SmartArt can be used to communicate information with graphics instead of text, giving you
the chance to add color, shape, and interest to parts of your document.
With so many styles to choose from, SmartArt makes it easy to illustrate your point.
I need to create a graphic that shows the organization of the people at my company.
To get started, click where you want your SmartArt to go, then go to Insert.
If you click the SmartArt command, a list of categories will appear, along with the
graphics you have to choose from, and a preview.
The type of SmartArt I'm looking for should be under Hierarchy.
Let's give this one a try.
Now, with the graphic selected, click the small arrow on the left to open up the task
pane.
All you have to do here is start typing your information, and it appears in the SmartArt,
re-sized so it fits the shape automatically.
You can also enter your text in the shapes themselves - which is fine for a simple graphic
like this, but for something more complex, I do find it easier to stick to the task pane.
Now I'd like to point out the Design and Format tabs that appear whenever you have your SmartArt
selected.
From here, an easy way to add more shapes to your SmartArt is to select a shape near
the location you have in mind, then click Add Shape.
You can add one After or Before your current shape (which will place them on the same level),
or add one Above or Below.
On second thought, I should have placed this one level higher, right under the Owner's
name.
That's okay - you can change the level of any shape using Demote to move it down, or
Promote to move it up.
That's perfect.
You can also manipulate these shapes from within the task pane - I'll use the same one
to demonstrate.
Press the Tab key to demote, then Backspace to promote it again.
It's a lot like creating an outline with a multilevel list.
You can even add shapes to the list by pressing Enter.
Now I'm going to go ahead and delete the shapes I'm not using by selecting both of these bullets,
then pressing Backspace or Delete.
Now my SmartArt is almost done - it's just a little bland.
The next thing I'd like to show you is how to change the look of your graphic using SmartArt
Styles.
Click the drop-down arrow here to see the full list of Styles, and, as always, mouse
over for a live preview.
I like this one.
I recommend taking a look at colors, too.
These come from whatever theme you're using, so they will vary depending on your theme
or color palette.
And it's never too late to change your layout.
Your choices can be found in the Layouts group.
I would like to try something a little more out of the box.
Mm, how about this?
And if you want to change the appearance of individual shapes, all you have to do is select
one or more, switch to the Format tab, and take advantage of any of the options here.
For example, I'd like to change the color of the text in these shapes so it's easier
to read.
SmartArt is a great way to incorporate more graphics in your document, and communicate
with the reader in a way that's as eye-catching as it is effective.