WordArt is an application that creates decorative text to add interest to a document. You can be very creative with WordArt as you can (a) rotate text in any direction, (b) add three-dimensional effects, (c) display the text vertically down the page, (d) shade, slant or arch the text, and (e) even change the colors.

WordArt is very easy to use. Basically, you choose a style for the text among a selection and enter your specific text. You can then modify the style through various effects found on the WordArt Toolbar. The following are examples of what you can create with WordArt.

There are two ways in which you can insert WordArt into your document. Both methods give you the same WordArt options (e.g., style, text, color).

• Draw Toolbar - On the Draw Toolbar, click on the button that has a blue-colored "A." If you do not see the Draw Toolbar, you will have to enable it by clicking on View, go to Toolbars, and then click on Drawing.
• Menu - On the menu bar, click on Insert then go to Picture and click on WordArt.

Once you click on the appropriate button, a window with the WordArt Gallery appears. There are several different styles that you can choose from. To select a particular style from the WordArt Gallery, double-click on the appropriate style.

An Edit WordArt Text dialogue window will appear. Here, you can (a) type the text you want, (b) change the font style, (c) change the font size, and (d) select whether you want to bold or italicize the text. Make all the necessary changes and click on the OK button.

Once you inserted the WordArt, you can always change certain features at a later time using the WordArt Toolbar. To bring the WordArt Toolbar up:

• Double-click on the WordArt itself. An Edit WordArt Text window will appear. If you do not want this option, just close the that window and the WordArt Toolbar will remain on the screen (or in some other location).
• Right-click on the WordArt and select Show WordArt Toolbar.
• Click on the WordArt once, then go to View, then to Toolbars and click on WordArt.

The WordArt Toolbar will look like the example below.

The buttons on the WordArt Toolbar performs certain functions as defined by their labels. Basically, if you want to change certain features of the WordArt, just click on the respective button and edit away by selecting options or changing the layout features.

The buttons are defined below:

• Insert WordArt. By clicking on this button, you will create a new WordArt.
• Edit Text. This option allows you to change the text, font style, font size, and whether to Bold or Italicize the text.
• Change Style. This option allows you to change the WordArt style found in the WordArt Gallery. Just click on the new style and the original WordArt will transform to the new style.
• Format WordArt. This will open up the Format window so that you can add colors and lines (borders), and to adjust the size and layout.
• WordArt Shape. By clicking this button, you can edit the shape of the WordArt such as changing the slopes, curves, arches, etc.
• Rotate. This option allows you to change the direction of the text such as horizontal, vertical, slanted, and upside down.
• Text Wrapping. You can adjust the layout (e.g., square, tight, through, top/bottom) of the WordArt using this option.
• WordArt Vertical Text. This option changes the appearance of the text by making it either vertical (up/down) or horizontal (left/right).
• Character Spacing. You can change the spacing between letters such as loose, tight, normal, etc.