Chapter 31 -- Adding Graphics and Special Effects

Chapter 31

Now that you can lay out a publication using a wizard and format text in an interesting fashion, you're ready to give your work an even more distinct identity. You'll add a deeper dimension to the message you want to convey by using graphics in your publications.

You don't have to be a professional artist to tap into Microsoft Publisher's graphics arsenal. A visit to the Clip Gallery gives you access to thousands of high-quality clip-art images and hundreds of photos. (You'll also find sound and video clips in the Clip Gallery to use when your publication is destined for the Web.) If all the available art doesn't move you, you can turn to the Drawing toolbar, an old friend from Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft PowerPoint, and create your own. Or, using the WordArt tool, you can build dramatically different text effects. Often simply adding a block of color to text or changing the color of an image can subtly affect the message you want to convey.

The Design Gallery contains a wide variety of Publisher-designed objects, which can enhance your publication in an instant. Here you'll find professionally designed logos, headlines, calendars, mastheads, and other design elements that add polish to your work.

You'll learn to add various graphic elements to your publications in this chapter. Continue to experiment with Publisher's tools to position and combine these elements as you create well-designed, original publications.