Over the years, Microsoft's text editor has shown us that it has a versatility that knows no limits. That's why today we want to explain to you how draw in Word.
Beyond using it to create all kinds of texts, users also use Word to create tables, to make invoices... You could say that we can do almost anything, even draw.
Why can drawing in Word be useful?
Microsoft's powerful tool has not stopped evolving over the last three decades, adding more and more features that go beyond simple writing. But, Why would we draw in Word when we have other specific tools for that? Here are some reasons:
Speed and accessibility
If you need to make a diagram or a simple drawing, the text editor gives you the opportunity to do so, without needing to open another application.
In addition, from the Word interface we can create basic designs without needing to be experts in the field.
Integration with the text
Drawings are a perfect complement to texts, because They help to convey ideas more clearly.
By adding flowcharts, organizational charts, and other visual elements to our text documents, we can structure complex information and make it easier to understand.
Versatility
Word has a wide variety of pre-designed shapes and connectors with which we can create custom graphics and images.
Because we can also adjust attributes such as size or color. Making the design perfectly adapt to our needs.
It is clear that we are not dealing with professional graphic design software and we cannot expect the results that it offers, but with a few simple tricks and a lot of creativity we can create very striking graphics and drawings.
How to draw a shape in Word?
This program has its own tool that allows us to introduce shapes into the document. All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Open your Word document.
- In the top menu access "Insert".
- In the drop-down menu you will see a set of icons called «Illustrations».
- Click on the small arrow next to “Shapes” and the gallery of options will be displayed.
- You have a wide variety of basic shapes at your disposal, such as rectangles, arrows, stars, circles, etc. You just have to choose the one that interests you.
- Once you have selected the shape, the mouse cursor changes to a crosshair. Drag it over the document to mark the area you want the figure to occupy.
- In that same space the figure will appear, and now you can customize it. You can resize it by dragging the corner control points or dragging from the sides. It is also possible to change the color by right-clicking on the shape and choosing “Format Shape.” You also have the option to add effects such as shadows or glows.
How to draw freehand in Word?
If none of the predefined shapes fit your needs, you can create freeform shapes or doodles.
Start by placing your cursor where you want to draw in your document. Then go to the “Insert” tab and select “Shapes.” At the top of the list you will see the following options:
- Free form: shape.
- Free form: doodle.
With the first one you can draw a basic shape with the cursor. When you return with the cursor to the starting point, the software takes care of connecting the start and end points and creating the shape.
With the second option, the doodles, You can draw freely without connecting the start and end points of the figure.
How to draw with Word's specific drawing tools?
Since the 2016 version, Word has a feature that allows us to make freehand drawings.
Activation may vary depending on the version of the program you are using, but the path is more or less similar to this in all cases:
- Archive.
- Options.
- Customize ribbon.
- Make sure the “Draw” option is checked.
This should bring up the “Draw” tab if you didn’t see it before. Now all you have to do is choose your tool (pen, marker, etc.) and start drawing.
Place the pointer where you want the drawing to go and drag the mouse to draw the lines. You can then adjust the stroke thickness and color.
If you want to keep your drawing within certain limits and not exceed them, from the “Draw” tab choose “Canvas in drawing” and delimit the space that your creation will occupy.
Tips for drawing well in Word
Now that you know how to do it, it's time to explore some tricks that will get you spectacular results:
- Start by choosing the right tool for drawing. If you need to make a precise shape, you'll be better off using the Shapes tool. If you want something more creative, try drawing freehand.
- Take advantage of the drawing formatting options. By playing with colors, the thickness of the strokes or the shadows you give realism and depth to the drawings.
- In order not to spend more time than necessary drawing in Word or having to make constant corrections, it is best to first make a pencil sketch to know more or less what you want. If you don't know where to start, look for inspiration for your drawings on the Internet.
- If you are going to do a complete design, Break it down into simple shapes. This will make it easier for you to work and make it easier to correct mistakes.
- To work on small details, take advantage of Word's "Zoom" option.
As we said before, the results are not going to be extremely professional because this is not a graphic design tool. But, with a little practice and Knowing well the different options that the Microsoft text editor offers you, you can achieve good results.
Drawing in Word is easier than you think, so we encourage you to try this feature. It can even be a good alternative to entertain yourself and develop your creativity when you have nothing else to do.