Images, Shapes, Icons & SmartArt
Visual elements make Word documents attractive and easy to understand. In this chapter, you will learn how to insert and format images, shapes, icons and SmartArt for flyers, reports and information sheets.
Images
Insert, resize, crop and position pictures in documents.
Shapes
Add boxes, circles, arrows and callouts for visual structure.
Icons
Use simple symbols to highlight features and services.
SmartArt
Create process, hierarchy and cycle diagrams quickly.
After This Chapter, You Will Be Able To
This chapter helps you create visually rich and professional Word documents.
Insert Images
Add pictures and format them professionally.
Resize & Crop
Adjust picture size, crop unnecessary parts and fit layout.
Use Shapes
Create boxes, arrows, banners and highlighted sections.
Add SmartArt
Present process and hierarchy visually using SmartArt.
Why Use Visual Elements in Word?
Visual elements make documents attractive, easy to understand and more professional.
1 Easy Explanation
MS Word allows you to add pictures, shapes, icons and diagrams along with text. These elements help create flyers, notices, brochures, project reports, certificates and course information sheets.
MS Office Practical Course
- Learn Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Practical office assignments
- Career and self-employment focused
Inserting and Formatting Pictures
Pictures help explain concepts, decorate pages and create professional documents.
Insert Picture
Use Insert tab and choose Pictures to add an image from your computer.
Resize
Drag corner handles to change image size without disturbing proportion.
Crop
Remove unwanted image area and keep only the important part.
Corrections
Adjust brightness, contrast, border and picture style if needed.
Positioning Images with Text
Text wrapping controls how text behaves around an image.
| Wrap Option | Meaning | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| In Line with Text | Image behaves like a text character | Simple documents |
| Square | Text wraps around image in a square shape | Reports and articles |
| Tight | Text wraps closely around image shape | Creative layouts |
| Behind Text | Image appears behind document text | Watermark-style background |
| In Front of Text | Image appears above text | Posters and flyers |
Using Shapes in MS Word
Shapes are useful for banners, labels, callouts, flow arrows and design blocks.
Rectangles
Use for information boxes, headers and highlighted areas.
Circles
Use for badges, icons, step numbers and visual emphasis.
Arrows
Use to show direction, process flow or movement.
Callouts
Use for notes, tips and highlighted messages.
Using Icons in Word Documents
Icons quickly communicate meaning and make documents more modern.
2 Where Icons Help
- Course flyers
- Resume skill sections
- Service brochures
- Business notices
- Feature lists
- Training handouts
3 Icon Usage Rules
- Use simple and meaningful icons.
- Keep icon size consistent.
- Use matching colors.
- Do not add too many icons on one page.
- Align icons with text properly.
- Use icons to support content, not replace content fully.
Using SmartArt for Visual Diagrams
SmartArt helps create professional diagrams without advanced design skills.
Admission
Student joins course.
Training
Student learns practical skills.
Certification
Student completes course.
| SmartArt Type | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Shows steps in sequence | Admission → Training → Certificate |
| Hierarchy | Shows levels or positions | Principal → Faculty → Students |
| Cycle | Shows repeating process | Plan → Do → Check → Improve |
| Relationship | Shows connections | Skills linked to career growth |
Example: Course Flyer Design
Visual elements can turn plain content into an attractive information sheet.
Before Visual Design
After Visual Design
MS Office Practical Course
- Word documents and reports
- Excel formulas and records
- PowerPoint presentations
See Text Wrapping Effect
Click buttons to see how image position affects document layout.
Create a Course Promotion Flyer in MS Word
Complete these steps inside MS Word.
Office Task: One-Page Course Flyer
Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Visual design should improve the document, not make it crowded.
Wrong Habits
- Using too many images on one page.
- Stretching images and making them distorted.
- Using random colors for shapes.
- Placing images over important text.
- Using icons without meaning.
- Adding SmartArt where plain text is enough.
Correct Habits
- Use only relevant images.
- Resize images using corner handles.
- Keep shape colors consistent.
- Use proper text wrapping.
- Choose meaningful icons.
- Use SmartArt for process or hierarchy.
Test Your Understanding
Select the correct answers and check your score.
1. Which tab is commonly used to add pictures in MS Word?
2. Which image action removes unwanted parts of a picture?
3. Text wrapping controls:
4. SmartArt is mainly used for:
5. Which is a good visual design habit?
Remember These Points
Revise these before moving to Chapter 09.
Images
Pictures can be inserted, resized, cropped and positioned in Word documents.
Text Wrapping
Controls how text appears around images and objects.
Shapes
Useful for banners, boxes, arrows, callouts and visual sections.
Icons
Small symbols that quickly communicate meaning and improve design.
SmartArt
Creates visual diagrams like process, hierarchy, cycle and relationship.
Professional Habit
Use visuals with balance, proper spacing and a clear purpose.