Shapes in Microsoft Word

Shapes are one of the most fun and useful features in Microsoft Word 2016. You can add arrows, circles, lines, callouts, stars, and even flowchart symbols to your documents. Shapes make your work more attractive and easier to understand.

Whether you’re designing a presentation, report, or a project diagram, shapes can help make your ideas clearer. In this guide, you’ll learn how to insert, format, and customize shapes easily.

Why Use Shapes in Word?

• To make your document visually appealing.
• To draw attention to key information.
• To create diagrams or flowcharts.
• To add professional design elements.

How to Insert a Shape

Follow these simple steps to insert shapes in your Word document:

1. Open your Word document.
2. Click the Insert tab on the ribbon.
3. Click on Shapes in the Illustrations group. A drop-down menu will appear.
4. Select the shape you want, such as a rectangle, arrow, or star.
5. Click and drag on your document to draw the shape.

Adding Text to a Shape

You can add text directly inside a shape:

• Click the shape once.
• Start typing your text.
• Use the Home tab to change the font, size, color, or alignment.

Resizing and Rotating Shapes

When you click a shape, small circles or squares appear around it. These are called sizing handles.

• To resize: Drag a corner handle to make the shape larger or smaller.
• To rotate: Use the green rotation handle above the shape and drag it in the direction you want.

Changing Shape Order

Sometimes, shapes may overlap. You can adjust which shape appears on top or behind:

1. Right-click the shape.
2. Hover over Bring to Front or Send to Back.
3. Click the option you prefer.

Using the Selection Pane

If you have many shapes in one document, it might be hard to select one. Use the Selection Pane to manage them easily:

• Go to the Format tab.
• Click Selection Pane.
• Click the shape name in the pane to select or hide it.

Changing Shape Styles and Colors

Word lets you customize your shapes in many creative ways.

Change Shape Style

• Click the shape.
• Go to the Format tab.
• In the Shape Styles group, click More.
• Select the style you like best.

Change Shape Fill Color

• Select the shape.
• Go to Format → Shape Fill.
• Pick a color or choose More Fill Colors for more options.
• You can also use Gradient, Texture, or No Fill to make it transparent.

Change Shape Outline

• Click the shape.
• Go to Format → Shape Outline.
• Select a color, thickness, or dashed style.

Add Shape Effects

You can make your shapes stand out with effects like shadows or reflections:

• Click the shape.
• Go to Format → Shape Effects.
• Choose an effect type and click to apply it.

Changing a Shape Type

If you want to switch to a different shape without deleting it:

1. Click the shape.
2. Go to Format → Edit Shape → Change Shape.
3. Select a new shape. The original will change instantly.

Tips for Using Shapes Effectively

• Use simple shapes for clean layouts.
• Combine different shapes to make flowcharts or diagrams.
• Keep colors consistent for a professional look.
• Group multiple shapes to move them together.

5 FAQs of Shapes in Microsoft Word 2016

1. Can I draw freehand shapes in Word 2016?

Yes. Go to the Insert tab, click Shapes, and choose “Scribble” from the Lines section to draw freehand.

2. How do I make a perfect circle or square?

Hold the Shift key while dragging your mouse to create perfectly proportioned shapes.

3. Can I add text to any shape?

Yes. Just click the shape and start typing. You can also change font styles from the Home tab.

4. How can I layer shapes correctly?

Use “Bring to Front” or “Send to Back” options from the right-click menu to arrange shapes.

5. Can I use shapes for flowcharts or diagrams?

Absolutely. Word 2016 offers several flowchart symbols under the Shapes menu, perfect for visual diagrams.

Conclusion

Shapes in Microsoft Word 2016 help transform plain documents into creative and professional ones. From simple lines to flowcharts, they let you present ideas visually and neatly. Once you start using them, you’ll realize how easy and powerful this feature really is.