Creating Special Effects with WordArt

When you add images to a document, you aren't limited to working with images separate from your text. WordArt lets you add flair to your text itself. It's perfect for creating splashy headings and titles. You start with a basic "look" for your word or phrase, and then tweak it to get the exact effect you want. After you've added a WordArt image, you can resize it, add borders, and so on (see the next hour ). Figure 16.19 shows a heading created with WordArt.

Figure 16.19. You can create a variety of effects with WordArt.

To create a WordArt image, follow these steps:

1. Click where you want the WordArt image to go.

2. Choose Insert, Picture, WordArt . (If your Drawing toolbar is displayed, you can also click the Insert WordArt button on this toolbar.)

3. The WordArt Gallery dialog box opens (see Figure 16.20). Click the look that you want to start with, and click the OK button. The Edit WordArt Text window appears (see Figure 16.21).

   Figure 16.20. Choose the WordArt style that most closely matches what you want.

   

   Figure 16.21. Type the text that you want to use in the Edit WordArt Text window.

   

4. Type the text for your WordArt image, replacing the dummy text. Your text won't take on the look you chose in step 3 until it's inserted in the document.

5. Use the Font and Size lists and the Bold and Italic buttons to make additional adjustments to the text.

6. Click the OK button.

The WordArt image appears in your document. To revise the WordArt text or change its appearance after you've created the image, use the WordArt toolbar. This toolbar appears as soon as you insert a WordArt image. If you don't see it, choose View, Toolbars, WordArt. (You'll learn more about this in the next hour.)