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Microsoft Publisher 2007

Drawing and Manipulating Objects

Publisher offers a unique graphics environment in which you can move and resize graphics, as well as format text around graphics. You can also use Publisher's drawing tools to create your own basic shapes.

return to topDrawing Lines and Shapes

Publisher provides the tools to create basic drawing elements (e.g., lines, ovals, rectangles, and custom shapes) by working with the tools in the Objects toolbar.
Objects toolbar - annotated

Using the Drawing Tools

  1. From the Objects toolbar on the left side of the screen, select the appropriate drawing tool
    The tool will appear highlighted, and when you move the mouse over the workspace, a crossbar (+) will appear as the cursor.

  2. Position the center of the crossbar (+) where the line or shape should start

  3. Click and drag the mouse in any direction to create the object

  4. Release the mouse button
    The outline of the object appears.

return to topSelecting Objects

An object must be selected in order to delete, move, or modify it. A selected object is surrounded by small open circles called handles. Objects are selected immediately after they are drawn and stay selected until you draw another object or until you click the mouse on the workspace. You can reselect an object by clicking on it.

Selecting a Single Object

  1. From the Objects toolbar, select the Select Objects toolSelect Objects tool

  2. Click the object
    HINT: The object should now have handles. If it does not, it is not selected and you must repeat this step. Pay close attention to where the tip of the pointer is positioned.
    Object selected

Selecting Multiple Objects

  1. From the Objects toolbar, select the Select Objects toolSelect Objects tool

  2. Click the first object
    The object should now have handles. If it does not, try again.

  3. Hold down the [Shift] key + click the other lines and shapes you want to select
    HINT: If you have accidentally selected the wrong object, hold down the [Shift] key + click the object to deselect it.

return to topSelecting with a Net

At times you may want to select multiple objects very quickly. In this case, you may have to use a net (sometimes referred to as a coupon box) to select them. A net is a box created with the Select Objects tool. Any object fully enclosed by the net will be selected.

  1. From the Objects toolbar, select the Select Objects toolSelect Objects tool

  2. In an area where you will not select anything (e.g., blank workspace), click and hold the mouse button

  3. Drag until the objects you wish to select are included in the net
    NOTE: This will create a rectangular line or net around the objects.

  4. Release the mouse button
    The net disappears and all elements (e.g., a drawing, a text box, or a graphic) that were completely enclosed by the net are now selected.

Undoing the Selection

If you accidentally select the wrong object or too many objects, do not panic. 

  1. Click away from the selected objects
    OR
    Hold down the [Shift] key + click the desired objects individually
    The object(s) is deselected.

return to topSelecting Line/Border Style

Publisher allows you to alter the style of lines, arrows, and borders; you can make them thin, medium, thick, dashed, or dotted.

NOTE: You may only have one line/border style applied at a time.

  1. Select the object you want to alter

  2. From the Formatting toolbar, click LINE/BORDER STYLELine/Border Style button

  3. From the palette of choices that appears, select a style
    The style is applied.

return to topDeleting an Object

  1. Select the object(s) you want to delete

  2. Press [Delete]
    OR
    From the Edit menu, select Delete Object

return to topResizing Objects

You can enlarge or shrink an object using the handles that appear when an object is selected.

  1. Select the object you want to modify

  2. Position the pointer over one of the object's handles
    A double-headed arrow appears.
    Corner handle used for resizing image

  3. Click and drag the handle to resize the object
    HINT: To keep the object proportional, hold down the [Shift] key + drag a corner handle.

  4. Release the mouse button
    The object is resized.

return to topMoving Objects

If you like the overall appearance of an object, but you want to change its placement on the page, you can move the object to a new location. There are two ways to move an object: the mouse or the keyboard.

Moving Objects: Mouse Option

  1. Select the object(s) to be moved
    HINT: To select more than one item, hold down the [Shift] key + select the items.

  2. Position the pointer over the object
    The pointer turns into a four-headed arrow.
    Image with moving truck pointer

  3. Click and drag the object to a new location

  4. Release the mouse button
    The object is moved.

Moving Object: Keyboard Option

  1. Select the object(s) to be moved
    HINT: To select more than one item, hold down the [Shift] key + select the items.

  2. To move the selected objects 5 pixels at a time, hold down [Shift] key + press the [Arrow] key in the direction you want the object to move
    To move the selected objects 1 pixel at a time, press the arrow key in the direction you want the object to move

  3. Release the keys
    The object is moved.

return to topRotating Objects

Rotating objects helps you customize your publication. With rotation, you can turn objects upside down, tilt them to the left or right, and flip them.

Rotating manually takes practice. Remember the Undo feature, located under the Edit menu, and keep trying until you get the desired results.

Rotating Objects: Mouse Option

When an object is selected, one of the handles is filled with green. This green handle is used for rotation.

  1. Select the object to be rotated

  2. Position the pointer over the rotation handle
    The pointer turns into a circular arrow.
    Picture with rotational pointer

  3. Click and drag the rotation handle
    HINTS:
    To rotate an object in 15-degree increments, press [Shift] + drag the handle.
    To rotate an object on its base, press [Ctrl] + drag the handle.

  4. Release the mouse button and keys
    The object is rotated.

Rotating Objects: Toolbar Option

You can rotate an object by changing the value for the angle of rotation on the Measurement toolbar.

  1. To display the Measurement toolbar, from the View menu, select Toolbars » Measurement

  2. Select the object you wish to rotate

  3. From the Measurement toolbar, use the appropriate nudge buttons to select the angle of rotation
    Measurements toolbar: rotation

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