If you’ve ever needed to highlight something in a Word document, circling it can be a clear and effective way to draw attention. It may seem tricky at first, but with a bit of guidance, you can master this task in no time. By using Word’s drawing tools, you can highlight important elements with a neat circle around them.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Circle Something in Word
Let’s walk through the steps to circle something in Microsoft Word. You’ll be using the drawing tools to make a perfect circle around any important text or object.
Step 1: Open the Word document
Open the document where you need to circle something.
Make sure your document is fully loaded and you can see the text or object you want to highlight. This step is pretty straightforward, but it’s crucial to access the content you want to modify.
Step 2: Go to the “Insert” tab
Click on the “Insert” tab at the top of the Word window.
The Insert tab houses a variety of tools for adding different elements to your document. You’ll be using this tab to access the shapes feature.
Step 3: Select “Shapes” in the Illustrations group
In the Illustrations group, click on “Shapes” to view a drop-down menu of different shapes.
The Shapes option provides various options, including lines, arrows, rectangles, and more. For this task, we will be using the oval shape.
Step 4: Choose the Oval shape
From the drop-down menu, pick the oval shape.
The oval shape is what you will use to create the circle. Even though it’s labeled as an oval, you can make it a perfect circle with a simple trick in the next step.
Step 5: Draw the circle
Click and drag on your document while holding down the “Shift” key.
The Shift key forces the oval to become a perfect circle. Position and resize the circle to fit around the text or object you’re highlighting.
Step 6: Customize your circle
With the circle selected, use the formatting options to adjust the color, line thickness, and other properties.
You can change the circle’s appearance to make it more noticeable. Experiment with different styles to see what works best for your document.
Once you complete these steps, your text or object will have a neatly drawn circle around it, making it stand out in your document.
Tips to Circle Something in Word
Here are some additional tips to ensure your circles look great in Word:
- Resize the circle by dragging its corners; holding Shift ensures it stays a perfect circle.
- Use the “Format” tab to change the circle’s color and line style for better visibility.
- Consider using a semi-transparent fill color if your circle covers text.
- Use the “Align” options under the “Format” tab to perfectly position your circle.
- Save your document often to avoid losing your changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the circle perfectly round?
Hold down the Shift key while drawing the oval.
Can I change the color of the circle?
Yes, use the formatting options under the “Format” tab.
What if I need to move the circle?
Click and drag the circle to reposition it as needed.
Is it possible to circle multiple items at once?
You’ll need to draw separate circles for each item.
Can I delete the circle later if I change my mind?
Yes, simply select the circle and press the “Delete” key.
Summary
- Open the Word document.
- Go to the “Insert” tab.
- Select “Shapes” in the Illustrations group.
- Choose the Oval shape.
- Draw the circle while holding the Shift key.
- Customize your circle.
Conclusion
Circling something in Word is a handy skill that can make your documents much more engaging and easier to understand. It’s a simple process that involves just a few steps, and with practice, you’ll be able to do it quickly. By following the steps outlined above, you’ll be able to highlight important parts of your document effectively. Remember, the trick is in using the Shape tools and holding the Shift key to get that perfect circle.
If you’re looking to add more flair to your documents, consider exploring other shapes and formatting options in Word. The more you experiment, the more proficient you’ll become. Happy circling!
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.