Microsoft Word Essentials – Inserting Images and Graphics

Adding visual elements to your documents can significantly improve their impact and clarity. This section covers how to insert images and graphics in Microsoft Word and how to make adjustments for optimal presentation.

Inserting Images and Graphics

Visual elements can enhance the attractiveness of your documents:

• Visual Elements: To add images, shapes, or SmartArt, go to the Insert tab. From there, you can choose:
  • Pictures: Upload images from your computer or online sources.
  • Shapes: Draw geometric shapes or lines to highlight specific areas.
  • SmartArt: Use SmartArt graphics to create visually appealing diagrams and lists that convey information in a structured way.

Image Adjustments

Once you’ve inserted an image or graphic, making adjustments is essential for integration into your document:

• Resize Images: To resize an image, click on it to select it. Then, drag the corner handles that appear to adjust its size proportionally, maintaining its aspect ratio. For precise resizing, go to the Format tab, where you can enter specific height and width dimensions in the Size group.
• Change Layout Options: After selecting the image, click on the Layout Options icon that appears next to it. This allows you to choose how the image interacts with surrounding text. Options include In Line with Text (treats the image like a text character), Square (text wraps around the image in a square shape), or Tight (text wraps closely around the image’s contours). Select the option that best fits your document layout.
• Positioning: To position the image, click and drag it to the desired location on the page. For more precise alignment, access the Format tab and use the Position options. This feature allows you to select specific alignment settings, such as aligning the image to the left, right, or center of the page, ensuring it fits seamlessly within your document’s design.

Exercise. Insert a table to display the Learning paths as shown below and practice adding row, column, deleting column or row.

Exercise. Practice SmartArt option to explain the OCA training process.