How to Insert and Modify Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)

Learn how to insert shapes in Microsoft Word. In addition, we will change the shape color, outline, and effects such as shadows and reflections. Then, we will place shapes behind text and other objects.
Sometimes shapes placed behind text or other objects can be difficult to select, so we will also look at how to select them regardless of their location.
Shapes include circles, squares, rectangles, arrows, lines, hearts, flowchart symbols, banners, and speech bubbles.
These steps apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac (a.k.a. Word for Mac) Word 2021, Word 2019, Word 2016, and Word 2013.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:48 How to Insert Shapes
01:21 How to Change the Shape Color, Outline, and Effects
03:04 How to Place Shapes behind Text and Other Objects on a PC
04:00 How to Place Shapes behind Text and Other Objects on a Mac
04:33 How to Select Shapes behind Text or Other Objects
📝 Companion Blog Post/Transcript for this Video
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How to Insert and Modify Shapes in Microsoft Word (PC & Mac)
erinwrightwriting.com/shapes-...
💻 Related Resources
==================
Insert Images into Shapes in Microsoft Word (KZbin Short)
• Insert Images into Sha...
How to Use Microsoft Word (Playlist)
• How to Use Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word Basics (Playlist)
• Microsoft Word Basics
💻 Please visit my website at erinwrightwriting.com for more writing-related software tutorials.
Thank you for watching!
#microsoftword #wordformac
All Rights Reserved © 2024 Erin Wright

[@erinwrightwriting]

All the steps shown here are listed with images on my website at erinwrightwriting.com/shapes-in-microsoft-word/. Thank you for watching!

[@davidmarlowe2355]

One of the best videos concerning shapes and text that I have seen here. And your link is excellent.

[@erinwrightwriting]

I appreciate your very kind comment! Thank you for watching!

[@milcitoyen]

OMG - IT WORKED!! I'm still not sure how, but I got what I was seeking! Thank you so much - you're a "Word Angel"!

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am so glad that it worked for you! I wish you all the best with your Word project!

[@user-up8oq8rk3g]

Really Helpful .. Thanks

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am so glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@vinhson9017]

Thank you.

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@teejay6063]

Thanks again Erin

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thanks for watching, Tee Jay!

[@brazztacks]

You've just earned yourself a free subscriber :)

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am delighted to hear that! Have a wonderful new year!

[@cindyreeve-vigour5157]

How do you delete the command of the shape when you have finished

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! If you click your cursor in an area away from the shape, the shape should no longer be selected so the border and shape tools should disappear. I wish you all the best with your Word project!

[@komalbibhar1879]

Tomorrow is my pratical Exam that why i seen and learn from your video 😂😂❤❤❤

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! I wish you all the best with your exam!

[@tjalerkon3680]

Great how can we crop shapes as we like. I think 2014 version does not have that option

[@erinwrightwriting]

Yes, cropping the shapes can come in handy. Thank you so much for watching!

[@chin-chinsjourneystarted8351]

hi can you like edit the background of the text and the white box?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Great question! I have a separate tutorial about the text boxes (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYmqe42td76Drc0) All the formatting shown there can also be applied to the text boxes in shapes. Thank you for watching!

[@bettydavidson6696]

What of how to remove extra spaces from the shapes after typing?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you so much for watching! Are you trying to remove extra white space around the shape in relation to the surrounding text?

[@user-xc5qw1lb4e]

❤

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching!

[@usmanullah9531]

Hi miss Mrs Erin plz help me how I show guide line for shapes in word plz I search alot but cannot find salution

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! Are you looking for guides to line up shapes with each other?

[@sammikumar6389]

How to write start writing below it without effecting the insert?

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! Usually, you can click your cursor near the bottom, right corner and then press the Enter key to move down to the next line. Turning on Show/Hide to see formatting (it looks like the paragraph symbol) in the Home tab can also make it easier.

[@milcitoyen]

I don't want "shapes" - I want to "shape Wordart", seemingly impossible in Word Office 365

[@erinwrightwriting]

Thank you for watching! If you save your file as a Word 97-2003 document, the older version of WordArt will become available in Word for Microsoft 365.

[@milcitoyen]

Thanks for the reply. I saved the document as a Word 97-2003 document, but I still find no way to insert Wordart or to modify its shape. My menu options don't change from what's (not) offered in Word 365.

[@cheekymonkeygirl3378]

Sent backward reminds me of how backward my life is. 😢 I keep going and going but never reach the end. 👿

[@erinwrightwriting]

I am sorry to hear that. But remember there is also a Send Forward option. I wish you all the best!