OpenOffice is one of the software packages of office automation most used in the world. One of the keys to its success is that it offers solutions similar to those of the popular Microsoft Office for free. Today we are going to focus on one of the functions most demanded by its
users: how to make an outline in openoffice.
The program we are going to use for this task is Calc, which we already saw when we reviewed everything that contained the package OpenOffice. This program is a very versatile spreadsheet program packed with useful features, the equivalent of Microsoft Office Excel.
It must be said that, unlike other paid programs, OpenOffice lacks some built-in automatic systems. This is a good example: to create an outline, an organization chart or a tree diagram, we are going to have to do Manually, figure by figure and line by line. With a little patience. In any case, the tips that we bring you in this post will help you achieve it more easily.
Toolbar 'Drawing'
The easiest way to make an outline in OpenOffice is by using the 'Drawing' toolbar. With it we will be able to create shapes with texts inside, as well as lines to connect the different elements. To show or hide this drawing toolbar you must first go to the menu "Watch" and there select "Toolbar".
Inside this bar we will find all these Options (numbered following the scheme of the image above):
- Select an image or shape.
- Draw lines.
- Insert arrow pointing to the right.
- Draw rectangles.
- Draw ellipses.
- Insert a text.
- Draw a shape freehand, using the mouse.
- Insert connectors (more options in the dropdown menu).
- Draw arrows in different directions.
- Insert basic shapes: circles, diamonds, squares, etc.
- Add icons and symbols.
- Insert arrows in block form.
- Insert flowchart shapes.
- Add call forms.
- Insert star shapes.
- Activate the points to be able to modify the shape (in the case of drawings created with the freehand tool).
- Insert a Fontwork.
- Shows the dialog for inserting an image.
- To line up.
- Position.
The tools are there, now we just have to use our own creativity to translate into a scheme what we have in our mind. The first few times it may seem a bit complicated, but once we are familiar with each of these forms and have learned to use all the options, the process will be very simple.
Example of a scheme made in OpenOffice
Let's see a practical example, which is always more illustrative. This is how we are going to be able to make a scheme in OpenOffice in a simple and uncomplicated way:
First step: draw a draft
It is always a good idea to prepare a small sketch on paper to give graphic form to the idea that we want to execute. In Draw there is the option to set the page as a grid with guides or snap lines. On them we will establish levels and insert the shapes.
The one in the visual example that we show above is a very simple basic organization chart, with rectangular boxes and a regular and simple distribution. Not too elaborate, but perfect for explaining the process.
When we have the "skeleton" of the scheme ready, we will fill it with the information.
Second step: give content to the outline
We will insert the text corresponding to each of the boxes or shapes that make up the scheme. It is possible that in some cases it is necessary to resize the length of the text or the size of the box or shape that contains it. It is also the time to relate the different elements using arrows (although connectors are always better).
Finally, we will finish the more aesthetic aspects although also important, since they are the ones that help to convey the idea or meaning of the scheme: the background, the thickness of the lines of the forms, the fill colors, the fonts and colors of the texts, etc.
Conclusion
The final result of our scheme will depend on its nature, but also on the time and creativity that we dedicate to it. Learning to make an outline in OpenOffice is having an important resource that we will be able to use in the academic field, in the professional field and even in the organization of our own private life.