the Drawing 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.
You can follow these steps to place a drawing object in your document:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1318) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Creating a Drawing Object.
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