Drawing in Microsoft Word 2013 is a simple process that can help bring your documents to life. To start, open up a Word document and select the ‘Insert’ tab. Then, choose ‘Shapes’ to draw using predefined shapes, or ‘Scribble’ to freehand draw. After drawing, you can customize your creation with different colors, fill effects, and line styles.
After completing your drawing, it becomes a part of your document that can be moved, resized, or further edited. It complements the text and adds a visual element to your work.
Introduction
Microsoft Word is not only a powerful word processing software but also a versatile tool for creating visually compelling documents. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, knowing how to draw in Word can add a creative touch to your projects, presentations, or reports. In Word 2013, the drawing feature has been enhanced, making it more accessible and easier to use.
But why would you even want to draw in a word processor? Visual aids can help emphasize a point, illustrate a concept, or simply break up chunks of text, making your document more engaging and easier to understand. For teachers, students, marketers, or anyone who wants to add a personal touch to their documents, the drawing feature is a godsend. Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of drawing in Word 2013.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Draw in Microsoft Word 2013
The following steps will guide you through the process of drawing in Microsoft Word 2013.
Step 1: Open the ‘Insert’ Tab
Click on the ‘Insert’ tab located at the top of the Word interface.
The ‘Insert’ tab is where you’ll find various functions for adding different elements to your document, including charts, pictures, and shapes.
Step 2: Select ‘Shapes’
Choose ‘Shapes’ from the Illustrations group to draw using predefined shapes.
The ‘Shapes’ feature provides a variety of ready-to-use shapes such as lines, rectangles, circles, and more, which you can insert and customize in your document.
Step 3: Choose a Shape or ‘Scribble’
Click on the shape you want to use, or select ‘Scribble’ to draw freehand.
‘Scribble’ is a useful option for when you want to draw something unique that isn’t available in the predefined shapes.
Step 4: Draw on the Document
Click and drag your mouse on the document to draw the selected shape or a freehand scribble.
Once you start drawing, you will see a representation of your shape or scribble appear in the document.
Step 5: Customize Your Drawing
After drawing, you can customize the shape or scribble using the ‘Format’ tab.
You can change the color, outline, fill effects, and other formatting options to personalize your drawing.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Enhances Visual Appeal | Adding drawings to your document can make it more visually appealing and engaging to the reader. |
| Emphasizes Key Points | Drawings can help highlight or emphasize key points in your text, making them stand out. |
| Encourages Creativity | The drawing feature in Word 2013 allows for creativity and personalization within your documents. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Limited Editing Tools | While Word 2013 offers basic drawing tools, it may not be sufficient for complex or detailed artwork. |
| Can Distract from Content | If overused, drawings can distract from the main content and make the document look cluttered. |
| Takes Time to Learn | For those unfamiliar with drawing tools, there may be a learning curve before effectively using this feature. |
Additional Information
Drawing in Microsoft Word 2013 can also be enhanced with other features such as text wrapping, alignment, and grouping. You can wrap text around your drawing to create a seamless flow between visual and written content. Aligning your drawings to text or other objects ensures a neat and organized look.
Grouping multiple drawings together allows you to move or format them as a single entity, saving time and effort. Additionally, remember that you can always undo any changes you make to your drawings, so feel free to experiment and let your creativity flow!
Summary
- Open the ‘Insert’ tab.
- Select ‘Shapes’.
- Choose a shape or ‘Scribble’.
- Draw on the document.
- Customize your drawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add text to my drawings in Word 2013?
Yes, you can add text boxes to your drawings or use the ‘Text Box’ feature to overlay text on your shapes and scribbles.
Is it possible to edit drawings after I’ve inserted them?
Absolutely! You can select the drawing, then use the ‘Format’ tab to make any edits or adjustments you need.
Can I group multiple drawings together?
Yes, by selecting multiple drawings and then choosing ‘Group’ under the ‘Format’ tab, you can group them together.
Are there any shortcuts for drawing in Word 2013?
Using the ‘Shapes’ feature, you can quickly insert predefined shapes. For freehand drawings, the ‘Scribble’ tool allows for immediate drawing with your mouse.
Can I use drawing tools on a touch screen device?
Yes, Word 2013 supports touch screen input, so you can draw directly on your document with your finger or a stylus.
Conclusion
Drawing in Microsoft Word 2013 is not just a fun activity but a practical skill that can enhance the overall impact of your documents. Whether you’re making a business report, a school project, or a personal letter, the ability to add custom drawings can set your work apart.
Not only does it make your documents more visually appealing, but it also allows for better communication of ideas. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, the more you draw, the better you’ll get. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and start drawing in Word 2013 today!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.