Circling something in Google Docs can help you emphasize a point, draw attention to a specific area, or simply add a bit of pizzazz to your document. It’s not as straightforward as some other tasks, but with a few simple steps, you can master the art of circling on Google Docs. Let’s dive in.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Circle on Google Docs
Before we begin the steps, it’s good to know that Google Docs doesn’t have a built-in tool specifically for drawing circles. But don’t worry, we’ll use a clever workaround that involves using the drawing tool. By the end of these steps, you’ll have a neat circle around the part of your document you want to highlight.
Step 1: Open the Drawing Tool
Open the "Insert" menu, hover over "Drawing," and select "+ New."
The drawing tool is a separate window that pops up over your document. It’s like a mini art studio where you can create shapes, lines, text, and more.
Step 2: Choose the Circle Shape
In the drawing tool, click on the "Shape" button, then "Shapes," and choose the "Oval" (which is really a circle if you draw it right).
Remember, if you click and drag while holding down the "Shift" key, you’ll draw a perfect circle instead of an oval.
Step 3: Draw the Circle
Click and drag on the canvas to draw your circle. Hold the "Shift" key for a perfect circle.
Take your time to position the circle around the area you want to emphasize. You can adjust the size later if necessary.
Step 4: Save and Close the Drawing Tool
Once you’re happy with your circle, click "Save and Close" to insert the circle into your document.
Your circle will now appear in your document as an image that you can move and resize as needed.
Step 5: Adjust the Circle Position
Click on the circle in your document to move or resize it as needed.
Make sure the circle is in the right spot and is the right size to circle the content you want to highlight. You can also use the image options to add text over the circle if needed.
After following these steps, you’ll have a neat circle in your Google Doc. You can move it around and change its size to fit perfectly around the text or image you want to emphasize.
Tips for Circling on Google Docs
- Always hold down the "Shift" key while drawing to make a perfect circle.
- If you need to draw multiple circles, you can duplicate the first one to save time.
- Use the transparent fill option to see the text or images behind your circle.
- Adjust the border thickness and color of your circle to make it stand out or blend in.
- Remember, you can always go back and edit your circle by double-clicking on it in your document.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my circle transparent?
Set the fill color to "Transparent" in the drawing tool to see the content behind your circle.
Can I add text inside my circle?
Yes, use the "Text box" tool in the drawing window to add text over your circle.
How do I change the color of my circle?
Click on the border color icon in the drawing tool and choose your desired color.
Can I draw other shapes in Google Docs?
Absolutely! The drawing tool offers a variety of shapes including squares, arrows, and callouts.
Is it possible to copy a circle to another document?
Yes, just copy the circle in your original document and paste it into the new one.
Summary
- Open the drawing tool.
- Choose the circle shape.
- Draw the circle.
- Save and close the drawing tool.
- Adjust the circle position.
Conclusion
Drawing a circle on Google Docs might seem a bit daunting at first, especially since there’s no specific ‘circle’ tool at your disposal. But with the steps outlined above, you can add a professional touch to your documents in no time. As you get comfortable with the drawing tool, you’ll find it’s a versatile feature that can enhance your Docs beyond simple circles—let your creativity flow! From creating flowcharts to adding visual interest to reports, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead, give it a whirl, and see how circling on Google Docs can transform your documents from mundane to magnificent!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.