Dressing up your Documents

There is a host of tools available for us within our computer that will quickly dress up our documents. Almost all of our word processors come with Clip Art, which is easily accessible through your Insert menu under Pictures.

If you are using Microsoft Word you will have a variety of other tools available also available under the Insert Menu. Go down to the word Picture and you'll notice a submenu containing Auto shapes, WordArt and Charts - just to name a few.

You can also access these tools through the Drawing Toolbar. Under View, select Toolbars and ensure there is a check next to drawing. You will notice a toolbar on either the bottom or top of your screen that starts with the word Draw. Move your mouse slowly across each tool for its description.

The key is to explore. Be a browser. Search through your help index and visit all these features on your Insert menu. You'd be surprised how much is hiding in the background. On average, we use less than 20% of a program's potential. That is more that 80% just waiting to be explored.

One tool worth exploring is AutoShapes. This allows us to quickly draw stars, circles, squares, etc. With the help of the drawing menu, we can then add color, texture, shadows and a variety of effects. There is even a wonderful help section included in Word. Simply type in "AutoShape" under the index section of help and you will be amazed. After you've finished your shape, try Word Art to see how easy it is to access to colorful and artistic words and phrases.

Another especially colorful and easy tool is the Border Art feature of Word. You'll find it in the Format Menu under Borders and Shading. Select the second tab - Page Border, in the second column you will notice a selection for Art. Scroll down at your choices, you can quickly add a colorful and festive border around your page and even adjust the size.

The word processor you are using will dictate how much flexibility you have in creating your masterpiece. Microsoft Word will afford more flexibility that Works or WordPad. For instance, WordPad limits your creativity to the basics and affords little access to drawing. Word, on the other hand, adds Word Art, Auto shape and Borders & Colors to its offerings.

Remember also, if you do not like what you have done, select the Edit Menu and you'll see Undo. There is even a shortcut key in the shape of a backwards arrow on your toolbar - my personal favorite. The key to learning computers is to try new features and then use the features that are perfect for you. Undo gives us a bit more confidence and bravery.

So be a pioneer … play, explore and enjoy. Just don't forgot those backups! If you have any questions, stop by my website at www.wiseowlops.com and drop me a note.