Saving WordArt Graphics as Files

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 10, 2023)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003


It is easy to develop unique graphics and text flourishes in WordArt. Unfortunately, the program does not provide a way for your creations to be saved as regular graphics files. (You may want to save your work in a graphics file so you can use it in a program besides WordArt or Word.) There are ways around this problem, however. Perhaps the simplest way to save your WordArt graphic in another format is to use the Windows Clipboard. You can accomplish this method by following these steps:

  1. While using Word, click (don't double-click) on the WordArt graphic.
  2. Press Ctrl+C. This copies the graphic to the Clipboard.
  3. Start your favorite graphics program, such as Windows Paint or Paint Brush Pro.
  4. Press Ctrl+V to paste the contents of the Clipboard (your graphic) to the graphics program.
  5. Using your graphics program, edit your graphic as desired and save in the format desired.

You can also use PowerPoint to accomplish much the same task. Follow these steps:

  1. While using Word, click (don't double-click) on the WordArt graphic.
  2. Press Ctrl+C. This copies the graphic to the Clipboard.
  3. Start PowerPoint.
  4. Choose Paste Special from the Edit menu. This displays a submenu, from which you should select Picture as the insertion type.
  5. Double-click on the inserted image. PowerPoint will display a dialog box asking if you want to convert the picture to a Microsoft Office drawing. Click on Yes.
  6. Resize the drawing so that it is the size desired.
  7. Choose Save As. In the dialog box, indicate a file name and save your file as a Windows Metafile.
  8. When prompted, indicate you want to save only the current slide.

The resulting WMF file can be inserted into any application that can work with WMF graphic files. You may also want to load it into a graphics program to further edit it.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1906) 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. ...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Opening Multiple Recent Files at the Same Time

The MRU provides a handy list of files you have recently used. Opening multiple files from the MRU, however, is no easy task!

Discover More

Displaying the Styles You Want Displayed

Want to customize your styles list so that it only lists the ones you are using? It's easy and can save some time when ...

Discover More

Updating Document Links

If you establish dynamic links between documents, then you can force Word to update those links whenever you want. How ...

Discover More

Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2013. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word 2013 Step by Step today!

More WordTips (menu)

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

Changing Color in WordArt

You can make your document flashier by using WordArt to punch it up. Here's how you can change the color of the text in ...

Discover More

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
Subscribe

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.

What is 6 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


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.

Videos
Subscribe

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

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.