How To Use Shapes In Microsoft Word?

To use shapes in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

1. Open a Microsoft Word document.
2. Navigate to the Insert tab in the Ribbon.
3. Locate the Illustrations group and click on Shapes.
4. Choose a specific shape from the dropdown menu or click 'More Shapes' to explore additional options.

Once you've inserted a shape, here's how to edit and format it:

Format Shape:

• Color: With the shape selected, go to the Shape Fill menu under the Shape Format tab (which becomes visible after selection). Choose a solid color, gradient, texture, or no fill.
• Outline: Go to the Shape Outline menu under the Shape Format tab. Set the outline color, weight, and dash style.
• Effects: Access the Shape Effects menu under the Shape Format tab. Adjust transparency, shading, reflection, glow, soft edges, and 3D rotation.

For advanced formatting:

• Selection Pane: To manage layers of overlapped shapes, click Selection Pane on the Format tab. Rearrange shapes by bringing them forward or sending them backward.
• Arrange Order: Change the arrangement of shapes relative to text or other elements via the Arrange submenu under the Shape Format tab.

Remember to toggle the field codes (ALT + F9) to view the underlying structure of a shape, represented by a SHAPE field, which is inserted when you draw certain items like organizational charts or auto-shapes.