Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Changing a Shape.

Changing an AutoShape

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 11, 2017)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

There may be times when you want to completely change an AutoShape from one to another. For instance, you may want to change one banner shape to another. While you can simply delete your original AutoShape and then draw a new one, Word makes it easy to change AutoShapes by following these steps:

Make sure the Drawing toolbar is displayed.
Select the AutoShape you want to change. Handles should appear around the outside of the shape.
Click your mouse on Draw on the Drawing toolbar, and then choose Change AutoShape. The familiar AutoShape categories will appear.
Select the AutoShape you want to use.

Word changes the AutoShape used, without changing the overall size or shape of the bounding rectangle that contains the AutoShape. You can then proceed to edit the new AutoShape, as desired.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1694) 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: Changing a Shape.

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 six less than 6?

2014-03-20 09:02:17

Arjun

Is there any way to change an auto shape to another shape in Powerpoint 2003?

I know it is possible in 2007,but in 2003 i dont know..please help

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