While it is true, Microsoft Word is considered the most complete there is, so far, in the office world. Since it provides a large number of options and functions that allow you to enrich documents and obtain quality results.
Therefore, Word is an ideal program both to prepare digital writingsas well as for edit, customize and manage them. Thus, it provides the possibility of inserting several elements that adjust to the needs of the users, just like the illustrations.
One of the most important, without a doubt, are the graphics that are designed to expose text of great interest. To learn more about these elements and learn how to create them, we invite you to read this post.
What is a SmartArt graphic in Word and what is it for?
Basically, a SmartArt graphic is defined as a visual representation of information, data, and ideas to be able to communicate any message, effectively. Since the design of this type of illustration allows readers to better interpret and remember any informationso they manage to promote action.
In this sense, with SmartArt graphics you will not have to spend as much time getting the text to look the way it should and applying a format that fits the overall style of the document. Because, thanks to the possibility of creating this type of illustration, you only have to make a few clicks to get them.
Typically, these are items that used to create an organization chart, show the flow of a procedure or other event, illustrate the stages of a process or workflow, and expose a hierarchy. As for create a matrix illustrationdisplay cyclical information, display a relationship between parts, list data, and presenting information provides in a pyramid shape. Taking into account that, in any case, guarantees a perfect organization.
SmartArt vs Scheme When is it more convenient to use each one?
In Word, there is some similarity between a SmartArt graphic and an outline. Nevertheless, They are items that have different uses. and, therefore, it is opportune to know when each should be used within this program.
Well, as we pointed out previously, a SmartArt consists of an illustration that allows to expose ideas or arguments, in a visual and orderly way. Whereas, a schema refers to a fully structured summary of all the content of a document and for this, the latter must be organized into levels in order to be able to divide it into main and secondary points.
Therefore, unlike SmartArt graphics, outlines used to create a bar, column, line, stock, or scatter chart. Like for that, build a radar, surface, bubble, or combo chart. In addition to this, they work for link to live data, use what-if calculations, use chart-specific features, and add legends based on data.
What things should I consider before creating a SmartArt graphic in Word?
Before inserting any SmartArt graphic into a Word document, it’s worth considering a few parameters of interest. The most important of them is to ask what you want to convey through said illustrationin order to be able to make a correct choice.
In this sense, visualize how you prefer the content to be displayed and how you want the reader to interpret it, in order to select the type of SmartArt graphic in a timely manner. Taking into account that each of the extant specimens, is adapted to a specific function.
Now, once you choose the right type of SmartArt to present your ideas or arguments, you have the possibility of customize the chart, even more. Since each of these types, facilitates several different models and even, they can modify its design and format quickly through the tools that Word provides to better illustrate the message in question.
What are all the types of SmartArt graphics that I can use in Word?
As we mentioned before, there are several types of SmartArt graphics that can be added to any Word document. Which, mainly, adjust to the needs of each user to express the information they want.
Here we let you know what these types are and what they are about:
- Ready: It is a design that keeps the idea of the list vertical and it is used so that the main points of a text gain greater impact and visibility by readers. Considering that, allows adding image shapes to highlight the text through a demonstrative drawing.
- Process: This is an illustration containing repeating shapes and a long winding arrow from which each step can be connected. Therefore, it is ideal for show the evolution of a certain process and/or explain each of its phases in order to reach a specific result.
- Hierarchy: As its name indicates, it is a graph that offers the possibility of presenting any information in a hierarchical or staggered manner. Thus, it can be used to present the scale of charges of a company, show decision trees or show a family of products, for example.
- Cycle: This is a SmartArt graphic that is often used to illustrate a repetitive or circular process. Consequently, allows the communication of information that is constantly updated in a sequential manner. In this way, it is used to show life cycles, explain an employee’s performance review, teach an ongoing process, etc.
- Relationship: Basically, it is an illustration through which you can show non-progressive and non-hierarchical relationships between parts. Therefore, they are used to display gradations or contentions and present how the concepts overlap and come together in a central intersection (depending on each model).
- Matrix: They are graphical representations that classify the data displayed in a document and They are characterized by being two-dimensional.. Thus, they present the links between the components of a whole through axes. They are generally used when four key points of a text need to be made.
- Pyramid: They refer to pyramid-type designs and are illustrations that offer the necessary fields to display equal, base or hierarchical links or processes in ascending order. Consequently, they are mostly used for explain information from top to bottom or vice versa.
Now, as a summary and in order to make it easier for you to select your SmartArt graphic in Microsoft Word, we will show you below a table showing the main functions of the most commonly used types of illustrations:
Function
Guy
Show non-sequential information List Present steps in a process or on a time scale Process Create a flowchart Hierarchy Show a continuous procedure Cycle Illustrate any connection Relationship
Steps to create a SmartArt graphic in Microsoft Word documents
To create a SmartArt graphic within a Word document, correctly and with high quality, it is essential to follow a series of steps carefully to avoid any errors during the process.
So, next, we teach you how to do it:
Choose SmartArt
After determining which type of SmartArt fits what you want to demonstrate in your Word document, it will be necessary to select it. To do this, you must start by accessing a blank document within the program and click on the “Insert” tab from the ribbon.
Next, you will see several groups available and among them, you have to locate yourself in Illustrations. Then it’s time to click on “SmartArt” and immediately, a dialog box will be displayed that facilitates all the types of elements available.
Thus, from the list presented on the left side, choose the SmartArt you need and then choose the model of itin the corresponding box. done all this, Press the “OK” button and it will be inserted into the page of text chosen at the beginning.
Text
Later, when you have inserted the graphic in your Word document, it is time to add the text you want to show or explain by means of it.
To do it, all you have to do isDouble click on the box where you will enter the writing or click on “”to add it manually with the keyboard or paste it there (either with the mouse or with the shortcut “Ctrl + V”).
color and style
Apart from the above, by means of the SmartArt Tools, you can modify the color, style and design, in general termsof your new illustration to customize it as you wish.
So, to change the look of the graph, you will have to Go to the “SmartArt Tools > Design” tab and make use of the option “Change colors” and from the box “SmartArt Styles” They are designed to highlight the exposed content.
In that sense, for modify the colors of your graphic elementclick on the indicated option to get a range of different color options and each of them, allows you to apply one or more colors to differentiate the themes and forms of the illustration.
On the other hand, for edit SmartArt styles, you will have to use the indicated option. Which, include shape fills, shadows, borders, line styles, gradients, and even three-dimensional (3D) perspectives. Whereas, you can apply the style to the SmartArt in general or individually to certain elements of it.
effects
For further customization, you can also add a 3D effect to your SmartArt graphic. In this case, you just have to Go to the “Design” tab from the SmartArt Tools, access SmartArt Styles, and choose one of the models that are in 3D.
Learn how to create step-by-step SmartArt graphics for your Word documents
Finally, it is relevant to know how to create any SmartArt graphic element step by step in Word to enrich your documents, easily draw the attention of readers and simplify their interpretation process.
Next, we teach you the process to follow:
- Within the word processor document, place the cursor in the area where you want the illustration to appear and locate yourself on the ribbon of the main window, to click on the “Insert” tab.
- followed by that, select the “SmartArt” option inside the Illustrations group and there, choose the type of graphic you need to use, as well as its model.
- Subsequently, enter the text that you want to display throughout that element and proceed to edit or customize it. Either by changing its color and modifying the style andn the “Design” tab of SmartArt Tools (as we explained before).
- You can also manage this element from the “Format” tab of the SmartArt Toolsto assign fill, outline and effect to the text, add shapes, organize the writing, adjust its…
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