How to draw in a Microsoft Word document
Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2025 6:18 am
Microsoft Word is the go-to program for all things text. So why draw in Microsoft Word when there are specialized alternatives?
One graphic designer on Reddit admitted to using MS Word for drawing because Adobe Illustrator was "too expensive." Another Redditor, who also used MS Word despite the inconvenience, cited it as a " client requirement ."
In both cases, the emphasis is on accessibility and popularity. More than 1 billion people worldwide use a Microsoft 365 product or service. So why not explore the drawing capabilities of the tool if it's already on your desktop?
Let's see how you can draw in Word, step by step. Next, we'll look at some of its limitations. As a bonus, we'll introduce you to a smarter option that will help you draw, write, and much more.
How to draw in a Word document
Drawing in a blank Microsoft Word document may sound unconventional, but with its robust drawing features, you can create everything from basic shapes to complex diagrams. From planning your next project to visualizing data for a report, Word's drawing tools have a lot to offer.
We're going to show you how to draw in Word.
Getting Started: Artwork in Microsoft Word Document or Drawing Canvas
How to Draw in Word - Artwork on Microsoft Word Document or Drawing Canvas
via Microsoft Word Open a blank Word document, go to the Draw tab and double-click on it.
Don't see it? Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon to activate it.
How to Draw in Word - Custom Ribbon
via Microsoft Word Alternatively, you can also use a drawing canvas in Word, which can be found on the Draw tab and sometimes under Insert > Shapes . The canvas is a container for your drawings in which you can group, move, or resize multiple elements simultaneously.
The canvas is no longer needed to draw common shapes in Word, but you can still use it as an organizational aid or to add connectors between shapes.
Creating and formatting figures
How to Draw in Word - Creating and Formatting Shapes
To add shapes, go to Insert , click Shapes in the Illustrations group, and select a shape from the drop-down menu. Word offers a variety of shapes: lines, rectangles, circles, block arrows, equation shapes, flowchart symbols, stars and banners, and legends.
You can also resize or rotate the argentina number data shape you want by selecting it and dragging the anchor points while holding down the left mouse button.
via Microsoft Word For a dynamic look, select the shape to open the Format Shape menu .
Here, to make your shapes stand out, you can choose a fill color, adjust the top width and line thickness, or add shadow and 3D effects for a more dynamic look.
Word Tip: Create Custom Color Palettes
Develop a custom color palette to ensure consistency across your drawings. This can help reinforce branding and make your documents visually cohesive.
Example: Use your company's brand colors for all shapes and text to create a unified look throughout the document.
One graphic designer on Reddit admitted to using MS Word for drawing because Adobe Illustrator was "too expensive." Another Redditor, who also used MS Word despite the inconvenience, cited it as a " client requirement ."
In both cases, the emphasis is on accessibility and popularity. More than 1 billion people worldwide use a Microsoft 365 product or service. So why not explore the drawing capabilities of the tool if it's already on your desktop?
Let's see how you can draw in Word, step by step. Next, we'll look at some of its limitations. As a bonus, we'll introduce you to a smarter option that will help you draw, write, and much more.
How to draw in a Word document
Drawing in a blank Microsoft Word document may sound unconventional, but with its robust drawing features, you can create everything from basic shapes to complex diagrams. From planning your next project to visualizing data for a report, Word's drawing tools have a lot to offer.
We're going to show you how to draw in Word.
Getting Started: Artwork in Microsoft Word Document or Drawing Canvas
How to Draw in Word - Artwork on Microsoft Word Document or Drawing Canvas
via Microsoft Word Open a blank Word document, go to the Draw tab and double-click on it.
Don't see it? Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon to activate it.
How to Draw in Word - Custom Ribbon
via Microsoft Word Alternatively, you can also use a drawing canvas in Word, which can be found on the Draw tab and sometimes under Insert > Shapes . The canvas is a container for your drawings in which you can group, move, or resize multiple elements simultaneously.
The canvas is no longer needed to draw common shapes in Word, but you can still use it as an organizational aid or to add connectors between shapes.
Creating and formatting figures
How to Draw in Word - Creating and Formatting Shapes
To add shapes, go to Insert , click Shapes in the Illustrations group, and select a shape from the drop-down menu. Word offers a variety of shapes: lines, rectangles, circles, block arrows, equation shapes, flowchart symbols, stars and banners, and legends.
You can also resize or rotate the argentina number data shape you want by selecting it and dragging the anchor points while holding down the left mouse button.
via Microsoft Word For a dynamic look, select the shape to open the Format Shape menu .
Here, to make your shapes stand out, you can choose a fill color, adjust the top width and line thickness, or add shadow and 3D effects for a more dynamic look.
Word Tip: Create Custom Color Palettes
Develop a custom color palette to ensure consistency across your drawings. This can help reinforce branding and make your documents visually cohesive.
Example: Use your company's brand colors for all shapes and text to create a unified look throughout the document.