Microsoft Office: Working with Icons
Working with Icons in Office Header

Working with icons

If you need graphics for a project, there's a feature you can use called icons. Icons are a library of modern, professional graphics included with Office 365 and 2019. They can be customized to fit your needs and are available in Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Watch the video below to learn more about icons.

Inserting icons

To insert an icon:

  1. Click the Insert tab and then select Icons.
    2. Working with Icons in Office Header
  2. The Insert Icons menu will appear. You can scroll through a wide range of subjects, including people, technology, commerce, and the arts.
  3. Once you find an icon you like, select it and then click Insert.
    4. Working with Icons in Office Header

Customizing icons

After inserting an icon, you can customize it to match your document's theme:

  • Change Color: Select the icon, go to the Format tab, click Graphics Fill, and choose a color.
    • customizing icons
  • Add Outlines: Click Graphics Outline (or Shape Outline) to add a border around the graphic.
    • icon outline colour
  • Resize: Use the sizing handles to drag and change the size.
Vector Advantage: Because these are vector graphics, you can make them as large as you want without them looking pixelated or blurry.
icon sizing handles

Breaking an icon into several parts

Some icons can be broken down into separate parts, allowing you to edit each component individually.

To deconstruct an icon:

  1. Right-click the icon and select Convert to Shape.
    2. convert to shape
  2. Click Yes in the confirmation dialog box.
    3. Working with Icons in Office Header
  3. You can now click and drag individual parts of the icon to change their color, size, or location independently.
    4. edit each part by itself

Frequently Asked Questions

Are icons available in older versions of Office?

No. Icons were introduced in Office 2019 and Office 365. If you are using Office 2016 or older, you will not see the Icons button on the Insert tab.

Can I use these icons in commercial projects?

Yes. As long as you have a valid Office subscription or license, you are generally permitted to use these icons within your documents, presentations, and workbooks.

How do I find a specific icon quickly?

The Insert Icons menu includes a Search box at the top left. Type keywords like "email," "user," or "arrow" to filter the library instantly.

Continue to Lesson: Word Quiz →

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