Connecting Shapes

Connecting Shapes

Word makes it easy to draw and modify flow charts and diagrams. Flow charts and diagrams consist of shapes connected together to indicate a sequence of events. With Word, you can join two objects with a connecting line. Once two objects are joined, the connecting line moves when you move either object. The connecting line touches special connection points on the objects. When you position the pointer over an object, small blue handles, known as connection sites, appear, and the pointer changes to a small box, called the connection pointer. You can drag a connection end point to another connection point to change the line or drag the adjustment handle to change the shape of the connection line.

Connect Two Shapes

On the Drawing toolbar, click AutoShapes, point to Connectors, and then click a connector.

Position the cursor over an object handle, and then click the object to select a connection point.

Position the cursor over the object handle on another object, and then click the object to select another connection point.

Change and Format a Connector Line

Click on the connector line you want to modify. To select more than one line, hold down Shift, and then click all the connector lines you wish to modify.

On the Drawing toolbar, use buttons such as Line Color, Line Style, Dash Style, and Arrow Style to modify the connector lines.