Inserting Graphics

You can insert raster graphics (pixels) and vector graphics (line drawings) into Writer documents. For more information on raster and vector graphics, see Chapter 29, Creating Drawings , on page 749, and Chapter 31, Editing Images , on page 831.

For information on adjusting inserted graphics within the flow of a text document, such as anchoring, moving, and wrapping text around, see Tips for Adjusting Inserted Objects and Fixing Broken Links on page 304.

Inserting an Existing Graphic

You can insert any raster file, such as a GIF or JPG, into a Writer document.

1. Click the location in the document where you want to insert the picture.

2. Click and hold the Insert tool on the toolbar, and click the Insert Graphics tool.

   You can also choose Insert > Graphics > From File.

   

3. Select the file you want, then click Open.

4. Select the Preview option if you want to see the graphic before you insert it.

5. Select the Link option, as shown in Figure 8-3, if you want to be connected to the original file. The picture in the document will be updated when the picture file is updated. It also helps keep your document file size down. However, changing the location of the inserted file will break the link.

   Figure 8-3. Inserting a picture

   

Note

If you select Link and the file is on a Web page or you haven't sent out the graphics to everyone you sent the spreadsheet too, you'll have problems. See Think Before You Link on page 696.

Inserting a Gallery Image

You can drag and drop images from the Gallery into a Writer document. Just choose Tools > Gallery; if it doesn't appear, click the small triangle at the upper left corner of the work area. Drag any object in the gallery into your document. See Using and Setting Up Graphics and Colors on page 114 for more detail.

Inserting a Graphical Horizontal Line

1. Click where you want to insert the graphical horizontal line.

2. Choose Insert > Horizontal line.

3. Select the line you want to use, and click OK.

Inserting a Graphic From Another Application

See Inserting an Object Created in Any Application on page 298.

Editing Graphics

For information on editing the content of raster graphics, just click in the image to see the formatting toolbar appear. For more information, see Chapter 31, Editing Images , on page 831.

Cropping and Resizing Inserted Pictures

After you insert a picture, you can crop it directly in Writer without having to modify the picture in the source.

Note

To crop more easily and creatively, see Cropping an Image in Any Shape on page 836.

1. Double-click the image.

2. In the Graphics window, click the Crop tab.

3. Set the crop and resize options you want. See Figure 8-4 for guidance.

   Figure 8-4. Cropping and resizing an image

   

4. Click OK.