(Legacy) Microsoft Office 2007: Editing WordArt in Word

This article is based on legacy software.

After creating WordArt, you can change its color and style to make it even more appealing. This document includes instructions on the following topics that apply to Word:

Options on the Format Command Tab

When a WordArt text box is selected, the Format command tab should be active. In the WordArt Styles group, commands for editing your WordArt will appear.

The following table identifies buttons commonly used for working with WordArt.

ButtonButton NameFunction(s)Edit TextChange the character formatting (font, size, bold, italics) or text of WordArt.SpacingChange the spacing between characters (tracking or kerning) of WordArt.Even HeightMake lowercase and uppercase letters the same height.Vertical TextShift a horizontal word to a vertical orientation and back again.AlignmentChoose from the following options: Left Align, Center,Right Align, Word Justify, Letter Justify, or Stretch Justify.Shape FillFormats the inside color of your WordArt text.Change ShapeMold your WordArt text into a shape.Shape OutlineChange the color or pattern of the outline of your WordArt text.Text WrappingMake text wrap around a WordArt object.

Adjusting WordArt Colors

Fill color and line color may be adjusted in WordArt. Fill color is the color of the inside of the letters, and line color is the color of the letters' borders.

Adjusting Fill Color

1. Double click the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the WordArt Styles group, click Shape Fill  » select the desired color.
   NOTE: If the Format command tab is not visible, from the Ribbon, select the Format command tab.

3. (Optional) To fill your WordArt with a texture, gradient, or picture, in the WordArt Styles group, click Shape Fill » select the appropriate fill type » select the desired option.

Adjusting Outline Color

This option is available only if the WordArt in use contains outlines.

1. Double click the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the WordArt Styles group, click Shape Outline  » select the desired outline color.
   NOTE: If the Format command tab is not visible, from the Ribbon, select the Format command tab.

3. (Optional) To add a patterned outline or change the line style of the outline, in the WordArt Styles group, click Shape Fill » select the appropriate option » select the desired line style.

Editing WordArt Text

You can easily change the spelling or words of the WordArt you have created. 

1. Double click the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the Text group, click Edit Text... 
   The Edit WordArt Text dialog box appears.    
   NOTE: If the Format command tab is not visible, from the Ribbon, select the Format command tab.

3. In the Text text box, make your changes.

4. Click OK.

Changing WordArt Font Face & Size

If the font or size of the WordArt letters do not suit you, use the commands available on the Ribbon to format your WordArt.

1. Select the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the Text group, click Edit Text... 
   The Edit WordArt Text dialog box appears.

3. From the Font pull-down list, select a font.

4. From the Size pull-down list, select a font size.
   HINT: You may also adjust the size by using the image handles. To adjust proportionally using the image handles, hold [Shift] down while moving a corner image handle.

5. Click OK.

Changing WordArt Shapes

WordArt allows you to mold its text into a particular shape.

1. Double click the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the WordArt Styles group, click Change Shape » select the desired shape
   The WordArt shape adjusts.
   

Rotating WordArt

To slant or rotate your WordArt image, you can use the dialog box to specify an exact rotation value.

NOTE: The text wrapping style for your WordArt must be something other than In Line With Text before you can rotate it. For information on changing the text wrapping style, see Wrapping Text around WordArt below.

1. Select the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the Arrange group, click Rotate  » select More Rotation Options... 
   The Format WordArt dialog box appears, with the Size tab displayed.
   

3. In the Rotate section, use the Rotation nudge button to select the desired angle.
   OR
   In the Rotation text box, type the desired angle.

4. Click OK.
   The rotation is applied to the WordArt.

Wrapping Text with WordArt

For a professional-looking document, wrapping text around your WordArt image will improve its uniformity and will not interrupt the text. In addition, there may be times when you want to place your WordArt in front of or behind the text.

Wrapping Text: Quick Menu Option

1. Select the WordArt image.

2. Right click your WordArt » select Format WordArt... 
   The Format WordArt dialog box appears.

3. Select the Layout tab.

4. Under Wrapping style, select a style.

5. Under Horizontal alignment, select a position.
   NOTES: 
   This option is only available if the selected text wrapping style is not set to In Line With Text.
   To move the WordArt to a custom position within the document, select Other.

6. (Optional) To set more specific settings for the position of your WordArt, click Advanced... 
   The Advanced Layout dialog box appears.
7. Select the Text Wrapping tab.
8. Select the desired options text wrap style for your WordArt.

   
   

   Wrap text 
   Available with only certain text wrapping styles; allows you to decide whether text wraps around an object on both sides or only a specific side.

   Distance from text 
   Allows you to specify a set distance between an object and the text wrapping around it; available with only certain wrapping styles.

9. Click OK.

10. Click OK.
    The text wrap is applied to the WordArt.

Wrapping Text: Ribbon Option

1. Select the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the Arrange group, click Text Wrapping » select the desired text wrapping option.
   

3. (Optional) To set more advanced options,
   1. In the Arrange group, click Text Wrapping » select More Layout Options... 
      The Advanced Layout dialog box appears.
   2. Select the Text Wrapping tab.
   3. Select the desired options.

      Wrapping style 
      Allows you to select a text wrap style for your WordArt.

      Wrap text 
      Available with only certain text wrapping styles; allows you to decide whether text wraps around an object on both sides or only a specific side.

      Distance from text 
      Allows you to specify a set distance between an object and the text wrapping around it; available with only certain wrapping styles.

   4. Click OK.

Adding a Shadow to WordArt

Depending on the font and the WordArt shape you have selected, a shadow effect can enhance your WordArt image. 

1. Select the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the Shadow Effects group, click Shadow Effects » select the desired effect.
   
   The effect is applied to the selected WordArt.

Adding a 3-D Effect to WordArt

A three-dimensional effect can give depth to your WordArt image.

1. Select the WordArt image.

2. From the Format command tab, in the 3-D Effects group, click 3-D Effects » select the desired effect 
   HINT: For more information about 3-D effects, please refer to Customizing 3-D.